Self, Divided

In 1995 John Medeiros and his identical twin brother participated in a gene therapy study in which the HIV-positive twin was infused with billions of genes from the HIV-negative twin. This memoir details, from a firsthand perspective, a time in our recent history when the world had to reckon with the emergence of a seemingly undefeatable virus. SELF, DIVIDED explores the dysfunctional yet enduring relationships that surround this pivotal moment in Medeiros's life and family, brilliantly capturing how we all are connected, in one way or another, to those around us.

John Medeiros is the author of couplets for a shrinking world and co-editor of Queer Voices: Poetry, Prose, and Pride. He is the recipient of two Minnesota State Arts Board grants, Gulf Coast's Nonfiction Award, and the AWP Intro Journals Award.

"An immersive journey to the self against the backdrop of identical twinship, growing up working class, coming out, and living with HIV/AIDS. Captivating for Medeiros's evocative lyricism and his quest to create his identity in a sad, funny, and memorable story of growth against the odds."  —BRIAN MALLOY