Acquired-Immunodeficiency-Syndrome Books

Having recently returned from Malawi where I spent the last two years working in HIV prevention as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I found Elizabeth Pisani's book to be an excellent analysis of the politics driving the mismanagement of HIV prevention and treatment funding around the globe, and an interesting insightful read as to the real situation on the ground. I read this book because I was considering an HIV prevention project in China, and she has extensive experience in SE Asia as well as in China. I found all the information in the book to be relevant and very current for all countries dealing with HIV issues.

My only negative comment would be that she references her website often but the resources are not there.

I would encourage anyone involved in HIV projects to read this book. It has just the right balance of facts and human stories without being depressing. It tells it like it is.

Very funny, very well written book on kind of a dry subject!

Definitely worth reading, because as the quote goes:

Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket.

I am seldom found without at least one book close at hand, and end up trying to give books away in order to keep my shelves from collapsing. But I'm not ready to give this one away, I intend to read it again in a while. What I might do, however, is to order a few extra copies and have them delivered to people I know. Why just this one? Because it is one of those books that you come across once in a while, that works on more than one level. It is a book that keeps me turning the pages, with the energy that comes from a genuinely engaging story. Then there is the author's solid knowledge of the topic, and her ability to present it in an accessible way. This is a writer who knows her tools: she knows how to structure a presentation and how to juggle angles to keep it interesting, all in a style that gets the message across clearly and simply, with a strong personality and sense of humor. But the main reason why I want to gently blackmail my friends into reading it by buying it for them, is the information it contains and the message that it spells out. It is an important book. It untangles the facts about HIV and HIV prevention from the myths, which is good. It also shows clearly how ideological/religious/political/economical agendas often play a bigger role than science, which is depressing ... but essential to know. Getting the facts straight, about the infection and about the HIV/AIDS industry, is vital. And in my mind, Elizabeth Pisani is exactly who you should turn to for those facts

For sheer accuracy of synopsis, maybe "The Wisdom of Whores"'s subtitle ought to be "Practical Epidemiology, What We Know About Solving the AIDS Crisis, and How the Politics of International Aid Complicate Matters." Though Pisani probably wants to sell a copy or two.

This is one of the few books I've read that actually lives up to its jacket blurbs. One author describes it as not only a work of science, but also a page-turner. And indeed it is. Pisani holds a Ph.D. in epidemiology, and you can tell from reading The Wisdom of Whores that she has the chops to do serious data analysis. It's data analysis in the service of a practical end, namely figuring out the most efficient ways to stop AIDS. Pisani has been on the ground interviewing prostitutes and junkies for a couple decades now, so she's learned a bit about how the disease actually spreads.

Part of the answer is just common sense: HIV spreads when an infected person's blood comes in contact with an uninfected person's blood. When heroin users share needles, the risk of HIV's spreading rises. Unprotected sex is riskier than protected sex. Unlubricated sex is riskier than lubricated sex, because the risk of causing tears is higher. Uncircumcised men are at higher risk than circumcised men. Prostitutes and their johns are at higher risk than non-prostitutes, because they have more partners.

This much should be common sense; the fact that this common sense often doesn't translate into policy is where the "bureaucrats" in the subtitle come in. The Bush administration and many other nations have changed the conversation: we don't talk about the actual mechanics of sex and drug use, in part because prostitutes and drug users are considered wicked, and it helps no politicians to aid the wicked. From a public-health perspective, most of our effort ought to be focused on the populations that are most at risk: addicts, gay people, and prostitutes. But that doesn't sell. What sells is to talk about "neutral" topics: pretend that consumers of prostitution come home to their innocent wives and unwittingly give them the disease, which then spreads to their kids. When you frame the issue as "AIDS hits everyone," surely you can get votes. Likewise with international aid: if you tell your voters that "poverty and gender disparities" cause AIDS, you can sidestep the icky topics of sex and heroin injection.

Once the money flows, there's a great risk of corruption and waste. Fortunately, Pisani tells us, there are a lot of people on the receiving end of that money who are really trying to do right by the world's taxpayers. And there are organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that seem to disburse funds more efficiently and measure programs' effectiveness better than a lot of governments do. And the governments are learning from their mistakes, in no small part because the epidemiologists on the ground are pushing back on them. Pisani never takes the step that a lot of libertarian fanatics do, namely jumping from the observation that foreign aid can be wasteful to the conclusion that all foreign aid should end. That's because Pisani isn't a libertarian fanatic. She's a hardworking, nose-in-the-details scientist who, like a good disciple of Herb Simon, tries to assume as little as she can before she starts gathering data.

Indeed, the big takeaway from The Wisdom of Whores is that reality is complicated, and that the only way to actually help solve the AIDS epidemic is to dig into the details and be honest about how the disease actually spreads. Don't let ideology, for instance, blind you to the virtues of free condom distribution. Don't let ideology stop needle-exchange programs. At the same time, don't let ideology convince you that needle-exchange programs always work: look at the data first. This book is what happens when a truly scientific worldview merges with the passion of an activist.

I read a lot, on a wide variety of topics. If it has words on it, I'll try to read it, even if I _don't_ know the language, I'll try to decipher it. But some books are much more rewarding than others, and this is one of the most rewarding books I've ever read.

The other reviews cover the topic well: she's a great writer, a person who really cares about people and not just people who are like her, a scientist who can understand numbers and make them make sense to others. She has a wide-reaching understanding of how AIDS is transmitted, and how that transmission is partly biologically determined and partly culturally determined. And she can convey that complex and detailed understanding in a simple way. Repeatedly, so if you miss it the first time, you get a lot of additional chances. And with hilariously shocking illustrative stories, so there's no remote chance of boredom ever setting in.

I know there's no way she's going to slog through bureaucracy for a second cause -- that would be unfair to ask of anyone. But I hope global warming/climate change/peak oil/etc. gets someone half as brilliant as Pisani. Hopefully several someones.

I read this book for a medical anthropology class and found it incredibly interesting in its discussion of the politics and racism involved in the US treatment of AIDS in Haiti. It delves into how the American presence and influences lead to and exasperated the widespread AIDS and poverty problems in Haiti.

Farmer's excellent historical ethnography of Haitian illness (as seen through the contemporary context of the world AIDS epidemic), proves the necessity of developing anthropological approaches to understanding health systems and implementing medical care. The diagnosis and analysis of sickness, disease, illness, and treatment should go hand-in-hand with the cultural understanding of local systems of blame, accusation, causation, and cure. Where most approaches to medicine are based on the "Westernized" first-world nations' understanding of the causes of illness (tainted as well, as Farmer shows, by systematic "blame the victim" and shame techniques), the adoption of these approaches in treating the illnesses of other peoples can be catastrophic. Three ethnographies make up the structure of a detailed historical inquiry )

The longstanding tradition of conceiving of illness through the lens of powerlessness shapes the contemporary lives of the people in Haiti with whom Farmer worked. Although they could see the effects of the illness, people in this region were obsessed with the cause of the illness, and felt the need to understand AIDS through a constructed narrative of blame. A deep belief in their religion led villagers to look for the source of witchcraft that could possibly be harming them, and elaborate stories about neighbors, jealousies, and rivalries flourished as a result. Any improvement in the standing of one member of the society (through wealth, status, relationships, acquisition of property or food, or political power through employment or marriage) adds to the structure of distrust and blame.

Farmer's book shows how disturbingly complex and deep the layers of mistrust, misinformation, and the effects of racism, are. Among the medical hypotheses for the probable exposure is the theory of Haitian sex-workers' contacts through gay tourists to the early strains of HIV. Farmer outlines the long history of Haiti as a gay tourist attraction, and Duvalier's encouragement of tourism as a boost to the domestic economy. Although the possible cause of the gay sex trade for HIV exposure has not been confirmed, medical establishments in the U.S. based their theories of causation on other factors, such as Haitian religious practices. These theories were, in truth, reinforcing longstanding ignorance and racist misunderstandings about Haitian vodou. Stereotypes and racial profiling of Haitian citizenship as a "risk factor" (one of the "Four H's" along with hemophiliac, homosexual, and heroin user), contributed to public policies against Haitian immigrants. Haitians' belief that they are being attacked by some evil sorcery in the guise of a fatal illness called sida falls into place amidst the context of extreme antagonism and injustice.

While reading this book, I was compelled to ask myself if there isn't some truth in Haitians' understanding of AIDS as the result of malicious sorcery. Haiti was the only American society to successfully result from the direct action of a revolution against slavery and colonialism. As such, the small nation governed by creoles and black ex-slaves presented a threat to North and South American colonial societies, which were firmly entrenched in slave labor economic systems. Historically, the threat of a repeat of the Haitian revolution must have terrified white European landowners. This terror of African power and strength has been passed on in a racist legacy, adapted to political policies and nationalist agendas, and still exists in ignorant beliefs about AIDS and its causes. Haitians believe that they are victims of a longstanding racist agenda, and they may in fact be right. Farmer's book begins to illuminate some of the complicated historical and ethnographic realities of the overlapping connections between illness and racism, and between causes and effects.

This book dispels the common myths of Haitians and AIDS. It also shows very clearly the heavy involvement of the United States in creating the poverty Haiti has faced. This book makes use of statistics well, but unfortunately, at this point those stats are many years old. When Farmer wrote this book, only three people in the village of Do Kay had died of AIDS. Now, with huge percentages of Haitians exposed to HIV, the picture must certainly look different. This book is a geat candidate for a revised edition some time in the future.

I read this book for a medical anthropology class and found it incredibly interesting in its discussion of the politics and racism involved in the US treatment of AIDS in Haiti. It delves into how the American presence and influences lead to and exasperated the widespread AIDS and poverty problems in Haiti.

This book relates the story of how the life and work of two Nobel Prize winners in different fields (the 2008 Nobel Prize winner in Medicine Luc Montagnier, who first identified the AIDS virus, and 1979 Noble Price in Peace winner, Mother Teresa who established the first hospice for AIDS patients in the U.S. in South Bronx, NY.) and many other smart and kind people, work together to address the suffering that AIDS brings, and the work of the scientific community to stop the spread of AIDS and try to find a cure.
This books reflects many of the best and worst attributes of Mankind, and is an incredibly interesting read.

This is one of the best books you will ever read

He leído este bellísimo libro en español "Mas Grandes que el Amor". El contenido de este libro esá mas allá de las palabras. Es increible la terminología extraordinaria usada por el autor al explicar el descubrimiento del virus del SIDA "AIDS" y otras plagas que han atacado a la humanidad. Es tan Celestial como Madre Teresa creó una clinica de amor para los moribundos víctimas de estas plagas, con personas sin muchos conocimientos médicos, y aún asi, pudieron curar el alma de estos moribundos antes de morir. Un libro de similar contenido: Médico de Cuerpos y Almas" "Dear and Glorious Physician"

My father gave me a copy oth this book about six year ago. I was captivated by the way individuals around the world had a positive impact on each other. i am thinking of the young priest who was gravely injured, but found that he could connect to others through praying for them. The work of Mother Theresas sisters, the scientists studying AIDS, it was truly a human mosaic. The intertwining of people who may never have met! Truly, "No man is an island."

I must have read this book 4-5 years ago. And it left such an impression that after all these years...I realise that I have to reread the book and write this review. For everyone who have read ths review, my advice is to read the book, I will not give away the suspense. But the interactions of the characters, the emotions protrayed and the reality of it all will definitely strike a chord in everybody's hearts. For once, I am so disappointed that the book is out of print, because, it should be shared by all readers young and old. It not only opens your mind, it makes you see things in a perspective you never knew existed.

McColly's writing is elegant and urgent. I rarely find books that combine political relevance and artistry as deeply as this book does. I couldn't put it down.

We are privileged to be working on publicity on this amazing book. Michael doesn't hold back and is brutally honest in his latest book. We highly recommend it.
Michael is also creating a Prostrations for Peace on July l5th that is spreading throughout the country. It's a demonstration against the continued war in Iraq and the continued suffering and killing of our own and Iraqi people.
Sherri Rosen Publicity, NYC

HIV-positive journalist Michael McColly travels through South Africa, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Chicago, and Senegal to document the lives of activists, sex workers, and people living with the AIDS. He also tells his own story, humanizing the disease and making it accessible in an intimate and compassionate way.

McColly's careful crafting blends scene and internal observations in a way that moves the vantage point from a feeling in the body to the exterior world, then out to a global perspective, taking the reader with him. Imagery and perception combine to make this not only an important sociological study of multiple struggles (sexuality, AIDS, poverty, healing), but also a literary work. He incorporates facts so that they become a part of the story without losing momentum, allowing the reader to step away from this book with a greater understanding of the scope of the AIDS pandemic.

Posing poignant and at times painful questions throughout his memoir, McColly challenges the reader to confront complex issues.

The book is both disheartening and inspiring as McColly's journey deepens. In Chennai, India, he interviews a man heading AIDS education for sex workers who says, "We are trying to make the young men ... into a cohesive, self-sustaining community. It's the only way they are going to survive not only this disease but this life." This becomes a subtle theme through the book: those who become active in helping others find that reaching out gives them a way to cope with the disease. At times, the story is devastating. Multiple viewpoints and approaches toward the treatment of AIDS help to put the struggles of various countries into a very real perspective.

The After-Death Room is a modern portrait of the diverse spectrum of the AIDS landscape. But the ultimate message does not just apply to AIDS. It is universal: the importance of connecting, understanding, loving, and helping others--which, in this world, is harder than ever to realize, is certainly a thing worth living for.

[...]

Tony Barnett and Alan Whieside have done a fantastic job of placing the issue of HIV/AIDS within a comprehensive context. It is easy to read, well researched, thoughtful in it's analysis, and comprehensive - that is, it places the pandemic amidst the global forces that are affecting it and which must be understood if we're to successfully turn the tide. I am recommending it to many of my colleagues! It is the best book I have read to-date on the most challenging crisis facing the human family.

This is the only book-length exploration of the social and economic context of the the HIV/AIDS epidemics. What comes through is that the authors are not journalists who dashed off a book on AIDS, but longtime researchers, with world-ranging experience.

WHile well documented, it is readable. The next college level course I teach on contemporary issues will surely include this as required reading. My students will thank me for it.

Dr. Buckinghams book is truly outstanding. He has started over 35 hospice programs for people with AIDS. He has won the Ivanosky Prize for his work with AIDS patients.

This book is a must read for all who care for or are involved with the AIDS world.

J. Emery MD

this certainly is the best book on care for the person with aids, who is in the final stages of the disease.

buckingham is a compassionate writer with focus on the scientific issues as well as the holistic approach to this disease.

dr. buckingham is one of the founding fathers of hospice in this country and his work has been utilized and translated in many foreign countries.

i strongly reccomend tis book to anyone who is interested in caring for the person with AIDS.

I WAS IN GA. WHEN BILLY HOWARD WAS TAKING THE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THIS BOOK I WAS VISTING AN AIDS PATIENT THAT IS IN THE BOOK, HE NOT ONLY WAS THERE AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, BUT AS A FRIEND. AFTER THE BOOK WAS IN PRINT HE CAME BY TO SEE HIM. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK HIM FOR THAT. THE BOOK IS GREAT . C.S.

The collection of words truly was an inspiration of life. After I finished reading the book, I had a new profound feeling about life. I feel that everyone should read this book once, because many of people in our materialistic society, including myself, take life for granted. But for me, that is a thing of the past. HAPPY READING!!!

Good book, great price. A bit longer to ship but it came as described condition. Thanks!

This book is the "bible" for understanding HIV/AIDS. It is a must have for students, researchers, doctors, and those who care for people with the disease.

This is really excellent book about HIV. It is easy to understand but contains nearly all advanced recent topics including history, immunology and pathogenesis of HIV. Especially for the students who study HIV, this is the best reference for general and specific knowledge.

This monograph frames HIV/AIDS in the context of rapidly-changing local sexual-mores as well as the fast growing arena of international, non-governmental and governmental organisations, that for 20 years have rallied to arrest the spread of the HI Virus in Thailand. The author draws together a number of ethnographic accounts of the Thai HIV/AIDS epidemic offering critical insight into local understandings, experiences and responses to the disease. Concomitant to this the author traces out the development of the modelling of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the subsequent campaigns that were fashioned to control it. The resultant picture that emerges of Thailand's HIV/AIDS epidemic is impressively broad in its scope and striking in the author's attention to detaill. In the true spirit of a critical anthropology the author raises questions regarding the taken for granted assumptions that inform the majority of HIV/AIDS research projects and social and behavioural intervention campaigns while, simultaneously contextualising the multifarious aspects of the epidemic in its contemporary and historical settings. This monograph is one of the few works on HIV/AIDS that through trying to understand the disease in its local social and cultural contexts, rather than simply change the worlds of the people affected by it, offers real insight into how HIV/AIDS is experienced on the ground and therefore insight into what might be done better than has been over the last 20 odd years.

A New Look At Thai AIDS: perspectives from the margins, is the only work of itskind in the field of HIV/AIDS both, in terms of Thailand's epidemic and the global pandemic as a whole. It offers the most comprehensive and thorough analysis of the biomedical, epidemiological, demographic and socio-cultural dimensions of Thailand's HIV/AIDS epidemic of any work in this field to date. Drawing on 19 years of ethnographic research in Northern Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, and an exhaustive corpus of English, Thai, Khmer and Lao language materials, this monograph runs a sustained and compelling argument that's critical insights and forthright conclusions set a new bench mark for anthropology as a critical discipline and raises questions of serious import to the'development world' as a whole. This monograph constitutes a finegrained, subtly-nuanced geneaological analysis of Thailand's HIV/AIDS epidemic grounded in its social, cultural, political and historical context. Essential reading!

A preliminary aside: take the whiny tone of the Kirkus Reviewer's comments (above) with a very large grain of salt. Then read this book. It goes far beyond the depth of others with similar goals. Its power resides not only in its subject matter but also in its empathetic and thoughtful treatment of those who have provided the interviews on which the book is based. Fine, fine work indeed.

In recording the stories of one community's response to the AIDS pandemic, the authors have captured the essense of the human spirit as it faces catestrophic circumstances. Starry Night is not just the record of Provincetown's response to AIDS; it is a wonderfully written account of how people embrace people when confronted by adversity. It is a story of place and of people and it transcends both of these to chronical something much larger than one community on a 'spit of land' at the edge of America.