Product Description

The clearest picture we have of what life is like for men and women who have been diagnosed HIV positive, based upon unique in-depth interviews and remarkable for its candor.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #460756 in Books
• Published on: 1997-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

From Library Journal
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
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
An unforgettable picture of what extremity looks like...intense. -- Clifford Geertz, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton

Arresting work...should be widely read by practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. -- Arthur Kleinman, M.D., Harvard Medical School

I know of no higher praise than to name a book necessary. Being Positive is that and more. -- Fenton Johnson, author of Geography of the Heart

These are compelling stories...reminds us that we have so much to learn about life and death. -- Abraham Verghese, M.D., author of My Own Country: A Doctor’s Story

What distinguishes this series of narratives from others is the observation and reflection on...experiences of those…represented in the book. -- Journal of Gay and Lesbian Psychotherapy

Customer Reviews

Positive Attitude
A very good read for positive and negative people, although the research and interviews were done in America, it is all equally relevant to the Australian community and elsewhere in the world. Dr Klitzman does not forget that every statistic has a human face behind it and a story that is as important as any ever told. I look forward to reading more from this author !.

Moving and informative book on AIDS
This books gives a unique view of people of all types and walks of life struggling with AIDS. Dr. Klitzman has brought out an honesty in these people that is both moving and uplifting. A wonderful and important book.