Ricci G. (goldie61) reviewed on 8/9/2012 + 39 more book reviews

Extensively researched, this book is the definative work on the disease. Shilts goes back to the earliest days of AIDS to chronicle the the spread of this horrible disease. As Americans, we should feel the shame author Shilts intends as the signs were all pointing to something new, massive and deadly. Yes, hindsight enables perfect perception and categorization of the thousands of variables in play back in the 80's and 90's. But the slow reaction by the gay community, government and medical establishments all played critical roles in allowing AIDS to take hold. Worse yet, when the problem was in full picture, the government's response to the crisis was nothing short of embarrassing.

The story occasionally gets blogged down in details that add little to the book. There are probably 50-100 key players in the book and keeping them straight is not an easy task. The author does take liberties in re-inventing conversations, delivering a narrative flow versus thousands of quotes. If you can get past the fact that these aren't verbatim conversations, you realize it adds to the story while not detracting from the cold facts uncovered by the author.

The next new disease may be right around the corner. This should be required reading for every presidental administration and head of any major medical organization on how not to attack a new medical issue that has the potential to change millions of lives. I remember the Reagan years as good for America economically but book brings out the clear statement to me... at what cost?

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