Description

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses

“Clever, original, entertaining, and all the more impressive when considering that Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses is author Kristen O’Neal’s debut as a novelist.”—Midwest Book Review

This debut young adult novel presents a compelling blend of humor and poignancy, drawing parallels between the themes of friendship, chronic illness, and the supernatural—a reminiscence of the dynamics found in both Teen Wolf and Emergency Contact.

The narrative centers around Priya, a dedicated premed student at Stanford, whose aspirations are abruptly interrupted by the debilitating effects of undiagnosed Lyme disease.

This unforeseen health crisis compels her to return to her childhood home in New Jersey during her sophomore year, leaving her grappling with the uncertainty of her future and the possibility that her life may never revert to its previous state.

During her struggles, Priya finds solace in her online correspondence with Brigid, her pen pal, and the supportive community of “Oof ouch my bones,” a Discord group where members share their experiences with chronic illnesses through humor and camaraderie.

This virtual space becomes a lifeline for Priya, allowing her to express her frustrations and connect with others who understand her plight. However, when Brigid unexpectedly disappears from the online platform, Priya is propelled into a spontaneous and reckless decision: she takes her family’s car to Pennsylvania, driven by concern for her friend and a desire to uncover the truth behind Brigid’s sudden absence.

Upon arriving, Priya is confronted with a shocking revelation that challenges her understanding of reality: a terrifying creature is confined in Brigid’s basement. As she delves deeper into the mystery, Priya begins to piece together the unsettling possibility that this creature may be a werewolf and that Brigid’s condition could be far more complex than she initially imagined.

This discovery tests the strength of their friendship and compels both girls to confront their perceptions of normalcy and the nature of their identities. Through this extraordinary journey, the novel explores the intricate interplay between friendship and adversity, ultimately highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.

Kristen O’Neal

Kristen O’Neal is an independent author whose work has been featured on various prominent platforms, including Buzzfeed Reader, Christianity Today, and Birth.Movies.Death, LitHub, and Electric Literature. She is an active presence in the digital realm, where her online persona can be discovered under the handle Kristen Oneal on Tumblr. Her debut novel, titled “Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses,” marks a significant milestone in her writing career.