And the Band Played On

Just a typo in mine I believe: Ken Home but it's Ken Horne?

Anyone interested in history, politics, medicine, biology, sociology should read this book. It’s a thorough, well-researched account of the early days of AIDS, and how it and its victims were viewed, hidden, ignored, ostracized, and how the governments involved turned their heads…for the next inevitable epidemic, prepare yourselves…AIDS is not a gay disease; it’s a human disease.

I was very young in the 1980s, when AIDS ravaged the gay community and wedged itself into the permanent fabric of the United States. This book catalogues the array of villains — from Ronald Reagan’s White House to the leaders of the gay community to individuals like Gaetan Dugas — who let this epidimic spread almost entirely unabated, and the few heroes in the science, LGBT and publich health communities who waged a near-hopeless war against it. For those who think the legacy of HIV and AIDS is in the past, this book is a sober reminder of what AIDS really is, and what could reemerge if we let our guard down.

One of the most amazing books I've ever read. My uncle passed away from this disease almost 15 years ago and it's still so hard to grip and understand. This book offers amazing understanding and also so much disbelief as to how little was done compared to how much knowledge we have on the situation now. A definite read for anyone whose family has been affected by this disease and also to those with a curiosity to it.

I am a gay man that was a preteen in the early 80's when AIDS was in it's infancy stage in the US. I grew up with AIDS but never knew the history of the disease. Now, almost 30 years later, on the realization that my neighbor is in this book, I read it. I am greatly sadden at the struggles of those with AIDS in those early years and horrified by the ignorance of the world governments. It has given me a respect for those individuals that have fought and died. Although, I am gay, I have never felt this was "my" disease because I always practiced safe sex. I now know that this disease is all of ours. We continue to educate and push for research for a cure. And most of all, we need to remember those that have loss their lives. Knowledge is power ... Read this book for that knowledge!

Factually uncertain, but I'm not sure how a reporter, even one like Shilts at the epicenter of the epidemic, could make sure it was all true...even while knowing it all happened. The greatest stories are the real stories, with real people fighting honest battles. Moving, infuriating and honest.