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Praise for Venomous​

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About Venomous

In Venomous, molecular biologist Christie Wilcox investigates venoms and the animals that use them, revealing how they work, what they do to the human body, and how they can revolutionize biochemistry and medicine today.

Wilcox takes us from the coast of Indonesia to the rainforests of Peru in search of the secrets of these mysterious animals. We encounter jellyfish that release microscopic venom-packed darts known to kill humans in just two minutes, a two-inch caterpillar with toxic bristles that trigger hemorrhaging throughout the body, and a stunning blue-ringed octopus with saliva capable of inducing total paralysis. How could an animal as simple as a jellyfish evolve such an intricate, deadly poison? And how can a snake possess enzymes that tear through tissue yet leave its own body unscathed? Wilcox meets the fearless scientists who often risk their lives studying these lethal beasts to find out, and puts her own life on the line to examine these species up close. Drawing on her own research on venom chemistry and evolution, she also shows how venom is helping us untangle the complex mechanisms of some of our most devastating diseases.

​Venomous reveals that the animals we fear the most actually hold the keys to a deeper understanding of evolution, adaptation, and immunity. Thrilling and surprising at every turn, Venomous will change the way you think about our natural world.
Christie's Amazon.Com Author Page

Reviews

One of Smithsonian Magazine's 
​"Best Books About Science" 2016!
Also on:​
"As Wilcox travels the world looking at these dangerously venomous creatures, she treats the reader to a simplified course in biochemistry and the fascinating physiology that goes into an animal's creation of venom... finally, in a nice turnabout to their deadly nature, Wilcox writes of the almost miraculous pharmaceuticals that are being developed from venoms. Superbly entertaining popular science."
—Nancy Bent, Booklist (starred review)

"A vibrant tour through this exciting field"
—Jennie Erin Smith, The Wall Street Journal

“Wilcox’s enthusiasm and accessible writing style…craft a gripping read that offers a remarkably broad and in-depth look into the evolution and impact of Earth’s deadliest creatures.”
​—Josh Goller, Spectrum Culture

"A lively tour... Whether she's discussing snakes and pufferfish or Komodo dragons and spiders—not to mention octopuses, snails, platypuses, and bees—Wilcox relates technical biochemical and physiological information in a manner that is accessible and enjoyable."
--Publisher's Weekly

"Venomous...takes us on a biochemical tour of the natural world, examining how certain species have evolved the ability to defend and kill with venom."
—Christopher Kemp, Science

"Next time you’re stung or bitten by a venomous animal or insect, you probably won’t feel as charitably towards your attacker as you might do on reading biologist Christie Wilcox’s fascinating book – assuming you live. But at least you will understand what is happening to you, as the venom disrupts nerve function, or tears through your tissues, leading to pain and, possibly, necrosis."
--Charmaine Chan, South China Morning Post

Other Reviews: Nature • ​Kirkus • Science News • ScienceBlogs (Greg Laden) • Open Letters Monthly ​​• South China Morning Post ​​• New York Post • Hakai Magazine

Excerpts, Interviews & Events realted to Venomous

2021
March 31: Flash Forward: What If You Could Be Immune To Everything?

2020 
April 29th: Critically Speaking Podcast (interview)
​
2018
October 5: Drunk Safari: But It's Going to Affect Your Butt (Podcast)

2017
February 11th: Darwin Day Keynote Speaker, Raleigh, NC
March 13th: Talk Nerdy with Cara Santa Maria (interview). 
September 21st: Ada's Technical Books, Seattle, WA
​October 3rd: James J. Woods Lecture, Butler University
​
2016
July 15th: Ikonocast Podcast​ (interview)
July 21st : New York Observer (interview)
July 25th: Wall Street Journal (excerpt)
July 31st: VICE (interview)
August 1st: Scientific American (excerpt)
​August 3rd: NASW Advance Copy (interview)
August 6th: Mysterious Universe (podcast interview)
August 17th: Bytemarks Cafe (radio interview)
August 24th: Read Science (YouTube interview)
August 25th: Think with Krys Boyd (radio interview) 
August 26th: Waikiki Aquarium Family Night, Honolulu, HI
September 3rd: 1:00 PM, Barnes and Noble, Honolulu, HI
September 14th: 7:00 PM, Books Inc, Berkley, CA
September 17th: 1:00 PM, Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA
September 18th – 23rd: IST 2016, Miami, FL
September 28th: Google, New York, NY (private event; video)
September 28th: LiveScience (excerpt)
September 29th: LiveScience Live (FB Live interview)
October 7th: ThinkTech Hawaii (YouTube interview)
October 15th: Quirks and Quarks (radio interview)
October 21st: Science for the People (podcast interview)
November 1st: ASBMB (excerpt)
December 17th: 2:00 PM, Barnes and Noble Silverdale, WA
December/January: Cosmos Magazine (excerpt)

Wish I was coming to [Your City]?
I would love to come your neck of the woods to do a book reading, give a talk, or sign copies of Venomous. Most likely, the reason I'm not doing something in your area already is that no one has invited me, so bookstore owners, conference organizers, event planners, and enthusiastic book lovers—don't be shy! I'm happy to explore additional events.* 

    Get in touch with me:

*I'll do my best to arrange something that works, but like most authors, I am not paid by my publisher to travel around. I have to carefully consider the financial impacts of potential events as well as the timing. Please don't take it personally if I can't make it out to you!