The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive [Paperback]

Marvelyn Brown (Author), Courtney Martin (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 19, 2008

The surprisingly hopeful story of how a straight, nonpromiscuous, everyday girl contracted HIV and how she manages to stay upbeat, inspired, and more positive about life than ever before

At nineteen years of age, Marvelyn Brown was lying in a stark white hospital bed at Tennessee Christian Medical Center, feeling hopeless. A former top track and basketball athlete, she was in the best shape of her life, but she was battling a sudden illness in the intensive care unit. Doctors had no idea what was going on. It never occurred to Brown that she might be HIV positive.

Having unprotected sex with her Prince Charming had set into swift motion a set of circumstances that not only landed her in the fight of her life, but also alienated her from her community. Rather than give up, however, Brown found a reason to fight and a reason to live.

The Naked Truth is an inspirational memoir that shares how an everyday teen refused to give up on herself, even as others would forsake her. More, it's a cautionary tale that every parent, guidance counselor, and young adult should read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Make a note to add The Naked Truth; Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive by Marvelyn Brown to your bookshelf. In this poignant account, Brown 24, provides a cautionary tale about how she became HIV-positive at 19.” (Essence)

“Marvelyn Brown takes a bold approach to speak to our youth with enough honesty and frankness, everybody should be listening! She is an inspiration to men and women everywhere!” (Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges)

Be inspired by this true story of a 19-year old who contracted the HIV virus from her longtime monogamous boyfriend and became an Emmy Award winning advocate for HIV awareness. (Upscale)

About the Author

Marvelyn Brown is a native Tennessean who works with numerous HIV/AIDS outreach groups. She has extensive radio and television experience, including appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, MTV, BET, and The Tavis Smiley Show. She's also appeared in Newsweek, Ebony, and Real Health magazines. Her public-service announcement for Think MTV won an Emmy Award. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Courtney E. Martin is a writer, teacher, and speaker based in Brooklyn. She is the author of Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, The American Prospect, and the Christian Science Monitor, among other national publications, and she is a blogger for Feministing.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 233 pages
• Publisher: Ecco; First Edition edition (August 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061562394
• ISBN-13: 978-0061562396
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > AIDS

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelously Bold, Inspirational, Entertaining, and The Truth August 21, 2008

By B. Joy

Format:Paperback

I rec'd my book in the mail Monday evening. I didn't get around to reading it until late which means I stayed up all night long reading it until early Tuesday morning. This book is so inspirational and i'm so proud of this young lady putting this book out here. Watching her on CNN's Black in America and hearing her story and her purpose-I knew I wanted to support her by purchasing the book. Everybody has a little piece of Marvelyn Brown in them be it, the desire to be loved, the desire to want to leave a legacy, and the hope to break stereotypes. I must say that if you or someone you know needs inspiration...GET THIS BOOK. It's a bold story and it's the TRUTH!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR TEENS..... September 15, 2008

By MoJazz

Format:Paperback

I was introduced to Ms. Marvelyn Brown and her story during CNN's 'Black in America' special that aired in July. Marvelyn Brown and Courtney Martin have written a book that is both riveting and shocking in it's candid description of the choices and events that led to Ms. Brown's positive HIV test.

The authors have shined a light on the continuing ignorance and naiveté of many people in this country as it relates to understanding HIV. Marvelyn's story could be the difference between a positive and negative test for a lot of sexually active teens (and adults) in this country.

I pray that many will read this book and share this story with people they love. It is truly a cautionary tale.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Made to Read January 7, 2009

By Yolanda N. Thomas

Format:Paperback

I ordered this book for my fourteen year old daughter.S he is in the beginning stages of liking boys. I personally did not read the whole book and yet she did. My daughter is not big on reading. The book did touch her heart. I believe it made her think. We discussed what she had learned, she stated that I dont want to ruin my life. This book has planted a seed in her mind!