Books Like...

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.

Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder is a compelling and inspiring story about the extraordinary life and work of Dr. Paul Farmer, a dedicated physician and humanitarian. The book delves into Farmer's unwavering commitment to providing healthcare to some of the poorest and most marginalized communities around the world, particularly in Haiti. Through vivid storytelling and engaging narrative, Kidder portrays Farmer's relentless efforts to tackle global health issues and his profound impact on the lives of those he serves.

Kidder's writing style in Mountains Beyond Mountains is described as immersive and insightful, making readers feel as though they are right beside Farmer as he navigates the complexities of the medical world and humanitarian work. The book not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those living in poverty but also highlights the power of one individual's determination to effect positive change on a global scale.

'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.

The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese is a memoir that delves into the deep friendship between the author, a doctor specializing in internal medicine, and his tennis partner, David, who struggles with addiction. The book intertwines themes of love, nature, dreams, marriage, and human flaws, all set against the backdrop of El Paso, Texas. Through detailed storytelling and emotional connections with the characters, Verghese navigates the complexities of addiction, relationships, and the medical field, while incorporating his medical knowledge and insights with compassion and humanity.

'The Normal Heart' by Larry Kramer is a powerful play that delves into the early days of the AIDS crisis in New York. Through passionate writing, Kramer captures the panic, frustration, and activism of gay men as they struggled to bring attention to the health issues they faced during the epidemic. The play is described as vital, alive, and emotionally charged, shedding light on the brutal and beautiful aspects of the activist and medical response to the crisis. It also explores complex friendship dynamics and a compelling love story within the context of the Gay Men's Health Crisis.

'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.

'The Medical Detectives Vol. 1' by Berton Roueche is a collection of medical mysteries and investigations that delve into illnesses and epidemics, exploring how health officials solve complex medical cases. The book presents a series of intriguing and entertaining stories that read like detective mysteries, where patients present with seemingly ordinary symptoms that lead to unexpected and fascinating medical diagnoses. Roueche's writing style is clear, suspenseful, and accessible to both specialists and laypeople, making the narratives engaging and educational.

'Body of Work: Meditations on Mortality from the Human Anatomy Lab' by Christine Montross is a memoir that follows the author's experiences as a medical student in the gross anatomy lab. The book delves into her emotional journey of dissecting a cadaver named Eve and the reflections it brings about life, death, and the history of cadaver dissection. Montross intertwines personal stories, historical accounts, and meditations on the human body, creating a narrative that is both educational and deeply human. The writing style is a mix of biography, personal reflections, and historical exploration, providing a well-rounded view of the author's medical training and emotional challenges.

'When We Rise: My Life in the Movement' by Cleve Jones is a memoir that chronicles the life of the author as a young gay man who found his way into the gay rights movement in the 1970s. The book vividly describes Jones' involvement in the movement, from his association with Harvey Milk to his role in responding to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Through personal anecdotes and historical touchpoints, Jones intertwines his own journey with the broader LGBTQ rights movement, providing a compelling look at the struggles and triumphs faced by the community.

Jones' memoir delves into pivotal moments in LGBTQ history, such as the AIDS epidemic and the fight for marriage equality, offering a moving account of the challenges and victories experienced by the community. The book also highlights Jones' personal growth and activism, portraying his unwavering commitment to equality and justice amidst adversity and hardship.

'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.