Being positive : the lives of men and women with HIV /

Klitzman's book is a powerful presentation of the stories of more than 30 people with HIV. These gay and straight men and women come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Klitzman manages to cover the long chronology of AIDS using the voices of his clients. Jargon and scientific terminology are nearly absent. The book covers an array of topics: the losses one encounters during the course of HIV infection, the biological markers of people with HIV experience, the impact of HIV on personal dreams and destinies, discrimination from a variety of sources, how some have adapted and coped, the language of HIV/AIDS, and religious and spiritual reactions to being HIV positive. The experiences of parents and other loved ones of those with HIV/AIDS are also explored. This is an unusual book in that the stories are compelling and the writing is cogent and interesting throughout. Recommended for all levels of readers interested in the human face of all aspects of HIV/AIDS. A. C. Downs; formerly, University of Houston--Clear Lake

Parts of this book are difficult to read. Included here are stories of people rejected by their family, living on the streets, neglecting their children, drinking too much, shooting up too much, and not caring nearly enough. But there are inspirational stories as well. Psychiatrist Klitzman (In a House of Dreams and Glass, LJ 3/1/95), who conducted in-depth interviews with people who contracted HIV through sexual contact or IV drug use, noticed six patterns of how they deal with their HIV status: the alternative culture of HIV social organizations, spirituality, focused work and volunteerism, turning to their families, minimizing their illness or denying it, and seeking relief of stress through drugs and alcohol. Some souls try all six. An insightful work; recommended for medical and academic libraries.‘Lee Arnold, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.