This is by far one of the most moving accounts of an AIDS activist who lived through the 70s and 80s. Silversides has provided us a look at the life of an individual who championed sexual diversity and AIDS. The book is based on the 65-volume diary that Michael kept through the years. It is funny and sad at the same time. Michael was unique. He was journalist who wrote for Body Politic. The book is filled with quotes from his diaries, showing us how courageous this person was during the early years of the AIDS pandemic. After the first few pages, one does not want to lay the book down. Every page keeps one glued to what has been written. Michael tackled the politics of AIDS from Toronto to New York, caught up in the struggles with politicians who turned their faces away from a disease that they determined was just a gay disease and would go away when everyone died. This book should be dedicated to all of the other “Michaels” out there who work so hard as AIDS activists. They are unselfish in what they are doing. May we always have these individuals to keep AIDS Awareness at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Every library should have a copy of this book.
1216. Global AIDS: Myths and Facts: Tools for Fighting the AIDS Pandemic, by Alexander Irwin, Joyce Millen, Dorothy Fallows. 2003. South End Press, 7 Brookline St. no. 1, Cambridge, MA 02139-4146. ISBN 0785970674-7, 0-890608-673-9pbk. $40.00, $19.00pbk. (Descriptors: Prevention; Social Aspects; World Health; AIDS Activists)
This book is a product of the Partners in Health advocacy arm of the Institute for Health and Social Justice whose “chief mission is to inform people in the US and other affluent countries about the vulnerability and health threats facing those who live in poverty…This book aims to promote such awareness and to foster active solidarity in response to AIDS.” “When privileged people and the leaders of wealthy countries disregard the AIDS disaster in the developing world, the entire foundation on which such a humane order might rest is threatened.”
The book discusses 10 myths about AIDS. The myths are: “AIDS is primarily an African Problem,” “How HIV spreads is not a mystery,” “Developing countries are unable to fight AIDS effectively because they are corrupt and badly governed,” “The best way to control AIDS in the developing world is by putting all available resources into stronger prevention programs,” “AIDS treatment for the poor makes sense morally, but it is not feasible technically,” “Promising reports about AIDS vaccines undergoing human trials mean that a vaccine will soon be available to prevent HIV infection,” “Activists’ moral pleas for treatment equity are no match for the pharmaceutical industry’s political power and drive for high profits,” “Financial resources for global health are extremely limited, so public health officials in poor countries should prioritize programs that address basic needs, such as nutrition, clean water, maternal health, and childhood immunization,” “People in the US and other wealthy countries have nothing to gain by fighting AIDS in the developing world,” and “Even with good intentions, ordinary people in rich countries can do little to help in the struggle against AIDS in poor countries.” Each myth has a response. These responses are very descriptive and point out why the myth is not to be accepted. The final sentence in the conclusion sums it up: “By the choices we make with respect to AIDS, we are defining our moral selves, and determining the ethical character of the world we will inhabit and leave to future generations.” A directory of resources for activism is included. This is a recommended book for all libraries.
1217. A History of AIDS Social Work in Hospitals: A Daring Response to an Epidemic, edited by Barbara I. Willinger, Alan Rice. 2003. Haworth Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580. ISBN 0-7890-1586-2, 0-7890-1587-0pbk. $89.95, $49.95pbk. (Descriptors: History; Medical Social Work; Social Hospital)
This is a much-needed account of the experiences of those who worked in hospitals during the initial years of the AIDS pandemic. It was a time of fear, challenge, and extreme caution. Some had a sense of denial in that they thought they could never catch AIDS since they were not gay. During these early years the social workers experienced excitement in that they were seen as agents of change. This is a book that presents an historical overview of the hospital-based social workers who were faced with caring for those diagnosed as having AIDS. After reading this book you will have a proud feeling for those who have contributed to helping the individuals who had AIDS. They were on the cutting edge of new treatments. Their work was hard and many had burn out, but they continued to work and now see their patients living longer. A very interesting history that should be in all academic libraries.
1218. Letting Them Die: Why HIV/AIDS Intervention Programmes Fail, by Catherine Campbell. 2003. Indiana University Press, 601 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN, 47404-3797. ISBN 0-85255-867-8, 0-85255-868-6pbk. $49.95, $22.95pbk. (Descriptors: South Africa; Prevention)
This book is the result of seven years of collaborative research in the small South African community of Summertown where attention was given to the “social construction of sexuality by migrant mineworkers, commercial sex workers and young people.” The book examines sexuality as it pertains to social change with an overriding question: “Why is it that people knowingly engage in sexual behaviour that could lead to a slow and painful premature death?” In addition the book looks at some of the obstacles and challenges facing HIV-prevention programs. With some 1,700 South Africans infected with the AIDS virus every day, it is important that we have an understanding of sexuality as it has been instilled in individuals throughout history.
The book is divided into 4 parts: The Summertown Project; Mobilizing Sex Workers to Prevent HIV; Mobilizing Young People to Prevent HIV; and Mobilizing Stakeholders to Prevent HIV. It is not easy to bring about mobilization efforts. Young people may say they understand but when it comes down to having sex, all that they have heard seems to become blurred and safe sex is ignored. It is extremely important that the stakeholders buy into all programs that target HIV-prevention efforts. The book points out that this is a highly complex task where “communities may often be strongly divided by power differentials, radically different world views and high levels of mistrust.” Those in power ultimately “portray HIV/AIDS as somebody else’s problem” and in the process they essentially say, “Let them die.” This is an important book for researchers who are trying to develop new intervention programs to fight AIDS. It is recommended for all academic libraries.
1219. Gay Bathhouses and Public Health Policy, edited by William J. Woods, Diane Binson. 2003. Haworth Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 23904-1580. (Journal of Homosexuality, v. 44, no 3-4 2003). ISBN 1-56023-272-2, 1-56023-273-0pbk. $49.95, $34.95pbk. (Descriptors: Bathhouses; Health Policy; Sex Behavior; Prevention and Control)
From the beginning of the AIDS pandemic there has been concern by politicians and the general public that bathhouses were a breeding ground for the HIV virus. Efforts to close down most of the bathhouses were moderately successful but they still remain a high profile venue for social gatherings and sex. The numbers decreased but those that remain continue to be profitable. The question then is how does one instills into those who frequent the bathhouses a sense of responsible sex in order to curb the transmission of the HIV virus.
This book is an excellent historical summary of bathhouses in the U.S. and Canada. The authors have done a remarkable job in researching archives to bring to our attention how important bathhouses have figured in the gay movement. Probably the most important point to gain from this book is the last statement in the chapter that discusses the history of gay bathhouses: “Instead of wasting its time defending its bathhouses, its bars and its very right to exist, the gay community must be allowed to devote all of its resources, including the bathhouses, toward promoting the research, health programs and safe sex educational measures that will save lives.” This statement was made in the early 80s and many bathhouses do, indeed, promote safe sex. This is an excellent book that should be in all academic libraries and public libraries in cities where gay bathhouses are located.
1220. Global Divas: Filipino Gay Men in the Diaspora, by Martin F. Manalansan IV. 2003. Duke University Press, PO Box 90660, Durham, NC 27708-0660. ISBN 0-8223-3217-5. $21.95. (Descriptors: Philippines; Prostitution)
This book is “an ethnographic study of Filipino gay men in New York City,” based on fieldwork and interviews conducted between 1990 and 1995. It focuses on the life narratives of fifty Filipino gay men. It is a very interesting account of how these men “negotiate between Filipino and American sexual and gender traditions, more specifically between bakla and gay ideologies. Bakla is the Tagalog term that encompasses homosexuality, hermaphroditism, cross-dressing, and effeminacy.” Although this is basically an in depth look at these gay men, it does delve into the AIDS issue and how these individuals look at this problem. A recommended book for academic libraries.
1221. Children of AIDS: Africa’s Orphan Crisis, 2nd edition by Emma Guest. 2003. University of Natal Press/Stylus Publishing, 22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012. ISBN 0-7453-2076-7, 0-7453-2-075-9pbk. $75.00, $19.95pbk. (Descriptors: Children; Africa)
“Deadlier than war, deadlier than tyranny, deadlier even than malaria, AIDS is silently tearing Africa apart. The epidemic is throwing millions of households into turmoil. Often the middle generation is wiped out, and children and the elderly are left to fend for themselves.” This book looks at the lives of some of these survivors in Uganda where the AIDS epidemic is mature. This was a difficult book for the author to write since she was a white outsider who was not totally accepted into the country’s society. She, however, was able to get some of the individuals to open up and relate their stories, which is most cases are very bleak. It is full of stories of extraordinary resilience. It is a book for social workers who need to understand how these orphans are coping from day to day. This second edition is two years later than the first edition but the facts are the same and the number of orphans is growing. “The UN estimates that 42 million children under 15, in 41 African countries, will have lost one or both parents by 2010, about half to AIDS.” The sad thing is that little is being done to curb the epidemic with the exception of Uganda, Senegal, and Thailand where some progress is being made. This is small book with a big impact on the reader. Recommended for all academic libraries.
1222. AIDS Education and Prevention: An Interdisciplinary Journal, volume 16, no. 1, February, 2004, no. 2, April, 2004. Edited by Francisco S. Sy. Guilford Publication, 72 Spring St., New York, NY 10012. ISSN 0899-9546. $245.00 institutions; $65.00 individuals. (Descriptors: Education; Prevention)
This is a journal that serves as a forum “devoted to the publication of original contributions that highlight existing and theoretical models of AIDS education and Prevention, including their development, implementation, and evaluation.” Issue number one is devoted to “HIV Prevention for Asian and Pacific Islander Men Who Have Sex with Men: Identifying Needs for the Asia Pacific Region.” The articles cover: “Gay Asian Men in Sydney Resist International Trend: No Change in Rates of Unprotected Anal Intercourse, 1999-2002,” by Paul Van de Ven, Limin Mao, Garrett Prestage; “Gay Asian Men in San Francisco Follow the International Trend: Increases in Rates of Unprotected Anal Intercourse and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 1999-2002,” by Willi McFarland, Sanny Chen, Darlene Weide, Robert Kohn, Jeffrey Klausner; “High Levels of Unprotected Sex with Men and Women among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Potential Bridge of HIV Transmission in Beijing, China,” by Kyung-Hee Choi, David R. Gibson, Lei Han, Yaqi Guo; “HIV, STIs, and Sexual Behaviors among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,” by Philippe Girault, Tobi Saidel, Ngak Song, Jan W. de Lind Van Wijngaarden, Gina Dallabetta, Francesca Stuer, Stephen Mills, Vathanak Or, Pierre Grosjean, Philippe Glaziou, Elizabeth Pisani; “Men Who Have Sex with Men and HIV in Vietnam: A Review,” by Donn Colby, Nghia Huu Cao, Serge Doussantousse; “Individualism-Collectivism, Self-Efficacy, and Other Factors Associated with Risk Taking among Gay Asian and Caucasian Men,” by Limin Mao, Paul Van de Ven, John McCormick; “Experiences of an Responses to Social Discrimination among A&PI Gay Men: Their Relationship to HIV Risk,” by Patrick A. Wilson, Hirokazu Yoshikawa; and “Do Family and Friendship Networks Protect Against the Influence of Discrimination on Mental Health and HIV Risk Among Asian and Pacific Islander Gay Men?” by Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Patrick Alan-David Wilson, David H. Chae, Jih-Fei Cheng.
Issue number two includes the following articles: “Understanding the Patient’s Perspective on Rapid and Routine HIV Testing in an Inner-City Urgent Care Center,” by Angela B. Hutchinson, Giselle Corbie-Smith, Stephen B. Thomas, Sveta Mohanan, Carlos del Rio; “Development of a Measure of Barriers to HIV Testing Among Individuals at High Risk,” by Germine H. Awad, Lynda M. Sagrestano, Mark J. Kittleson, Paul D. Sarvela; “HIV Testing in a Resource-Poor Urban Emergency Department,” by Nancy R. Glick, Abigail Silva, Leslie Zun, Steven Whitman; “Development of an Opinion Leader-Led HIV Prevention Intervention Among Alcohol Users in Chennai, India,” by Sudha Sivaram, Aylur K. Srikrishnan, Carl A. Latkin, Sethulakshmi C. Johnson, Vivian F. Go, Margaret E. Bently, Suniti Solomon, David D. Celentano; “Prevention Myths and HIV Risk Reduction by Active Drug Users,” by Lisa R. Metsch, Clyde B. McCoy, Christine C. Miles, Brad Woholer; “What Really Works? An Exploratory Study of Condom Negotiation Strategies,” by Amy G. Lam, Amy Mak, Patricia D. Lindsay, Stephen T. Russell; and “Gender Differences in Condom-Related Behaviors and Attitudes Among Mexican Adolescents Living on the U.S.-Mexico Border,” by Ana P. Martinez-Donate, Melbourne F. Hovell, Elaine J. Blumberg, Jennifer A. Zellner, Carol L. Sipan, Audrey M. Shillington, Claudia Carrizosa.
1223. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: Facint Death, a film by Stefan Haupt. 2002. First Run/Icarus Films, 32 Court St., 21st Fl, Brooklyn, NY 11201. 98 minutes, color. (Descriptors: Death)
This informative biographic video of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross surveys the scholar’s life and career in the study of death from the curious perspective near the end of Kübler-Ross’ own life. Born in 1926 as a two-pound triplet, Küblier-Ross spent her childhood as a small, frail and sickly child. Always bright and inquisitive it was clear she would follow a scholarly path from early in her life. An accomplished and gifted physician, she is best know for the masterwork, On Death and Dying published in 1969. Her study of dying adults and children practically inaugurated a new field of medical inquiry. In it, Kübler-Ross is able to meld the precise mind of a scientist with the sensitivity and compassion of a good therapist. We are frequently reminded of the good and loving work with children Kübler-Ross performed, which was enhanced by the success of her book. Unfortunately the video Haupt directs is broad and unwieldy documenting much irrelevant biographical information and occasionally interviews with family and associates of Kübler-Ross that offer little insight. It is not that there is a lack of interesting information presented, but that there is simply too much and much of it is unfocused. The director was unable to get any interviews with Kübler-Ross’ children, a problem which seriously detracts from the story of an extremely driven professional who left her family to pursue her life’s work.
In the 1970s, as a result of her fame, Kübler-Ross was contacted and worked with a bogus group who claimed to make communication with the departed. Despite much dissuading from her friends and colleagues, Kübler-Ross pursued this relationship and established therapy and seminars within the new age compound. Kübler-Ross moved to Virginia in 1984 and built a home and working farm to continue her studies. As AIDS began to make its tragic impact in the United States, Kübler-Ross proposed to build a hospice for babies with AIDS. The local rural Virginian population did not take kindly to this idea at all, and the plans were dropped after much fighting. In 1994, arsonists burned her home, possibly as a reaction to AIDS hospice plans. She wanted to rebuild immediately, but on the insistence of her son, Kübler-Ross relocated to a secluded ranch outside Phoenix. She is still there and lives in seclusion and disability following a series of strokes. Facing Death attempts to portray her struggle to deal with the issues and difficulties of dying. It is an intriguing subject for a documentary, but Haupt’s treatment relies more on the life and work of Kübler-Ross than with the complicated matters suggested in the title. Near the end of this 98-minute film we get a glimpse of the realities and daily struggles of Kübler-Ross, but there is not enough to sustain a feature length documentary.
The production values of this video are high. The color and lighting are adequate and the reproduction of black and white photographs are clear. The original musical score is clear and voice over narration is distinct and understandable. Many of the interviews are in German and subtitled in English. The white subtitles are occasionally difficult to read. This video would be useful for community colleges with curriculum in death and dying studies, or women’s studies. The content is much more biographical than it is scholarly. (Reviewed by Stephen Brantley, Assistant Reference Librarian, University of Illinois at Chicago Daley Library)
1224. Mortal Secrets: Truth and Lies in the Age of AIDS, by Robert Klitzman, Ronald Bayer. 2003. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2715 Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218-4363. ISBN 0-8018-7427-0. $42.00. (Descriptors: Prevention; Social Aspects; Self-Disclosure; Sexual Behavior)
The fact that one may be HIV positive brings about the entire realm of secrecy, trust, and truth. Are those who are positive obligated to tell the world that they are positive or even their own circle of friends or family? Should you believe the individual that tells you he or she is negative and then proceed to have unprotected sex? Should one adhere to the “Code of the Condom” where it is understood that as long as you wear the condom during sex it does not make any difference whether or not each partner knows about his or her HIV status? All are interesting questions and all have that dark overriding thought of their being a mortal secret. “Since HIV transmission largely occurred in consensual relationships that lacked expectations of truth telling, each individual bore the responsibility to protect himself or herself. Those who failed to protect themselves had no moral claim against those who infected them.” A bold statement to say the least.
This book draws from interviews of more than 70 gay men and women, intravenous drug users, sex workers, bisexual men, and heterosexual men and women. “The interviews convey the complex emotions of love, lust, longing, hope, despair, and fear that shape individual dilemmas about whether to disclose to deceive, or trust other concerning this disease.” Some readily disclosed their status when known to everyone around them, others told no one, and still others struggled for a time to keep it secret and then told. Some hid the truth in diaries, which were later read by partners. The sad fact is that many of those who are infected feel that they will be rejected in society if they openly say they are positive, thus they live the secret life. This is an interesting book that social workers need to read so as to understand some of their clients concerns. A recommended book for all academic libraries.
1225. Rethinking AIDS Prevention: Learning from Successes in Developing Countries, by Edward C. Green. Paraeger/Greenwood, 88 Post Road West, PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007. ISBN 0-86569-316-1. $39.95. (Descriptors: Prevention; Developing Countries; International Cooperation)
This is a book that tries to focus on those successes in AIDS prevention rather than the failures, even though the successes may not be as dramatic as one would hope in this stage of the pandemic. It is these successes that others in less developed countries can learn and hopefully be successful in their prevention efforts. The focus of this book is on heterosexual transmission of HIV in less-developed countries and on just sexually transmitted AIDS. Based on the findings that are reported in the book, it is reasonable that prevention programs should follow the ABCs: Abstain, Be faithful, or use Condoms if you cannot follow A or B. It is the C that is stressed the most with little resources going into A and B. More recently, the dependence on D (Drugs) has become the norm, resulting in the total disregard of A, B, and C.
The first part of the book discusses the need to rethink how we approach AIDS prevention measures, with a large part speaking of the epidemiology of AIDS throughout the world. The 2nd part outlines the approaches to AIDS prevention in developing countries, notably behavior change, condoms and ARV (antiretroviral) drugs. The largest part of the book is devoted to applying what has been learned in the Western world to the developing countries with success stories in Uganda, Jamaica, and Thailand. Should we promote public behavior change (PBC) more than condoms and drugs? A question that will be debated for many years. This is an excellent book that should be in all academic libraries.
1226. A Woman’s Guide to Living with HIV Infection, by Rebecca A. Clark, Robert T. Maupin Jr., Jill Hayes Hammer. 2004. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2715 Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218-4319. ISBN 0-8018-7913-2, 0-8018-7914-0pbk. $45.00, $15.95pbk. (Descriptors: Women; Medical Care; Health and Hygiene)
This book has been written to help women understand HIV and help them to find support and treatment. The book is designed to be either read from cover to cover or by parts that are of immediate interest to the reader. There are 4 major sections of the book that cover HIV-related health issues; general health issues; reproduction and contraception; and how to make the health care system work for you. There are additional topics on clinical trial and study participation, chronic pain, substance use, and abusive relationships. This is by far one of the best guides published for women. In the U.S. approximately one fourth of the HIV/AIDS infected individuals are women with the rate of infection higher in the African-American and Hispanic communities. In this book “we explain what HIV does to women’s bodies; we describe HIV-related medical conditions in women, we explore issues related to reproduction and contraception for women with HIV; and we describe the treatment available to women with HIV.” This is a highly recommended book for personal use and a must to have in all public and academic libraries.
1227. Love in the time of HIV: The Gay Man’s Guide to Sex, Dating, and Relationships, by Michael Mancilla, Lisa Troshinsky. 2003. Guilford Press, 72 Spring St., New York, NY 10012. ISBN 1-57230-843-5. $16.95. (Descriptors: Sexual Behavior; Prevention; Health and Hygiene; Intimacy; Life Skills Guides)
“Relationships are hard work, as any trip to the self-help section of your local bookstore will attest. Throwing HIV into the mix invariably makes relationships even harder—disclosing HIV status, negotiating safer sex, committing to another against a landscape of uncertainty. All of this and more can be overwhelming and unnervingly intrusive.” Thus speaks Michael and thus the reason for this book. It is a narrative written for every gay man, providing some excellent points to consider when thinking of a relationship or dating. The book has seven chapters covering the chronology of a gay male relationship. Disclosing your HIV status should be the first thing on your mind when anticipating a sexual encounter. The second chapter provides upbeat thoughts on how many men have turned their HIV crisis into an opportunity for growth, while the next three chapters explore the variable and rich ways HIV factors into relationships. In chapter 6 “we look not only at how men deal with various levels of physical health but also at how to recognize a healthy relationship—and how to leave an unhealthy one.” The seventh chapter deals with the loss of a loved one. There is some legal advice in an appendix. This is a good upbeat guide that should help those who are positive realize that they are not suddenly banned from the gay society into a lonely realm. Recommended for personal libraries and a good candidate for public and academic libraries.
1228. Learning from HIV and AIDS, edited by George Ellison, Melissa Parker, Catherine Campbell. 2003. Cambridge University Press, 40 West 20th St., New York, NY 10011-4211. ISBN 0-521-80866-9, 0-521-00470-5pbk. $100.00, $38.00pbk. (Descriptors: Social Aspects)
There is still a great deal to learn about HIV and AIDS even though there have been a multitude of books and articles on the subjects. There are still many gaps in our knowledge of the disease and these gaps have profound implications for our capacity to act. Prevention is still the battle cry since there is no vaccine or cure. We still have a long ways to go to understand the sexuality of mankind that makes them practice unsafe sex. The social and political aspects of AIDS and HIV have affected every living person through funding to fight the disease to constant articles proclaiming progress and no progress in our attempt to find a cure to the disease being damnation on the gay community. This small book attempts to point out much that has been learned and advises us on things that need to be learned. A recommended book for all academic libraries.
1229. Averting AIDS Crises in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: A Regional Support Strategy. 2003. World Bank Publication, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433. ISBN 0-8213-5580-5. $25.00. (Descriptors: Eastern Europe; Asia; Prevention)
the Regional Support Strategy of World Bank has provided a document that “identifies the potential costs of inaction, the constraints on an effective response, priority actions to resolve such constraints, and the Bank’s plans for helping countries do so as part of a multiinstitutional effort.” The five chapters cover: Introduction; The Problem and the Context; The Basis for Effective Action against HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis; Priorities and Approaches; and Facilitating Large-Scale Implementation. Of particular interest are the appendices: The Potential Economic, Poverty, and Human Development Impacts of HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Interventions against HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: The Evidence Base and Gaps in Knowledge. These both point out the consequences of inaction on the part of the countries in Europe and Asia in doing nothing on AIDS and Tuberculosis prevention programs. A good summary that will be of use to researchers in academic libraries. It is very well documented with a good bibliography.