AEGiS-BKREV: Being Positive: The Lives of Men and Women with HIV

(BKREV) Being Positive: The Lives of Men and Women with HIV

Ivan R. Dee, 1332 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622. 243p., bibliog., index. ISBN 1-56663-164-5. $26.00.
Robert Klitzman. 1997.

Klitzman has written a moving account of the lives of men and women with HIV, who expressed their thoughts openly in interviews. "Through these pages I have tried to present a picture--a group portrait--and a sense of the fabric and texture of these indi viduals' lives.". The details of each individuals' experiences differed, but common patterns emerged, cutting across lines of class, race, and sexual orientation. Several patterns emerged: the HIV community or HIV-land arose; spirituality in various fo rms began to appear; volunteerism became a meaning of and sense of purpose; attempts to reconnect with families was seen; "many minimized or reframed their illness in order to deal with it;" and finally, many resorted to drugs and alcohol in order to deal with the sickness.

It should be pointed out that all of these interviews were done before July, 1996, which is before the current protease inhibitors. Klitzman points out, however, that he still sees today the same patterns as pre-protease-inhibitor days. This is a very i nteresting book to read and one that should be read by all counselors, care givers, and physicians. It spells out through the interviews the enormous task we have in caring for the HIV-positive men, women, and children. Yes, individuals are living long er, but the guard is being let down and more and more individuals are becoming infected. There is still no cure in sight. Much more has to be done and books such as this will help in the education of those who are doubters.

Keywords: Psychological Aspects; HIV-Positive Persons

Copyright (c) 1999 - Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. Reviews may be reprinted or redistributed for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. For other reprinting, redistribution , or translation, address requests to H. Robert Malinowsky, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, PO Box 8198, Chicago, IL 60680 or electronically to hrm@uic.edu.
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Copyright © 1999 - The University of Illinois at Chicago. All materials in the journal are subject to copyright by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and may be reprinted or redistributed for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. For other reprinting, redistribution, or translation, address requests to H. Robert Malinowsky, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, PO Box 8198, Chicago, IL 60680 or electronically to hrm@uic.edu.

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