Books matching: aids epidemic
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'And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic' by Randy Shilts chronicles the HIV AIDS epidemic, highlighting the journey from a mysterious malady affecting urban gay males to a full-blown worldwide health crisis. The narrative delves into the role of economics and ego in shaping the reactions of institutions like blood banks and researchers, showcasing how the government, health authorities, and scientists prioritized budgetary concerns, political expediency, and national prestige over public health and saving lives. Through detailed and character-centered storytelling, the book portrays a devastating account of the early days of the AIDS epidemic, shedding light on the political, social, and medical challenges faced during that time.
Tall sails scraped the deep purple night as rockets burst, flared, and flourished red, white, and blue over the stoic Statue of Liberty. The whole world was watching, it seemed; the whole world was th...- #2
Save:The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai is a novel that follows the lives of a group of friends in Chicago during the 1980s AIDS crisis. The story alternates between the past and present, exploring the impact of the epidemic on the characters and their relationships. The book delves into themes of death, family tension, love, and loss, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters as they navigate through the devastating effects of the disease.
Makkai skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including the struggles of the gay community, the art world, and family dynamics. The narrative moves between Chicago in the 1980s and Paris in 2015, following characters like Yale, Fiona, and Nico as they grapple with personal tragedies and search for meaning amidst the challenges they face. Through poignant storytelling and vivid character development, the novel offers a poignant exploration of friendship, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Yale found the bulletin from last night’s vigil in his pocket and folded it into something resembling the cootie catchers his childhood friends used to make on buses—the ones that told your fortune (“... - #3
Save:David France's book, 'How to Survive a Plague: The Inside Story of How Citizens and Science Tamed AIDS,' chronicles the devastating AIDS epidemic in America from the 1980s to the early 2000s, focusing on the activism of groups like ACT UP in New York City. The narrative delves into the struggles, discrimination, and fight for recognition faced by the gay community, highlighting the relentless efforts to push for medical research and treatments amidst widespread indifference and bureaucratic obstacles. France weaves personal experiences seamlessly into the larger story, creating a cohesive and deeply personal account of a tumultuous time in history.
I arrived in New York City for the first time on a college sojourn from Michigan, in September 1978, for an internship at the United Nations and a chance to explore Christopher Street, the mountaintop... - #4
Save:"All the Young Men" by Ruth Coker Burks is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Ruth's journey as she becomes a fierce advocate for young men dying from AIDS in the 1980s. The book portrays Ruth's unwavering compassion and dedication as she fights against the stigma and discrimination faced by those affected by the disease. Through heart-wrenching accounts, readers witness Ruth's bravery and selflessness in providing care and support to these individuals who were abandoned by society.
I was at the hospital that weekend looking after one of my best girlfriends. Bonnie was stuck at the Med Center in Little Rock, recovering from cancer surgery. She was thirty-one and I was twenty-six ... - #5
Save:The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst is a novel set in Thatcherite England of the 1980s, portraying the lives of the privileged and political elites through the eyes of the protagonist, Nick Guest. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, deception, and the impact of societal changes, particularly the AIDS epidemic, on the characters. Nick's journey of self-discovery and relationships with the Fedden family and others in their circle unfolds against the backdrop of a decadent era filled with sex, drugs, and political intrigue. Hollinghurst's writing style intricately describes the characters and their interactions, painting a vivid picture of a time defined by hypocrisy and hidden prejudices.
PETER CROWTHER'S BOOK on the election was already in the shops. It was called Landslide!, and the witty assistant at Dillon's had arranged the window in a scaled-down version of that natural disaster.... - #6
Save:'Tell the Wolves I'm Home' by Carol Rifka Brunt is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in the 1980s during the onset of the AIDS epidemic in New York. The story follows June, a 14-year-old girl who grapples with the loss of her beloved Uncle Finn to AIDS. Through June's perspective, the readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the complexities of relationships, including June's growing bond with Toby, Finn's partner. The writing style is emotional and evocative, delving into themes of love, grief, forgiveness, and the impact of AIDS on individuals and families.
My sister Greta and I were having our portrait painted by our uncle Finn that afternoon because he knew he was dying. This was after I understood that I wasn’t going to grow up and move into his apart... - #7
Save:"My Own Country: A Doctor's Story" by Abraham Verghese is an autobiographical memoir that follows the author's experience as an infectious disease specialist in rural Tennessee during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Verghese portrays the struggles and compassion he had for his AIDS patients, many of whom returned home from big cities to seek care when they were too sick to care for themselves. The book delves into the challenges faced by the patients, their families, and the community, shedding light on the stigma, social repercussions, and medical complexities surrounding the disease. Verghese's writing style is poignant, compassionate, and insightful, offering a deep exploration of human suffering, endurance, and the impact of AIDS on small-town America.
I can hear the radio playing. I can picture his parents waiting, his mother cooking his favorite food, his father pacing. I see the young man in my mind, despite the years that have passed; I can see ... - #8
Save:In the early days of the AIDS pandemic, a young man named Brian goes back home to small town America to face his death, encountering prejudices and hatred from his childhood friends, neighbors, and family. The novel explores the complexities of the situation with well-defined characters, distinct narratives, and heartbreaking descriptions of the emotional and physical ravages of AIDS, all anchored to a sympathetic and interesting family. The book immerses the reader in the late 80s setting, portraying the stark reality of the AIDS crisis and the challenges faced by individuals dealing with the unknown and stigma of the disease.
Carter Sickels, the author, presents a nostalgic, immersive, and painstaking narrative through simple yet effective prose, colorful characters, and a non-judgmental exploration of difficult issues. The story is a moving and raw account of a son dying of AIDS, highlighting themes of family, redemption, grief, love, and the dark underbelly of humanity as characters navigate panic, ignorance, and fear in the face of tragedy.
On Sunday we go to church, like we do every Sunday. Like every Sunday, my husband sits beside me. We’re in our usual spot—five rows back, center aisle. Our daughter Jess sits in the row behind us next... - #9
Save:"Dream of Ding Village" by Yan Lianke is a powerful and heartbreaking novel that delves into the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on a rural Chinese village. The story revolves around the consequences of unregulated blood selling in the village, leading to widespread infection and tragic deaths. Through the eyes of a dead child narrator, the book explores themes of corruption, greed, and the struggle for survival amidst a government cover-up. Lianke's writing style is described as lyrical, vivid, and poignant, painting a detailed picture of village life and the harrowing events that unfold.
The dusk settles over a day in late autumn. The sun sets above the East Henan plain, a blood-red ball turning the earth and sky a deep shade of crimson. As red unfurls, slowly the dusk turns to evenin... - #10
Save:"Millennium Approaches" in the series "Angels in America" by Tony Kushner is an epic, 6-hour play featuring a gay Mormon main character and is praised as a fantastic work of theater. The play delves into themes related to AIDS, homophobia, drug abuse, and abandonment, set against the backdrop of 1980s New York City. It interweaves fictional characters with real historical figures, providing a blend of fictional and historical elements. The writing style is described as brutal, tragic, emotionally rending, but ultimately ending hopefully, making it a quick but impactful read that sheds light on the AIDS crisis.
The play is commended for its strong representation of adult themes and its triumphant ending, despite the challenging subject matter. It is recommended for both its audio play version and the HBO series adaptation, with praises for the incredible reading experience and the engaging portrayal of multidimensional characters struggling with sexuality, religion, and family during a time of crisis. Some readers find the play to be life-changing, urging others to experience it as a performance rather than just reading the script.
