Reenu-You

New York City, August 1998. On a muggy summer day, five women wake up to discover purple scab-like lesions on their faces—a rash that pulses, oozes, and spreads in spiral patterns. City clinic doctors dismiss the women's fears as common dermatitis, a regular skin rash. But as more women show up with the symptoms, one clear correlation emerges: an all-natural, first-of-its-kind hair relaxer called Reenu-You.As the outbreak spreads, and cases of new rashes pop up in black and latino communities throughout New York, panic and anger also grows. When the malady begins to kill, medical providers and the corporation behind the so-called hair tonic face charges of conspiracy and coercion from outraged minority communities and leaders across the country.At the heart of the epidemic are these five original women; each from different walks of life. As the world crumbles around them, they will discover more about each other, about themselves, and draw strength to face the future together. Kat is an out of work ski instructor who just wants to pack up her deceased mothers things, leave New York, and return to Aspen. Constancia is a talented but troubled young woman who just wants to start her first semester of college. In different shops across New York City, they and hundreds of other women of color try a new hair relaxer called Reenu-You. Then things start to go horribly awry. Within days, they find themselves covered in purple scab-like lesionsa rash that pulses, oozes, and spreads in spiral patterns. They are at the epicenter of a mysterious virus spreading throughout the city. As the outbreak spreads and new cases pop up in Black and Latino communities throughout New York, panic, anger, and questions fill the streets. What is this virus and where did it come from? Is it corporate malfeasance? Or is this an orchestrated plot to kill minority women? In the face of a terrifying and uncertain future, Kat, Constancia, and a small band of other affected women are forced to confront their deepest fears to save themselves and others. As the world crumbles around them, they will discover more about each other, learn about themselves, and draw strength to face the future together. Reenu-You looks at the social and political meanings of hair, female friendships, and viruses. "New York City, August 1998. On a muggy summer day, five women wake up to discover purple scab-like lesions on their faces--a rash that pulses, oozes, and spreads in spiral patterns. City clinic doctors dismiss the women's fears as common dermatitis, a regular skin rash. But as more women show up with the symptoms, one clear correlation emerges-an all-natural, first-of-its-kind hair relaxer called Reenu-You. As the outbreak spreads, and cases of new rashes pop up in black and Latino communities throughout New York, panic and anger also grow. When the malady begins to kill, medical providers and the corporation behind the so-called hair tonic face charges of conspiracy and coercion from outraged minority communities and leaders across the country. At the heart of the epidemic are these five original women; each from different walks of life. As the world crumbles around them, they will discover more about each other, about themselves, and draw strength to face the future together."--Publisher's website