I don't quite know how he does it, but this author always, always manages to tell stories in a way that makes me care about his characters, even thougI don't quite know how he does it, but this author always, always manages to tell stories in a way that makes me care about his characters, even though they are nothing like me, and prompts me to see the world as being a little brighter and humans as better than I have before. In his most recent title, he explores the power of friendship and artistic expression through the stories of four teens who spend a splendid summer together in a town by the sea. Their homes are not exactly sanctuaries as there is violence in some, death and dying in others, and carelessness in still others. But none of that matters when they're together. Their stories are told through the eyes of Ted, one of the boys, 25 years later, as he and Louisa, an 18-year-old artist, deal with loss and their connection to a recently deceased artist who has given her, a homeless girl, his most famous and most valuable painting. As usual with this particular writer, there are moments of immense pain and heartbreak, but there are also moments of joy and humor, and readers can't help but feel uplifted by his words and the time they have spent with these characters. ...more
Based on actual events, this novel in verse is a 3.5 for me. Set during one month during 1987 during the AIDs crisis, it follow three brothers--the JoBased on actual events, this novel in verse is a 3.5 for me. Set during one month during 1987 during the AIDs crisis, it follow three brothers--the Johnstons--who have AIDs as the recent of tainted blook transfusions as their mother's legal efforts to allow them to attend public school rather than be homeschooled bear fruition. But as with legal victories such as hers, a judge's ruling has little bearing on the attitudes of the citizens of the small town in Florida where they live. The three boys face all sorts of harassment and cruelty, and their home provides little sanctuary from the violence since prank callers, graffiti, and other threats escalate as townspeople try to force the youngsters to leave school and the area. But there are bright spots in the boys' story--a law enforcement agent who recognizes the bigotry in those acts of violence and comes to the family's aid, a reporter who wants to tell their story, and a caring English language arts teacher who nurtures Calvin, the oldest brother's, creative talents and encourages him to write poetry. There's also a subplot involving Izzy, Calvin's friend who lives on the beach, and how her grandfather forbids any contact between the two families once the truth about their health is revealed. Although this story starts slowly, it builds in intensity during the last half of the book. Although readers may be bewildered and troubled by the hatred and violence expressed toward the brothers, they will also feel reassured and perhaps inspired by the kindness of others while pondering how far society has come and yet how far it has to go. Surely, this book will touch the hearts of many middle-grade readers while providing a window into how things were back then. It's unlikely that anyone will read it without asking themselves what they would have done if they'd lived in Ashland, Florida at that time. ...more
This YA novel set in 1990 New York City during the AIDS health crisis-3.5 for me--captures those times perfectly with detailed descriptions of how theThis YA novel set in 1990 New York City during the AIDS health crisis-3.5 for me--captures those times perfectly with detailed descriptions of how the disease and its related illnesses ravages the body. But not only that; AIDS ravaged whole communities, breaking hearts as friends and family members contracted the virus and died, prompting fear and suspicion on the part of many, and causing many in the queer community to demand that the federal government spend money on research and treatment. In the midst of all this, two gay teens--Adam and Ben--are exploring the freedom that self-acceptance affords them. Adam, a film buff who works in a video store, falls for Callum, a pianist with aspirations to become a conductor, while Ben, an avid fashionista, leaves home to stay with his older brother Gil after a scene with his mother. Ben has kept his sexual identity a secret for the most part, but as he soaks in the heady freedom of New York with its bars and clubs, he starts feeling increasingly comfortable in his own skin and thinking that love just might be possible for him. Adam, on the other hand, is sure that he won't ever risk his heart again after losing Callum. The two stories are separated for part of the book, but over the course of time their paths keep crossing with different results--sometimes brief connections, often misunderstandings--and readers will root for them to take those risks they need to in order to heal their very different wounds. The possibility of finding and embracing oneself, the hope of finding someone who accepts and loves us just as we are, imperfections and all, is woven throughout this powerful love story, which will take readers who lived through these particular times back to the paranoia that existed then but also remind them and much younger readers that there are different types of families other than the ones to whom we are related and that being seen and heard are so very important. This one would have a higher rating, but it was hard for me to buy into all the luck and fashion connections that were coming Ben's way. How could a teenage boy know so much about fashion, be able to drop so many names, and buy so many magazines, even at the price they cost in those days?...more
Readers in search of hope, inspiration, and an example of selflessness will find it in this account [4.5 for me] of Dr. Paul Farmer, an infectious disReaders in search of hope, inspiration, and an example of selflessness will find it in this account [4.5 for me] of Dr. Paul Farmer, an infectious disease expert and anthropologist, who spent much of his life working in Haiti. While many hospitals and physicians seem more interested in the bottom line and money than delivering quality patient care to the poor, that wasn't the case for him. A recipient of the MacArthur Genius Grant, Farmer spent much of his time shuttling between Boston and Haiti, where he oversaw a clinic providing care to those who most needed it but could least afford it financially. It's hard to read this expansive tale of his dedication to bringing tools and modern medicine, practices most of us take for granted, to communities that have often been overlooked. As author Tracy Kidder accompanies him on his rounds, hiking for hours up steep terrain and traveling across treacherous roads while avoiding possible violence, readers will fall in love with this self-sacrificing man who wanted to deliver to the people of Haiti medical practices that will change their lives and keep them healthy. Trying to keep up with this man--I'd call him a saint because of his compassion--with all his activities and various tasks is exhausting. But it's hard to argue with his methods since they work or his compassion because every life matters--or should matter. Most of all, reading this book offers readers an example to which they might aspire or, if not, the reminder that one person, one dedicated person willing to work his network and push against conventional wisdom or the way things have always been done can make a difference. The eyes and hearts of cynical readers will be opened through his example, and the awareness that while it might not be possible to move a mountain in one push, it is possible to move parts of that mountain. And yes, as the Haitian proverb would have it, while life is filled with problems [or mountains], those problems can be solved with enough determination, and then after tackling that problem, it is necessary to move on to the next one. As others have noted, the word "idealistic" comes to mind when thinking about how Farmer conducts his life and his business, and I came away from this book filled with admiration for him and his work and somewhat ashamed that I haven't done enough on my own part as well as having some of my assumptions about this part of the world challenged. ...more
In this follow-up to her earlier Dopesick, journalist Beth Macy introduces readers to the caring individuals who are trying to make a dent in this pubIn this follow-up to her earlier Dopesick, journalist Beth Macy introduces readers to the caring individuals who are trying to make a dent in this public health crisis, often at great cost to themselves. These are the folks who don't limit their work to a 9 to 5 schedule, often pay for supplies out of their own pockets, and have their hearts broken by the sheer number of individuals who overdose or fall victim to crimes. The book's title--Raising Lazarus--is apt, given the variety of individuals suffering from Opioid Use Disorder and/or Substance Use Disorder, the lives cut short, and the hope that the activists, doctors, social and health care workers, religious figures, and ordinary men, women, and nonbinary individuals present with some of their strategies for dealing with this health challenge. Not only does Macy follow some of these modern heroes on their daily and nightly rounds as they bring needles for exchange, food, and medicine for drug users, individuals who use drugs and patients (the preferred terms to replace the label "addict"), but she explains why opioid addiction is not like addiction to other substances, offers possible avenues for reform, and describes the lawsuits intent on holding the Sadker family responsible for this crisis. That legal battle seems to have encountered all sorts of detours, which may make readers wonder if justice is ever possible. To add further complications to the fight against these all-too-often prescribed drugs, Macy describes the challenges that COVID-19 added to a mountain of adversity. This well-written book takes readers to the frontlines of this effort, opening their eyes to the very human cost of addiction as well as the economic effects it ravages on communities. Anyone who considers their family or community safe from this threat is incredibly naive and will change their tune and actually feel angry after being immersed in the stories shared here. ...more
Set during 2017 mostly in New York City, this debut novel is a 3.5 for me, and the author is clearly one to watch. As other reviewers have noted, she Set during 2017 mostly in New York City, this debut novel is a 3.5 for me, and the author is clearly one to watch. As other reviewers have noted, she skillfully blends the personal with the political, and her characters are flawed, which makes them all the more relatable. From the outside looking in, Olga Acevedo, a wedding planner, and her older brother Pedro (Prieto), a Congressman representing their Brooklyn neighborhood, have it made. The siblings are attractive and have access to power and fame in many different ways. But this perfection and happy ending is something of an illusion since readers learn that both of them have secrets and may not have lived up to their potential. Olga actually dislikes her work and has kept herself emotionally unavailable to any serious romantic commitment, and Prieto fears revealing that he is queer, a concern that causes him to betray his constituents in various ways. Both are still dealing with the absence of their mother, an activist who left them behind in order to follow her own dreams and radical path. She sends them missives once in awhile and will become an important part of the book's conclusion since both Olga and Prieto realize that much of their lives have been spent trying to earn her love despite her absence. In many respects, her reappearance has as much effect on these two as the hurricanes (Ike and Maria) have on the residents of Puerto Rico, left to fend for themselves for FEMA and the government. The descriptions of how those citizens deal with the aftermath of those hurricanes are revealed to Prieto (and many readers) during his visit as part of rescue efforts and first-hand observations of the island. Parts of the story are filled with family love and competition as well as growing self-awareness and daring to take chances and live life on one's own terms, maybe being open to love and new paths, and readers may see parts of themselves and their own actions in these two characters. ...more
With its endpapers featuring the subject's spicy fermented produce, this picture book written by the same authors responsible for Chef Roy Choi and thWith its endpapers featuring the subject's spicy fermented produce, this picture book written by the same authors responsible for Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix (2017) is a 3.5 for me. The cartoonlike illustrations are filled with bits of color and somehow manage to depict the process of fermentation while also highlighting Sandor Katz's piercing blue eyes and telling the story of his move from bustling New York City to rural Middle Tennessee during the AIDS crisis. Drawn to a simpler, plant-based way of living, he embraced this new existence in which he and other like-minded individuals, grew their own produce and gathered berries for meals. When the cabbages in the garden flourished beyond anyone's wildest dreams, Sandor worried about the abundance of the leafy, green vegetable, and how to use the extra cabbages. Inspired by memories of the sauerkraut he once ate in New York, he used a recipe he found, using chopped cabbage and salt mixed and stored in a container for a few days. The result was yummy, and he decided to tweak it with spices the next time around. As his food and reputation spread, Sandor visited other countries and met many other individuals who employed microbes to cook without heat. Back matter includes a recipe for kraut-chi, comments from Sandor Katz, and notes from the two authors, one of whom compares fermenting vegetables to the writing process. While the story may not make readers into fans of kraut-chi, it might make some of them willing to try new ways of cooking and eating. Judging by the photograph of a very healthy Sandor in the back matter, this way of life agrees with him. The energetic text uses descriptive words to pay tribute to this innovative cook. Readers who love stories about individuals living off the grid or charting their own courses or those who relish in sampling foods of all sorts will enjoy this title. ...more
Having read A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner earlier, I was eager to sink into this one as well. Bildner's book is for a younger audience aHaving read A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner earlier, I was eager to sink into this one as well. Bildner's book is for a younger audience and doesn't go into the same sort of detail that this book does due to its intended audience. I appreciated both books for their respective merits. This one is a no-holds barred account of the life and times of baseball player Glenn Burke, the first openly gay Major League Baseball player. He's also acknowledged as the individual responsible for starting the practice of high-fives when someone, especially in sports, does something well. It's clear that Glenn was a talented athlete, excelling in basketball during his high school years, and often being the glue that held together the baseball teams on which he played, whether it was a farm team or the big leagues. He even played in the World Series in 1977 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. But he held onto his secret--that he was gay--for many years. As he became less and less wiling to hide his identity, Glenn was pressured to stay in the closet and even agree to a pretend marriage. Managers Tommy Lasorda and Billy Martin in particular do not come off well in this account because of their closed-mindedness. After his baseball career ended, Glenn embraced his freedom, but he was unable to hold down a regular job, and his money evaporated. When the book begins, Glenn is in a flophouse where rooms went for $10 a night, as down on his luck as it's possible to be. The narrative then shifts to his early years and his career before covering the events that led to his demise. Relying on interviews from family, friends, and teammates, this is an important story because of how Glenn's life took a tragic turn that was not necessary. Readers who grew up during that time period when disco was king and AIDS shocked the world will recall the paranoia surrounding those with HIV or AIDS and how they were treated while those who are unfamiliar with that time period will be shocked by some of the scenes described here. The author makes it clear that Glenn was not perfect; he wasn't always as disciplined as he needed to be, he failed to take academics or his education seriously, he became addicted to drugs, and he didn't always respond well to authority figures, and that perhaps he was too trusting of those who didn't deserve that trust. Still, it's equally clear that baseball betrayed him and that his family stuck by his side through all this. The passages describing his failing health and demise from AIDS are heartrending. This well-written narrative nonfiction with plenty of baseball action should be read for its historical value and to reflect on what life and his career might have been like for Glenn had he been playing baseball today. ...more
This one's a 3.5 for me, mostly because the blackmailing plot didn't work for me, and I guessed the blackmailer early on despite the heavy-handed red This one's a 3.5 for me, mostly because the blackmailing plot didn't work for me, and I guessed the blackmailer early on despite the heavy-handed red herring and felt disappointed by that revelation, and there were some passages that contained odd wording. But despite its minor flaws, this is certainly a strong debut by an author with much promise. Kudos to her for tacking such a challenging topic and issue. Older readers will remember all the hysteria during the AIDS scare back in the 1980s and the government's seeming lack of concern about the disease, and many younger readers will think the crisis is over and done with, at least here in the United States. Nevertheless, misinformation about AIDs and HIV still persists, something this book does a great job of correcting. The book's protagonist, seventeen-year-old Simone Garcia-Hampton, is HIV-positive and finding herself increasingly attracted to Miles, who helps out on the set of Rent, the student musical she's directing at her new high school in San Francisco. Simone had to leave her previous school after her classmates discovered that she was HIV-positive, making her reluctant to share any information about her health with anyone other than her family. She has two supportive adoptive fathers, one a doctor and the other one a teacher, and she's finding herself increasingly drawn to Miles despite her parents' warnings to remain celibate. Still, Simone knows because her doctors reassure her of the fact that if her virus remains undetected in her blood, she can't infect anyone else, even during the transmission of fluids during sex. Even though Simone knows the right thing to do is to tell Miles, she also fears that this information about her health will send him scurrying away. Honestly, Miles is almost too good to be true since he's patient, understanding, and willing to wait and not overly concerned about what others will say. I loved Simone's best friends Lydia and Claudia and all the references to musicals as well as the fact that Rent is so focused around AIDs. This book is sure to prompt discussions and open some hearts and minds as readers wonder what they might have done in Simone's situation. It also offers hope that being HIV-positive need not be a death sentence. ...more
An idyllic summer vacation at her grandmother's island cottage on Hornby Island offers Becca plenty of opportunities to relax, spend time with family An idyllic summer vacation at her grandmother's island cottage on Hornby Island offers Becca plenty of opportunities to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy nature. In this sequel to Becca at Sea, the young protagonist is busy trying to put on a production of The Tempest, a challenging Shakespeare play that needs the talents of Becca's older cousin Alicia, who refuses to lower herself to participate in the project. Becca plans to use the proceeds from attendees to buy a new boat, but changes her mind after learning of a more worthwhile use of the money. While Becca still loves the island, she also comes to recognize some of its dangers as river otters interrupt an overnight camping trip, a dead bear washes up on shore, and an eaglet struggles to fly. Then, too, she watches love bloom between her aunt, Fifi, and Merlin, the island's resident plumber, both lovers of Shakespeare. Any large family that has ever tried to eat out while its members are indecisive about what to get will be able to relate to the family's trip to several takeout joints where things go wrong at every turn. Readers who loved the classic Anne of Green Gables may enjoy this series as well since they have a chance to watch its characters develop and explore new identities. Gently but effectively told, this story about family will resonate with many young readers. The earnestness with which the play is rehearsed, and the mishaps that befall its actors will remind readers, even some older ones, of some of their own summer experiences when everything seemed so terribly important and urgent. ...more
Although it is certainly true that education is a reliable avenue out of poverty, it also comes at a heavy price and requires great resilience as thisAlthough it is certainly true that education is a reliable avenue out of poverty, it also comes at a heavy price and requires great resilience as this novel by a new author shows. Auma lives in a small Luo village in Kenya with her parents and her siblings. Since it is the 1980s AIDS and HIV are just starting to make their effects felt. She is an excellent runner and studies hard, dreaming that her athletic talent and her academic performance might earn her a scholarship to secondary school, which will eventually lead to her becoming a doctor. Auma's mother has always depended on her to help with the other children, but she still has free time to spend with her best friend, also a runner. Things change, though, when Auma's father returns home from the city where he has been working. He is tired, keeps losing weight, and stays in bed most of the time, never being able to summon the energy to return to his job. As others in her village die of a disease they never call by its name, false information, gossip, and superstitions swirl around the deceased. When Auma's father dies, many villagers come to honor him, but they consume the family's food stores, and it becomes clear that her mother is also ill. Although Auma has suspected that her father died as the result of AIDS/HIV, she only comes to fully understand the disease during a school lesson. Readers will be inspired by her determination to keep up with her schooling despite the challenges and the odds stacked against her. The author paints a vivid portrait of hunger and poverty and the embarrassment Auma experiences because she is an orphan and lacks the resources of others. Try though she might, it is impossible to care for her mother and siblings, make money for their food, and attend school, and she is constantly torn between what she wants to do and what she needs to do. The secrecy surrounding this disease and some of the so-called cures that led to desperate behavior on the part of some of her neighbors add authenticity to the story. I also liked how Auma resisted being married off to some man in order to solve the family's financial woes and how she somehow sorted things out for her. By the time I finished the book, I was exhausted emotionally as though I had run several marathons when all I had to do was turn a few pages. I was also left with a deep, abiding respect for this young woman whose long run to victory and something better than what others had in mind for her was achieved through schooling. By succeeding in her ambitions, she could certainly give back to others....more