Being Positive: The Lives of Men and Women with HIV [Hardcover]

Robert Klitzman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1566631645 | ISBN-13: 978-1566631648 | Publication Date: August 1, 1997 | Edition: 1

Being Positive gives us the clearest picture we have of what life is like for people who have been diagnosed HIV positive. Based upon unique in-depth interviews with a broad cross-section of patients, the book is remarkable for its candor and compassionate analysis. The people speak for themselves. “Through these pages,” Robert Klitzman writes, “I have tried to present a picture—a group portrait—and a sense of the fabric and texture of these individual’s lives. Their stories taught me much about how people find meaning and cope with apparently overwhelming difficulties.” In looking for patterns in these lives, Dr. Klitzman has focused first on the problems these new patients face—the uncertainties, losses, and taboos; then on how they adapt—their new life in “HIV-land,” their spiritual beliefs, work and volunteerism, family relations, drugs and sex, and denial psychology. Finally he considers the implications of this major new medical problem and how it has forced us to examine so many personal, political, and institutional issues surrounding illness and the threat of death. Being Positive is not only a humanizing antidote to statistical studies of HIV and AIDS, it is an important benchmark in understanding the lives and experiences of the people who are affected.

Editorial Reviews

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. (Geertz, Clifford )

I know of no higher praise than to name a book necessary. Being Positive is that and more. (Fenton Johnson )

These are compelling stories...reminds us that we have so much to learn about life and death. (Abraham Verghese, M.D. )

Arresting work...should be widely read by practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. (Arthur Kleinman, M.D. London Times )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Ivan R Dee; 1 edition (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566631645
• ISBN-13: 978-1566631648
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,843,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive Attitude, May 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Being Positive: The Lives of Men and Women with HIV (Hardcover)

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 !.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving and informative book on AIDS, October 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Being Positive: The Lives of Men and Women with HIV (Hardcover)

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.