Books Like...
'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.
If you liked And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic, here are the top 100 books to read next:
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Save:"The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic?and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World" by Steven Johnson tells the story of the cholera outbreak in London that was investigated by Dr. James Snow and Henry Whitehead. The book describes the progression of the outbreak and the groundbreaking investigation that revolutionized the field of epidemiology. Johnson's writing style combines historical accounts with scientific explanations, delving into the social history of Victorian England and exploring the battle between competing scientific and medical explanations of cholera.
The book provides a detailed account of the 1854 cholera epidemic in London, highlighting the efforts of Dr. John Snow and Henry Whitehead in linking cholera to infected drinking water. Johnson's narrative weaves together the scientific discoveries, social implications, and modern-day parallels of the epidemic, offering insights into the vulnerability of cities and the importance of public health measures. Despite some readers finding the book's ending somewhat preachy or repetitive, the overall storytelling and historical significance of the events make it a compelling read.
IT IS AUGUST 1854, AND LONDON IS A CITY OF SCAVENGERS. Just the names alone read now like some kind of exotic zoological catalogue: bone-pickers, rag-gatherers, pure-finders, dredgermen, mud-larks, se... - #2
Save:'The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus' by Richard Preston is a gripping non-fiction book that delves into the origins and spread of the Ebola virus. The author presents the narrative in a thrilling and suspenseful manner, akin to a mystery novel, which captivates readers from the very first page. Through graphic descriptions and real-life accounts, Preston paints a terrifying picture of the deadly virus, leaving readers both fascinated and horrified by the potential implications of such outbreaks. The book explores the history of Ebola, detailing past incidents and outbreaks, while also shedding light on the scientific research and efforts to combat the virus.
The writing style of Richard Preston in 'The Hot Zone' is described as intense, gripping, and immersive, making it a page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author effectively combines factual information about viruses and infectious diseases with a narrative that reads like fiction, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for a wide audience. By providing a detailed account of the Ebola virus and its impact on individuals and communities, Preston creates a sense of urgency and suspense that drives the story forward, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on readers.
Charles Monet was a loner. He was a Frenchman who lived by himself in a little wooden bungalow on the private lands of the Nzoia Sugar Factory, a plantation in western Kenya that spread along the Nzoi... - #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... "My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey" by Jill Bolte Taylor is a non-fiction memoir detailing the author's experience of suffering a massive stroke and her subsequent journey of recovery. Taylor, a neuroscientist, provides fascinating insights into the world of neurology as she recounts her symptoms and recovery process. The book delves into the complexities of the human brain, exploring the differences between the right and left brain functions, and how Taylor learned to integrate both sides as she healed. Through Taylor's personal narrative, readers gain a unique perspective on brain trauma and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
I am a trained and published neuroanatomist. I grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. One of my older brothers, who is only 18 months older than I, was diagnosed with the brain disorder schizophrenia. He wa...'Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water' by Marc Reisner is a comprehensive history of the struggle to control water in the American West. It delves into the political corruption, intrigue, and billion-dollar battles over water rights that have led to economic and ecological disaster. The author weaves a tale of rivers diverted and damned, exposing the greed, manifest destiny, and wishful thinking that have shaped the region's water management history.
Reisner's writing style in 'Cadillac Desert' is described as well-researched, highly readable, and engaging. covers the history of irrigation, aqueducts, and water projects in the West, focusing on key events and figures such as the Owens Valley, Mulholland, and Los Angeles. While some readers found the book to be depressing due to the dark themes it explores, others praised it as a classic study of the politics behind water in the western US, blending journalism, history, and commentary to shed light on the challenges faced in managing water resources in the region.
The American West was explored by white men half a century before the first colonists set foot on Virginia’s beaches, but it went virtually uninhabited by whites for another three hundred years. In 15...'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot delves into the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and became the basis for groundbreaking medical research. The narrative alternates between the scientific advancements made using her cells and the struggles faced by her family who were unaware of her contribution to science. Skloot's writing style combines history, science, and ethics seamlessly, providing a comprehensive account of Henrietta Lacks' life and the impact of her cells on modern medicine.
On January 29, 1951, David Lacks sat behind the wheel of his old Buick, watching the rain fall. He was parked under a towering oak tree outside Johns Hopkins Hospital with three of his children—two st..."Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the complexities of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the abduction and murder of Jean McConville, a mother of ten, by the IRA. Through personal histories and oral accounts, the book weaves a narrative of violence, betrayal, and trauma, shedding light on the impact of the conflict on both victims and perpetrators. Keefe's writing style is described as engaging, immersive, and well-researched, providing a comprehensive overview of the Troubles and the key figures involved, such as Gerry Adams, Dolours Price, and Brendan Hughes.
Jean McConville was thirty-eight when she disappeared, and she had spent nearly half her life either pregnant or recovering from childbirth. She brought fourteen children to term and lost four of them...'Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty' by Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the unflinching examination of the Sackler family and their role in the opioid crisis in the United States. It uncovers the harsh reality of a family without compassion, the devastating impact of their pharmaceutical empire, and the systemic failure to hold them accountable. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that reads like a thriller, providing an eye-opening and informative account of the greed, corruption, and lack of empathy that fueled the opioid epidemic.
arthur sackler was born in Brooklyn, in the summer of 1913, at a moment when Brooklyn was burgeoning with wave upon wave of immigrants from the Old World, new faces every day, the unfamiliar music of ...- #9
Save:All the President's Men by Carl Bernstein is a thrilling account of investigative journalism chronicling the Watergate scandal. The book follows the meticulous work of two reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, as they uncover the political corruption that ultimately leads to President Richard Nixon's resignation. The writing style is described as engrossing, clear, and well-sourced, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the investigative process that brought down a president.
JUNE 17, 1972. Nine o’clock Saturday morning. Early for the telephone. Woodward fumbled for the receiver and snapped awake. The city editor of the Washington Post was on the line. Five men had been ar... 'The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History' by John M. Barry delves into the 1918 Influenza pandemic, providing a detailed account of the outbreak, its impact, and the societal responses. The author skillfully weaves together historical facts, scientific insights, and personal narratives, offering a comprehensive look at the devastating effects of the virus. Barry's writing style is described as dense with facts, backed up by an extensive bibliography and footnotes section, creating a narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. not only covers the medical aspects of the pandemic but also explores the societal breakdown, consequences of poor policy decisions, and the challenges faced by scientists and researchers during that time.
ON SEPTEMBER 12, 1876, the crowd overflowing the auditorium of Baltimore's Academy of Music was in a mood of hopeful excitement, but excitement without frivolity. Indeed, despite an unusual number of ...
