Books Like...

In "To the Friend Who Did Not Save My Life," the narrator, a homosexual writer, chronicles his initial response to AIDS and how the disease impacts his community, testing friendships and affections. The book interweaves various characters' stories, including Foucault's death, and explores the narrator's experiences with declining health and the medical complexities of testing new drugs. Guibert's writing style is described as clever, honest, and soul-destroying, offering a powerful example of an AIDS memoir diary.

'Eighty-Sixed' by David B. Feinberg is a novel that captures the life of B.J. Rosenthal, a gay man living in New York City during the early 1980s and the onset of the AIDS crisis in 1986. The book delves into B.J.'s quest for love, his experiences with casual encounters, and the contrast between the carefree pre-AIDS era and the terror-filled days of the epidemic. Through witty narration, the author paints a vivid picture of the gay community, showcasing the highs of the '80s lifestyle and the heartbreaking impact of the AIDS epidemic.

The novel skillfully weaves together humor, tragedy, and personal growth, offering readers a glimpse into a specific time and cultural moment. Feinberg's writing style combines sarcasm and wit to tackle serious topics such as love, fear of infection, and the resilience of individuals facing a devastating crisis. By documenting B.J.'s journey through the maze of relationships and self-discovery, 'Eighty-Sixed' stands as a poignant testament to an era marked by both joy and sorrow.

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.

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.

'My Government Means to Kill Me' by Rasheed Newson follows the journey of Earl Trey Singleton III, a young gay Black man in the 1980s New York City. Trey escapes his rich family to explore life, navigating through bathhouses, volunteering at an AIDS hospice, and becoming a founding member of ACT UP. The story intertwines fiction with historical events, portraying the conflicting emotions of self-discovery, acceptance, societal oppression, and the fear caused by the AIDS pandemic. The narrative captures the forgotten history of the early days of gay liberation, providing a compelling insight into Black queer history during a crucial time period.

The author, Rasheed Newson, skillfully blends fiction and non-fiction, creating a beautifully crafted story that offers a unique perspective on surviving AIDS as a minority in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite the abrupt ending, the book immerses readers in the historical context of the AIDS epidemic, shedding light on the struggles and experiences of individuals like Trey during that challenging period.

The Last Nude by Ellis Avery is a historical novel set in interwar Paris, focusing on the real relationship between a well-known painter and her model. The book delves into themes of romance, intimacy, desire, and sex, providing a peek into the bohemian lifestyle of Paris in the 1920s. With vivid descriptions of the artist's inspiration and process, the novel captures the backdrop of Paris during the Roaring Twenties, immersing the reader in a world of passion and betrayal.

The Last Nude offers a fictionalized account of the complex relationship between two women - the artist and her model, both with artistic sensibilities and driven by different needs. Through well-crafted prose, the author explores the romantic legend of Paris, portraying the Bohemian art world and the challenges faced by women living on the financial edge during that era.

'Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir' by Paul Monette is a heartbreaking memoir that delves into the early days of the U.S. AIDS epidemic, focusing on Monette's partner's diagnosis, illness, and eventual death. The book is described as fiercely sorrowful, unsparingly angry, and beautifully written. It provides a detailed account of the realities of AIDS in the 1980s and explores the love, grief, and rage experienced during that time. The narrative follows the lives of Monette and his partner, shedding light on the challenges faced by the gay community in Los Angeles and the impact of the disease on their relationships and friendships.

'Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993' by Sarah Schulman is a meticulously researched oral history that documents the ideals, actions, successes, and failures of the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power in New York City. Through interviews with key players, the book provides a comprehensive review of the complicated history of ACT UP, highlighting the humanity of its members and their relentless activism for access to treatments and healthcare justice. Schulman's writing style contextualizes the times in which the activists lived, showcasing the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the governmental neglect that set the stage for the AIDS epidemic.

delves into the inner workings of ACT UP, documenting rifts between members, financial swindles, and controversial decisions like protesting the Catholic Church. Schulman presents a diverse range of perspectives, shedding light on the contributions of women and people of color within the organization, while also exploring the personal stories of activists involved in the movement. Through detailed accounts of major events like the FDA protests and the Stop the Church demonstration, the book captures the rage, fear, and creativity of those who fought against the AIDS crisis, ultimately offering insights into the complexities of activism and social justice movements.

"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.