This book is the story of twelve people, eachliving with long-term illness. Delving into the routines and rhythms ofeveryday life, the book reveals the significance of the things that we usuallytake for granted, from what we eat to when we sleep, how we move, and what we wear. Learning from the lives portrayed, itexplores ideas of care, vulnerability and choice, questioning what it means tolive a modern life with illness and illuminating the vitality of bodies alongthe way.

Juxtaposing academic text with richdescriptions and vivid illustrations, including video stills, journal extracts,and drawings, the book highlights the sensory and emotional intimacies ofvisual sociology and demonstrates the use and value of sensuous scholarship.