Everything I wanted to know about HIV/AIDS and how it functions in Uganda. Written in a way that anyone can understand the complexities of this disease. ( )

An interesting book about how Westerners naively or negligently misunderstood how HIV spread in Africa, spending huge amounts of money on relatively ineffective responses. I found particularly interesting how different African nations responded to the AIDS epidemic and the different consequences. Some of the later chapters read more like standalone essays, rather than part of a cohesive whole, but all of the book was interesting. ( )

One of the better AIDS books. Very well written and really quite engaging. Struggles, though, between the desire to follow the science and the need not to be TOO politically incorrect. Ultimately, Epstein believes that the behaviours that spread AIDS in Africa will only change when communities organise to foster that change. I think she perhaps understates the influence that political leadership can have over communities. ( )

After working in Namibia with the Peace Corps from 2004-2006, I have a pretty good knowledge of the HIV/AIDS situation. However, I always find it difficult to annunciate my thoughts on HIV to people who ask me about my time there. With this book, I now have an excellent method of education. This book is a very insightful picture of the situation on the ground in developing countries where HIV is a major issue. Epstein has spent time on the ground and accurately records her experiences in Africa while bringing to light the corruption and waste inherent in the system. Part of the effectiveness of the book comes from her exclusive focus on Africa and African culture which helps the reader to understand why the rate there is so high. Although the reader may be more frustrated with the issue of HIV/AIDS in general, the average reader will have a much better idea of the complexity of the situation after reading this book. ( )