Customer Reviews (4)

Why I Value Dr. Dean's "The Miracle of Magnesium"
While I have long been interested in the mineral magnesium - because of personal health problems as well as my professional training in hospital dietetics - I have found no other book on the subject that describes in layperson language the complexity of magnesium metabolism and the many health problems related to magnesium deficiency, as well as does THE MIRACLE OF MAGNESIUM.

Laypeople need access to this information because most physicians fail to see the connection between magnesium deficiency and, for example, heart disease - America's No. 1 killer! Why? Physicians learn comparatively little about the body's essential minerals in medical college and only recently has an ACCURATE test for measuring body magnesium been made available. Most physicians depend on the serum test for magnesium, not dependable for measuring the ACTIVE form of magnesium. Dr. Dean explains that mineral testing has evolved from taking whole blood measurements to testing for cell minerals to testing for mineral ions, the active component of minerals working at the tissue level. She writes: "Every year for the past forty years" the two dedicated scientists who developed this test "have produced on average a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles on magnesium and ionic magnesium testing. Their research convinces even die-hard skeptics...of the clear need for magnesium supplementation and the absolute requirement for ACCURATE testing."

Health problems Dr. Dean lists as having been successfully treated with magnesium therapy include HEART ARRHYTHMIA, SEIZURES, HYPOGLYCEMIA, COLITIS, HEAVY METAL TOXICITY, ASTHMA, MIGRAINES and NERVE PROBLEMS. I have been diagnosed with each of them -- most before it was known they can be magnesium-deficiency symptoms.

Two years ago I was stricken with periods of rapid heartbeat - a form of HEART ARRHYTHMIA. At first I thought possibly my new anticonvulsant might be causing me to lose potassium since taking extra potassium slowed my fast pulse and when I no longer took potassium my frightening sieges of rapid pulse would periodically reoccur. So I asked my nutritionally-oriented physician if he could test for potassium "leakage". Luckily he knew that for potassium to function it needs sufficient magnesium, and he ordered a 24 hour urine test for potassium, magnesium and other minerals. The test indicated I was excreting excessive amounts of BOTH potassium and magnesium. Follow-up tests showed that while the magnesium in my white blood cells was LOW that the potassium in my red blood cells was NORMAL. Obviously not enough magnesium was reaching my cells. At that point my physician prescribed INTRAVENOUS magnesium, and the night following my first shot I slept better than I had in a long time!

Several months later, following publication of her book, I noticed that Dr. Dean had written: "....magnesium is responsible for maintaining normal potassium and sodium concentrations INSIDE HEART MUSCLE CELLS." She also said that a magnesium deficiency can result in one's having not only arrhythmia, seizures and convulsions but also muscle weakness. MUSCLE WEAKNESS! I recalled that muscle weakness is one of the four major side effects known to be caused by my new anticonvulsant -the anticonvulsant I started taking shortly before I was stricken with rapid-pulse arrhythmia! At the time, I only related muscular weakness to leg and arm muscles. But after reading what Dr. Dean wrote I wondered, "COULD LOW MAGNESIUM BE WEAKENING MY HEART MUSCLES?" It seemed to me that a heart muscle that was too weak to produce a strong beat might beat much more rapidly, trying to pump more blood.

Elsewhere in the book I read, "Magnesium expert Mildred Seelig tells us that the side effects of many drugs may be associated with magnesium deficiency because MAGNESIUM BECOMES DEPLETED WHILE THE BODY IS TRYING TO DETOXIFY DRUGS."

My physician had told me the anticonvulsant I had previously taken - marketed for many years and, therefore, better evaluated - depleted magnesium. Upon reading Dr. Seelig's statement I began to suspect that my new anticonvulsant might be causing my low magnesium level and the low magnesium, in turn, might be weakening my heart muscles and triggering periods of rapid pulse arrhythmia.

In addition to receiving magnesium IVs and taking oral supplements I have paid close attention to Dr. Dean's suggestions for maintaining a healthy magnesium level. For example, she lists which foods and which brands of bottled waters have the highest levels of magnesium, which foods can block its absorption and which foods require extra magnesium for digestion and metabolism.

Just a year ago, following a 24 hour Holter test that recorded my periods of arrhythmia, my cardiologist recommended Digoxin for treating it. Because my arrhythmia had responded to taking potassium, I asked if - before trying any prescription drugs -- he would consider my first trying nutritional supplements that have been successfully used to treat arrhythmia. Unlike three other cardiologists I had consulted, he was enthused about exploring this comparatively new field with me.

His trust in me and my faith in what Dr. Dean had written were rewarded. Following my recent treadmill test, my cardiologist wrote:: "On the standard Bruce treadmill she has an excellent aerobic capacity of 10.1 METS. She completes 53 seconds of stage 3 with a maximum heart rate 158 and no arrhythmia...Recovery is rapid to heart rate 83 within six minutes and her examination and treadmill test electrocardiographically are normal before, during and after exercise."

Jerri Spalding Fredin, 78 years young
September 2003

The Miracle of Magnesium
As a nurse I am required to have 24hrs of CE credits, to renew my license. We can choose from various subjects and titles to accomplish this. I am a Medical/Surgical nurse which basicly deals with every possible ailment out there, so my choice is endless. However, we have noticed a new interest in some of our doctors for monitering the Magnesium levels on their patients. Magnesium is a mineral that got very little attention. I wanted to know why and this book just happened to be one of the selective readings I could choose from.
All I can say is what a fabulous choice! I am willing to bet that anyone reading this book will feel they are reading about themselves. It is astounding the effect magnesium deficiency has on our bodies. As I look at my patients now- it all makes sense.
This book is simple to read and understand. You do not need a medical background. It explains how magnesium deficiencies cause or contribute to certain conditions that we all have experienced, such as: fatigue, muscle cramps, heart palpitations, headaches, sleeping problems and so much more. Then it gives you directions on how you can prevent or solve it before it gets worse. It also shows how magnesium has an important role in heart disease, strokes, Alzheimers, and more.
Dr. Carolyn Dean's book is a very inexpensive investment in your health and will save you not only your money in the long run!

A LIFE SAVER!...
My husband was rushed to the hospital with all of the symptoms of a heart attack. He was in the hospital for two days and had many tests performed , but one test he did not have was the ion magnesium test. The hospital could find nothing wrong with him and sent him home. I was not satisfied with this(what if another attack happened) and I started doing my own reasearch. I knew that magnesium was a relaxant so I looked up magnesium and the heart. I came across Dr. Deans new book, THE MIRACLE OF MAGNESIUM. I figured that my husband was having arterial spasms and when my husband took this information to his doctor, the doctor agreed that yes, most likely this was the problem. My husband is now on magnesium therapy and has not had anymore spasms to date. Thank God for this book, as it is a wealth of information! The word needs to get out on the many benefits of taking magnesium. I too am taking magnesium now. I suffered from PMS and had a tendency to feel kind of blue or down at times. Well I am happy to say that I no longer feel this way! I highly recommend this book to everyone! In good health, Lynn ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness   2. Healing   3. Health & Fitness   4. Health aspects   5. Health/Fitness   6. Magnesium   7. Magnesium deficiency diseases   8. Nutrition   9. Health & Fitness / Healing   

Customer Reviews (4)

Definitely a must have book!
This book helps affected/infected individual understand the nutritional needs of the body and also goes on to describe many other aspects of HIV. This book is definitely a must have for HIV+ individuals and caregivers/supporters.

A must read for those with HIV & for their support system.
Dr.Romeyn has addressed one of the most serious problems facing people with HIV, the devastating bodily wasting that occurs in those struggling with the effects of this disease. Her work is a comprehensive approach to nutritional treatment. She is articulate and yet not patronizing. Her concern and compassion for those who suffer from this dissease is quite apparent. I believe those who see her in her private practice are most fortunate. I am grateful for her work, and have given copies of this book to several men and women both in the parish and in the community at large.There is a great need in the larger community for this quality of information. I highly recommend it.

Good book, but...
This is an informative book. However, it did not meet my expectations.It even gets boring sometimes. However, it is a good book to have if you are interested in learning more about vitamins and minerals, and their effect with HIV/AIDS. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. AIDS (Disease)   3. Acquired Immunodeficiency Synd   4. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome   5. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   6. Diet / Health / Fitness   7. Diet therapy   8. Medical   9. Nutrition   10. Nutritional aspects   11. popular works   12. Dietetics & nutrition   13. Diets & dieting   14. HIV / AIDS   15. Health & Fitness / Nutrition   

Customer Reviews (6)

New York Times review
Books on Health: Smart Approach to H.I.V.
(December 9, 2003)

It is hard to be optimistic about an incurable disease, but the author of this supportive resource, a writer who has had H.I.V. for 25 years, manages to do it. "Now that I'm healthy," he writes, "I'm far more worried about getting in a car accident on the Los Angeles Freeway than I am about getting sick from H.I.V."

Mr. Grodeck, an online editor for the RAND Corporation, guides readers through the first seven days after diagnosis, the next three weeks, and the rest of the year.

Combining the human element with essential information about treatment options, choosing the right doctors, the importance of diet and exercise, holistic alternatives and sex, the book transforms a complex disease into one that can be understood and managed.

In his discussion of treatment options, Mr. Grodeck takes a level-headed approach.

While noting that the new generation of medicines, taken together in various combinations, can slow or even halt the virus, he cautions that so-called alternative therapies do not improve the course of H.I.V. and that some are dangerous and can make the infection worse.

"If you like gambling," he writes, "you'll love herbal medicine. Most herbal or plant-based medicines haven't been properly tested, so they are risky." Moreover, he says, people taking prescription drugs should "be careful about taking herbs and supplements."

"Herbs and supplements do not work for treating H.I.V.," Mr. Grodeck concludes, "but some forms of alternative medicine help with symptoms of anxiety and depression."

Specifically written for those newly diagnosed with HIV
The First Year: HIV is a guide specifically written for those newly diagnosed with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), by HIV-positive patient advocate Brett Grodeck who himself has lived with the virus for the past fifteen years. In accessible and plain terms ideal for the non-specialist general reader, individual chapters cover support group resources, advice and strategies for making the needed changes to one's lifestyle, words of wisdom and caution about discussing the issue of one's HIV status with friends and co-workers, the latest medical research, the option of having HIV-negative children even if one is a HIV-positive man or woman, and more. If you or a loved one is having to deal with the medical and social issues of being HIV positive, then this is the book you should begin your personal research with.

Positively Aware
The writing is easy-to-read, with a tone that's friendly and down-to-earth. It's like a good support group in a book, with quotes from the author's personal experiences and that of other people living with HIV. Chapters are only three to five pages in length. Technical matters, such as resistance testing, are put in easy-to-understand terms. Even people way past the first year will find it useful.

Dr. Dan Berger, a columnist for Positively Aware (see "The Buzz"), contributed greatly to the book and wrote the foreword. In addition to medical issues, the book covers topics such as disclosure, depression and where to go if you've been discriminated against.

--October issue of Positively Aware ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)   2. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   3. Diet / Health / Fitness   4. Diseases - AIDS & HIV   5. HIV infections   6. Healing - General   7. Health & Fitness   8. Health/Fitness   9. Healthy Living   10. Popular works   

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for anyone!
This book is a must-have for anyone who works in health education or is a practitioner of any sort. Fan et al have created an easy-to-read yet detailed account of HIV and AIDS from the views of the epidemiologist, virologist, health care worker, psychologist, sociologist, and anyone else interested in the topic. I first encountered this book in 1999 as a student enrolled in a course on HIV and it's impact on our society. I now use it in teaching County sponsored HIV/STD workshops and mini courses to youth ages 13-19 and to professors and students at my university. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. AIDS (Disease)   3. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   4. General   5. Infectious Diseases   6. Medical   7. Medical / Nursing   8. Social aspects   9. Sociology - General   10. Sociology Of Medicine   

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)   2. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   3. Art   4. Art & Art Instruction   5. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion   6. Biography   7. Biography/Autobiography   8. Fashion   9. Fashion designers   10. General   11. NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Qu   12. NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt   13. Patients   14. Quilts & Quilting   15. Art / General   

Customer Reviews (1)

This book may save your life.
Magnesium is one of the most important nutrients for human health, yet it may be the most overlooked -- despite the fact that the majority of Americans suffer from magnesium deficiency. As Dr. Mildred Seelig -- probably the world's leading expert on the role of magnesium in human health -- points out in this invaluable book magnesium deficiency is a major cause of both heart disease and diabetes as well as a significant number of other common ailments. If you are one of the majority of Americans who suffer from magnesium deficiency you undoubtedly suffer from numerous unpleasant symptoms and are at serious risk of dying prematurely. Yet you can alleviate these symptoms and remove this risk simply by taking supplemental magnesium as recommended by Dr. Seelig. As a research chemist, I beg you to get this book and follow Dr. Seelig's advice. Your health, and even your life, may be at stake if you don't. This is one of the most important books currently available. I wish that everyone, including every physician, would read it and heed it's advice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies   2. Diet / Health / Fitness   3. General   4. Health & Fitness   5. Health aspects   6. Health/Fitness   7. Magnesium   8. Magnesium deficiency diseases   9. Magnesium in the body   10. Nutrition   11. Popular works   12. Vitamins   

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. AIDS (Disease)   3. Administration   4. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   5. Handbooks, manuals, etc   6. Medical   7. Medical / Nursing   8. Prevention   9. Preventive Medicine   

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent, readable overview of vaccine research
Jon Cohen is probably the most knowledgable journalist on the topic of HIV vaccines and has been following developments in this area for over a decade. He's had unparalleled access to people working in the field and it shows in this well organized history of the search for an HIV vaccine. I used to work in this area of research and, although there are issues where I have quibbled with the author, I can think of no better introduction to the field and the key issues that have shaped it. Cohen has been uniquely able to maintain the trust and respect of key people working in the field, while also raising important social and scientific issues. The result is a thoughtful, relatively thorough chronology that is also readable and concise. At a more personal level, the book brought back many forgotten controversies and issues that formed the background for almost a decade of my own work. The writing is that vivid, while also maintaining a high standard of scientific journalism.

They themselves are the experiment
Buy this book, read it, and pass it on to a friend. In short, make it infections, as it is one of the best hopes for 'enlightened' men to capture the future.

This is a massive journalistic endeavor for a single man to mount, set against the hurdles of the decidedly clubby world of big-money medicine and ten-plus years of the Byzantine complexities of many different scientific disciplines, not one. Its factual, story-to-tell approach, is a breath of fresh air in a miasma of empty government panel reports, obtuse scientific ramblings, sensationalist hardcopy, and necessarily overstated activist rancor. For those who take time with it, it works its way, not "into your face", but slowly into your heart.

For the less passionate, however, it is not clear, that this book, stoutly rendered by Cohen and W.W.Norton, carries its burden of proof, in all cases. Where are the numbers? We read that vaccine research persistently remained at 10% of the overall NAIAD budget, but, W.W., a data table would have been nice. The same with the grant evaluation-success rates and total project funding(s), and other small things here and there. But these points hardly sacrifice the whole. The broader picture and point to be made is overwhelmingly clear: Physician, help thyself! Alternatively, one might call it, "When bad things happen to really, really smart people."

This realization builds from page to page with almost every conflict and with almost every story of pursuit recounted. **The "endless frontier" of medicine-man-directed-science has not been expansive enough to include the basic, fundamental lessons of process science, risk bearing and decision making under uncertainty, strategic planning, and public relations.** It is no accident that Jonas Salk's last recounted wish is for "better ways", and the attentive reader will find similar hints or cries for help from other scientists as well.

Since 1981, it is a time for *war*, man against microbe. These scientists seem to miss the lessons of the *harsh*, *daily* reality that THEY AND THEIR ETHOS *ARE* THE EXPERIMENT!

This is true, notwithstanding, of course, of the great "Nobel prize experiment", that perniciously hangs like a collaboration-distracting "mirror, mirror" amid the lab-rats. At other times, the profession also seems oddly self-aware, as the paucity of those interested in putting themselves in harm's way of such a dashing "experiment" is laid bare, for example, while the directorship for the new NIH Vaccine Center goes unwanted.

Now, in 2001, the field seems blood red and who will say which fault belongs to whom? Who could fault the NIH, who, after all, have only the power to subsidize? Who could fault the politicians, who thought the scientists had it "under control (at least contained, ahem!) and adequately funded"? Who could continue to fault the system, when incremental changes have been made? Finally, what Prince will come at the end to say, "And I, for winking at your discords too, have lost a brace of kinsman?"

Yet the notion that Cohen suggests, that, after twenty years, "the world is watching", does nothing but turn up the heat on a pot with the same ingredients. One cannot look into Dr. Fauci's or Dr. Baltimore's eyes, for instance, and think that these researchers, these captains, are utterly bankrupt, immoral egoists or that they have deaf ears, deaf ears to the 60 million that may die one of the most miserable deaths possible, surrender (insofar as the human mind could even comprehend the magnitude of such a loss).

To be fair - and hopeful -, the medical profession, has let itself open to study and critique, far, far more than others. Yet, more chanticleer cries will repeat the past, for what may be needed now are truly better ways, diversity of thought, competence in management, and sufficiency in funding - the hard work, not the low-hanging fruit; settling in for the long-run; in short, the next 20 years.

The Buddhists believe that a single man can change the world. This reviewer hopes that others who read this book also have vigor enough to take a trumpet to Washington, not to wake anyone up, but like Joseph on the way to Jericho, truly a March of D-times.

Search for an AIDS vaccine
Jon Cohen has written an absolutely masterful history of the search for an Aids vaccine. His book poses all the right questions. He explores all the political and scientific issues that have affected this long journey to a vaccine. His research is exhaustive and the book is well documented. It reads as the very best kind of scientific adventure tale. It is the best account that I have read about this disease and the people who have tried to unravel its mysteries. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. AIDS (Disease)   3. AIDS vaccines   4. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   5. Diseases - AIDS & HIV   6. Immunology   7. Medical   8. Medical / Nursing   9. Military   10. Popular works   11. Research   12. Vaccination   13. Vaccines   14. History of medicine   15. Medical research   16. Pharmaceutical industries   

Customer Reviews (15)

Include this book in "Banned Books Week" promotions
Good grief, look at the lame objections to Fumento's book. He never said heterosexuals *couldn't* get AIDS, just that they were nowhere near as likely to get it as the classic risk groups. Is there something wrong with acknowledging this?

Is his message one of tolerance for heterosexual promiscuity? No. He points out that the places where it is widely associated with heterosexual sex are places where one or more of the following are true: 1) Heavy sanctions against homosexuality impel sufferers to deny their true activity; 2) Rampant promiscuity has led to rampant VD, causing lesions which encourage the blood-to-body-fluid contact needed for AIDS transmission and concentrating the disease in prostitutes; and 3) because of severe shortages, medical professionals reuse needles themselves, effectively giving their patients the AIDS transmission rates associated with intravenous drug abusers.

In IL there was once a requirement for an AIDS test before issuing a marriage license, but after a while it was dropped because there were so many false positives on the test relative to the actual incidence in couples about to get married.

In the paperback edition I saw, Fumento noted the efforts made by various individuals and groups to suppress his politically incorrect message. I know indirectly, because it took me a couple of years to get my copy of the book back in the early 90's. I didn't succeed until another publisher took it over.

Thank you Mr. Fumento for sticking to your guns. The reviewers who gave this book fewer than three stars to date are just regurgitating a mindless left-wing catechism.

thesis correct; good arguments; pedestrian writing
If you have adjusted your social life out of a fear of contracting AIDS, you need to read this book. Fumento's thesis is correct. His arguments are fairly compelling (although I read the book long after reaching the same conclusion regarding heterosexual AIDS) and comprehensible by laypersons. The writing is merely average, and Fumento is a little too self-congratulatory and arrogant at times, which is annoying. Still, it takes a lot of intelligence or common sense to recognize that heterosexual AIDS was and is a myth, and I give him credit for that. Given the anxiety (and lost opportunities) that AIDS-phobia has caused young people in the U.S., this book must be considered a public service, and Fumento is to be commended for putting it before the public. Despite the fact that the writing is pedestrian, the mere fact that Fumento's thesis is correct -- though contrary to public belief even now in 1998 -- justifies a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

No wonder this book is hard to find.
This book has facts to back up it's claim that AIDS is/will not be the plague it has been touted as.

Its obvious that the PC and homosexual crowd don't want this information out there. Read the introduction in the paperback version to get a real eye-opening account of how books like this are kept from the public. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)   2. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   3. Diseases - AIDS & HIV   4. General   5. Health Care Delivery   6. Political aspects   7. Politics - Current Events   8. Politics/International Relations   9. Social aspects   10. Transmission   11. United States   

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies   2. Complications   3. Diet / Health / Fitness   4. Diseases - Heart   5. Healing   6. Health & Fitness   7. Health/Fitness   8. Herbal Medications   9. Hypertension   10. Magnesium   11. Magnesium deficiency diseases   12. Popular works   13. Therapeutic use   14. Treatment   

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. Communicable diseases   3. Complications   4. Immunologic Deficiency Syndrom   5. Immunological deficiency syndr   6. Immunological deficiency syndromes   7. Infectious And Parasitic Diseases   8. Infectious Diseases   9. Medical   10. Medical / Nursing   11. Opportunistic infections   

Customer Reviews (1)

New research, strategies, and approaches
This third edition of an important benchmark reference which provides the latest research on AIDS from its origins and its spread, to modern treatment options and alternative possibilities for controlling AIDS. New research, strategies, and approaches range from issues of nutrition and control to preventative medicine. A 'must' for libraries seeking to keep their collections current. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)   2. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   3. Consumer Guides To Health Care   4. Health & Fitness   5. Health Care Delivery   6. Health Care Issues   7. Health/Fitness   8. Infectious Diseases   9. Medical / Nursing   10. Popular works   11. Public Health   12. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   2. HIV (Viruses)   3. HIV infections   4. Immunology   5. Immunotherapy   6. Infectious Diseases   7. Medical   8. Medical / Nursing   9. Microbiology   10. Molecular aspects   11. Pathogenesis   12. Vaccines   13. Biochemistry   14. Biological Sciences   15. History of Science and Medicine, Philosophy of Science   16. Medical / General   

Subjects:  1. Andrology/Diseases Of Males   2. Chemotherapy   3. Diseases   4. Endocrinology & Metabolism   5. Gerontology   6. Hormone Therapy   7. Medical   8. Medical / Nursing   9. Maturation & ageing   

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Holistic Approach
I enjoyed reading the book as it examines the cultural aspects of the pandemic. We each need to question our own cultural assumptions as we analyze just what happened to make this such a disaster. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. AIDS (Disease)   3. AIDS (Disease) in mass media   4. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   5. Anthropology - Cultural   6. Culture   7. Diseases - AIDS & HIV   8. Health Care Delivery   9. Philosophy   10. Social Science   11. Social aspects   12. Sociology   13. Sociology - General   14. Sociology Of Medicine   

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   3. Atlases - General   4. Gynecology & Obstetrics   5. Infectious Diseases   6. Medical   7. Medical / Nursing   8. Sexually Transmitted Diseases   

Customer Reviews (11)

Sullivan at His Best
The most striking aspect of Andrew Sullivan's latest book, "Love Undetectable," is its personal subtext. It's markedly different from his landmark book, "Virtually Normal," in that Sullivan shares with us his own life.

In the first essay, "When Plagues End," he discusses his own sexual journey and how becoming HIV-positive reshaped his life. But not only that--Sullivan captures the feelings, moments and memories associated with his romances, spirituality and struggle for identity. It's a keyhole to a side of Sullivan we have never really seen, and it makes his writing more real and persuasive than ever.

"Virtually Abnormal," his second essay, is not as personal, but thoughtfully and persuasively articulated. Here he delves into the most current media debate about gays--the origins of homosexuality and whether it can be changed through psychotherapy. Sullivan presents several theories and arguments, from both sides of the fence (here his writing style does resemble "Virtually Normal"). No matter where he turns, from the "genetic" to the "environmental" theory, we see that each position holds a piece of the truth, and there are no hard answers. Sullivan concludes that even though homosexuality is neither strictly "normal" or "abnormal," we should pay attention to society's reaction toward it, since "its treatment is a critical indicator of the endurance of...liberty in a free society."

Friendship is the topic of "If Love Were All," in which Sullivan challenges us to reconsider and even resurrect the value of friendship. Gay friendships can be a model for straights, he says, since gay men are particularly good at forming lifelong bonds with each other. Sullivan argues that popular culture's notion of love has turned out to be "the great modern enemy of friendship," and we ought not discount the gift of true friendship--where candor and camaraderie are perhaps even more prevalent than in romantic relationships.

Finally, we glimpse into his personal world again, as Sullivan remembers his best friend's death. Sullivan admits that Love Undetectable is "a very Christian book," but not in the sense of fanatical fundamentalism or evangelistic Christianity. He fuses his discussions of spirituality with humanity, reminding us in a powerful way that we participate in our own destinies.

By the end of the book, we craved a fourth essay, perhaps tying the piece together (as he did in Virtually Normal's "What are Homosexuals For?") But he left us with the haunting images of death, life, and friendship, and we're left to wrestle with the meaning of all three.

Notes from the life of a survivor
Andrew Sullivan made a reputation for himself by being elevated at a very young age as a senior editor of 'The New Republic', a position he filled from 1991-1996. He continues his journalistic career by writing for 'The Times' (London) and 'New York Times Magazine', as well as contributing articles to a large number of other periodicals.

At the height of his career, Sullivan made the announcement made the announcement that he was HIV-positive. In saying this, he made the assertion: 'I intend to be among the first generation that survives this disease.'

Sullivan has occupied a difficult position politically - tending toward conservatism that doesn't sit well with much of the homosexual community, he also tends toward political positions (such as pro-same sex marriage) that go against much of the conservative sentiment. In this first book, 'Virtually Normal', Sullivan argued for an acceptance of same-sex marriage; he followed that up by editing a collection of essays and contributions by others on the same topic.

However, his latest book, 'Love Undetectable', is a very different book. Insofar as Sullivan's life is inextricably bound up with political, historical, and sociological writing through his profession, that is reflected here, but this is a very non-political book. Consisting of three essays, it is primarily reflexions on the life of a survivor, who has yet to become a successful survivor - Sullivan himself.

Sullivan is bound to alienate all sides in some ways once again with this volume. He takes on both the church and religious side and the gay liberation side in his first essay: When Plagues End. 'The gay liberationists have plenty to answer for in this. For far too long, they promoted the tragic lie that no avenue of sexuality was any better or nobler than any other; that all demands for responsibility or fidelity or commitment or even healthier psychological integration were mere covers for "neoconservatism" or, worse, "self-hatred"; that even in the teeth of a viral catastrophe, saving lives was less important than saving a culture of 'promiscuity as a collective way of life', when, of course, it was little more than a collective way of death.'

Of course, this quotation is bound to please the fundamentalists, who would love to paint the gay community as a 'collective way of death'. But Sullivan doesn't go lightly on the other side, either. Sullivan recalls a time when the AIDS quilt was in Washington, and during a service at that time, in the heart of Washington's gay community, the priest at the church began a sermon with the words, 'Today, few of us know the meaning of a plague like leprosy....' Sullivan of course had words with the priest afterwards, and asked him quite bluntly if he had ever heard of AIDS.

This is a very personal journal of Sullivan's, presenting his arguments in full concert with his emotions and experiences, of friends who have been public and friends who have stayed silent about their orientation and their disease, those who are reckless with their health and those who are determined against their illness, as is Sullivan himself. A remarkable journal of an interesting person.

Depravity Inescapable
Probably Sullivan's best book, especially the passages on his own personal struggles with homosexuality. Here at least he is willing to describe the differences between gays and straights more honestly than in his other pieces, and certainly more honestly than most people. In my experience (and I wish it were not so!), gays tend to share some unpleasant character traits, such as effeminacy or lack of masculinity, cliquishness, and lewdness. Sullivan gives some societal causes for these things, such as a harsh childhood environment, and the hostility of parents and public [...]. This can indeed be expected to produce unhappy results, one of which might, perhaps, be promiscuity in certain individuals; but I doubt that the promiscuity would be so widespread and would continue well after adolescence, in much more lax and tolerant times, and even in the face of a deadly venereal disease, were it not for some strong natural and innate predisposition, taste, and desire. I myself have not noticed any correlation between gay promiscuity and childhood unhappiness-except perhaps a slight inverse correlation. When one considers further the lewdness, even pornography, of even the most well-regarded pieces of gay "romance" stories, of gay newspapers and magazines, of gay bars and personal ads, of gay parades and rallies-wherever and whenever gays feel, not oppressed, but most *free* to be themselves with themselves-one is forced to suspect that some unfortunate natural difference between gay men and heterosexual men must be at work.

Sullivan attempts to try to interpret these characteristics in a more favorable light, for example, that gays are more tolerant in their relationships and more realistic. I agree that these qualities can, in limited respects, be good. But from the point of view that is most interesting to me, as someone trying to assess the romantic possibilities, I disagree that something very good can be built on such things. I also disagree that these qualities can be conducive to the best friendships. There is much more kinship between love and friendship than he realizes (for example, true friendship is an exclusive bond between two, not a carefree open network among many). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)   2. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   3. Diseases - AIDS & HIV   4. Gay Studies   5. Gay men   6. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction   7. Government - U.S. Government   8. Homosexuality   9. Patients   10. Sexual behavior   11. Social Science   12. Social conditions   13. Sociology   14. United States   15. Current Events / American   

Customer Reviews (1)

Inspiring
If you haven't read this book, you are missing out. An amazing story of a courageous family, it will put your entire life into perspective. They say God doesn't give us more than we can handle but he came close to the edge with the Glaser family. Tp turn tragedy into such a passion to change the way the World looks at pediatric AIDS was an amazing feat for Elizabeth Glaser but she triumphed and used her short tragic life to make a difference. What an amazing woman. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)   2. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   3. Biography   4. Biography / Autobiography   5. Biography/Autobiography   6. California   7. General   8. Glaser, Elizabeth   9. Health   10. Los Angeles   11. Patients   

Customer Reviews (40)

Intriguing hypothesis - great reading
This book is an indepth attempt to document and explain the correlation between the development of oral polio vaccine and the foci of HIV outbreaks in sub-Sahara Africa. In so doing it poses several questions of paramount importance, one of which is the source of kidney cultures for vaccine production. Many of the researchers involved in the vaccine program have since died (Sabin, Salk) but through interviews and archived documents the author develops a frightening hypothesis, HIV may be a product of human research! Whether or not you accept the author's hypothesis, this book is superbly written and is a great sequel to 2 other books "And the Band Played On" and "The Coming Plague". This book forced me to go back and re-read both of these again. I highly recomend this book.

Fascinating
The River presents a very even-handed account of how an oral polio vaccine, perhaps contaminated with simian virus during processing may have caused AIDS in Africa where it was administered in the late '50s. While the story is full of assumptions, some of which must be incorrect, Hooper has gone to the ends of the earth to try to prove his theory with facts. He also has no qualms about admitting that some of his early assumptions were proved incorrect later in his 10 year research odessey. In fact, his whole theory may be incorrect but those who can help disprove it have refused to be forthcoming with information, documentation and tests that could put an end to the speculation. This includes the main protagonist, Dr Koprowski, whose economy with the truth, as well as his often at best careless and at worst reckless and undocumented vaccine trials leave one with no other conlusion that some sort of cover-up is at work, even if only to protect giant egos. (And I am NOT a conspiracy theorist!) However, the implications of the theory, if correct, are enormous and frightening but still no excuse for closeting crucial medical information. No reasonable person, given the facts in the book can deny that any compelling evidence has been offered to disprove Hooper's theory (which doesn't mean it's true). Remember Sherlock Holmes - when all else has been eliminated, what remains, however unreasonable...

Dr Koprowski, we await the truth, not for blame, (one person is never solely responsible for a failure of this magnitude), but for assistance in avoiding a repeat of history and for information that may help solve the tragic problem of AIDS.

Mr Hooper, has anything new come to light?

We may never know, but a well argued rebuttal is welcome, even if published in Rolling Stone!

Truly a book of tremendous historical significance and a rare look into the real workings of the mysterious world of medical science and colonialism. Well worth the read whether you agree with the theory or not, the book is extremely well written in such as way as to perfectly convey the author's own see-saw feelings of eureka and let-down while sparing the reader that Elvis is alive conspiracy-theory feeling that taint so may of these sorts of books. You won't be able to put it down.

This Theory is Refuted ... YET AGAIN
Conspiracy theorists are entitled to their own ramblings in their own fantasy land. However, when it negatively impacts humanity, (in this case, global polio eradication), and the conspiracy theorist earns profits from his book with tiresome resurrections of the issue, one must start looking at the hard facts. The scientific community has already invested an immense volume of resources (including direct analysis of the OPV stocks in question) to address this theory, and every evidence contradicted the scenario laid out in this book.

The latest counterproof emerges from a study which directly analyzed the chimpanzees in the Kisangani area. The approach was sanctioned by no other than the late Bill Hamilton, who initiated the first expedition in the area, being convinced that it is the most direct way to address this theory once and for all. After much toil (3 expeditions mounted, one of which Bill Hamilton himself perished from malaria), it was found that the chimpanzees in the area have a distinct virus strain that was most closely related to those found in Gombe National Park in Tanzania than to the HIV-1 strains infecting people right now. Thus, the Kisangani SIVcpz, and therefore any polio vaccine that may have been prepared there, could not have been the source of HIV-1. (...) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. AIDS (Disease)   3. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   4. Contamination   5. Epidemiology   6. Etiology   7. General   8. Immunopathology   9. Poliomyelitis vaccine   10. Social Science   11. Sociology   

Customer Reviews (1)

From Choice Magazine March 2003, Vol. 40 No. 07
"This updated and authoritative review of Africa's experience will be helpful to health care providers, researchers, and policy planners, not only in Africa but throughout the world, since Africa has had higher rates of HIV infection and more experience with AIDS than other regions."
J. M. Howe AIDS Information Center, VA Headquarters (DC) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS & HIV   2. AIDS (Disease)   3. Africa   4. Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)   5. Health Care Delivery   6. Infectious Diseases   7. Medical   8. Medical / Nursing