YA?A compelling account of the experiences of a heterosexual couple grappling with HIV, AIDS, and death. In a series of diary entries, HIV patient Janice Burns recounts her long courtship and marriage to brilliant, handsome Bill. When they married, life could not have been more idyllic: careers progressed successfully; family and friends provided supportive and fun-loving connections; and Janice dreamed of having a daughter named Sarah. In their third year of marriage, the couple received the devastating dual diagnosis of HIV. The author is forthright in divulging the cause of the disease; her fear of disclosure to her parents and friends; and her feelings of betrayal, anger, and immobilizing fear. In this personal, courageous account, YAs will watch teenage infatuation blossom into mature spiritual devotion in the face of tragedy. They are also given a glimpse of a rare physician who allows himself to feel the pain of his patients and forfeit cold clinical objectivity. Readers are privy to descriptions of insidious infections, harrowing treatments, and finally the details of Bill's death. There is good information here about how the disease is contracted and how HIV is treated. When new information has been obtained since the journal entries, footnotes provide medical updates. Readers of Janice's journal will never have to say when Bill did: "Nobody told me about it. I didn't know."?Jackie Gropman, Kings Park, Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Most people still think of AIDS as a disease affecting only gay men and intravenous drug users. This journal, written by a woman infected by her husband, tells the story of a couple's struggle with the fatal illness. Burns's husband contracted HIV during a brief homosexual relationship. Bill and Janice tested positive soon after their marriage. The journal recounts their diagnosis, treatment, and daily coping and Burns's struggle to survive after her husband's death. The couple's great devotion to each other and the author's strength in facing her own deterioration are evident. While this is not a necessary purchase-a bit sappy and self-indulgent at times, it is less moving than In the Company of Solitude (LJ 7/95)-large HIV/AIDS collections may want to consider Sarah's Song (a title that refers to the daughter the Burnses would never have).
Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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