The AIDS crisis was a period of immense suffering, fear, and loss, but also a time of incredible resilience, activism, and love. To truly understand this complex period, we must look beyond statistics and headlines and delve into the human stories at its heart. That's where books about the AIDS crisis come in. These powerful narratives shed light on the lived experiences of those most impacted - from the frontlines of medical research and political battlefields to the quiet struggles within families and communities.
This list compiles a diverse range of fictional and non-fiction HIV/AIDS books, each offering a unique perspective on the epidemic and its lasting legacy. From groundbreaking journalistic investigations like "And the Band Played On" to poignant personal memoirs like "Borrowed Time" and deeply moving novels like "The Hours", these books capture the devastation and humanity that defined an era. By exploring these powerful stories, we honor the memory of those lost, celebrate the heroes who fought back, and gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing fight for health and equality.
1. And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts
Contributor: William Greider(Introduction)
What is this book about?
"And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic" by Randy Shilts chronicles the early years of the AIDS crisis in the United States, exposing the slow and inadequate response of government agencies, the medical community, and the media. Shilts meticulously documents the initial outbreak of a mysterious disease in the gay community, its gradual spread, and the scientific race to identify the cause and find a cure. He interweaves personal stories of those affected with a searing indictment of the societal homophobia, political apathy, and bureaucratic inertia that fueled the epidemic's devastating toll.
Awards
- Stonewall Book Award
- ASJA Outstanding Book Award
- California Book Award
- National Book Critics Circle Award
2. Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
What is this book about?
"Tell the Wolves I'm Home" by Carol Rifka Brunt is a poignant coming-of-age story set in the 1980s about fourteen-year-old June Elbus and her complex relationship with her beloved uncle, Finn, who is dying of AIDS. When Finn's partner Toby gifts June a beautiful portrait of her and her sister, it sets off a chain of events that draw June into Finn's world and exposes her to the prejudices and fear surrounding the disease. As June grapples with her grief and burgeoning sense of self, she finds solace in her burgeoning relationship with Toby and the discovery of her uncle's hidden life, ultimately learning to navigate the complexities of family, loss, and acceptance.
Who should read this book?
- People who enjoy coming-of-age stories
- Readers interested in the 1980s
- Anyone who has experienced loss
- Those seeking emotionally resonant stories
- Fans of historical fiction
3. Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir by Paul Monette
What is this book about?
"Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir" is Paul Monette's heart-wrenching and deeply personal account of love and loss during the AIDS crisis. The memoir chronicles the last two years of his partner Roger Horwitz's life as they navigate a terrifying diagnosis, a relentless disease, and the devastating impact of AIDS on their community. With unflinching honesty and lyrical prose, Monette captures the pain, anger, and resilience of living and loving in the face of death, transforming his own profound grief into a testament to enduring love and a powerful indictment of a society grappling with indifference and prejudice.
4. The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
What is this book about?
"The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai unfolds across two timelines, weaving together the stories of a group of friends navigating the burgeoning AIDS crisis in 1980s Chicago and a woman grappling with its lingering repercussions decades later. In 1985, Yale Tishman confronts the escalating devastation of AIDS as it claims the lives of friends and lovers, leaving him to care for his friend's young daughter. Thirty years later, Fiona, that daughter now an adult, searches for answers about her estranged father in a French convent, uncovering secrets and navigating the enduring grief and unresolved trauma of the epidemic's legacy.
Who should read this book?
- Historical fiction fans
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ history
- Those seeking emotionally complex narratives
- Book clubs looking for discussion-worthy reads
- Anyone who appreciates beautifully written stories
5. How to Survive a Plague: The Inside Story of How Citizens and Science Tamed AIDS by David France
What is this book about?
"How to Survive a Plague: The Inside Story of How Citizens and Science Tamed AIDS" by David France delivers a gripping and meticulously researched account of the tumultuous fight against AIDS in the 1980s and 90s. The book chronicles the rise of activist groups like ACT UP and TAG, who challenged the government, medical establishment, and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate research and treatment access for those with AIDS. Through the voices of scientists, activists, patients, and policymakers, France captures the urgency and desperation of a community facing a terrifying epidemic, highlighting their extraordinary courage, resilience, and ultimately, their impact on changing the course of the disease.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in medical history and social justice movements
- Anyone who appreciates well-researched narratives
- Those seeking inspiring stories of activism and resilience
- Fans of David France's work, especially his documentaries
6. The Hours by Michael Cunningham
What is this book about?
"The Hours" by Michael Cunningham interweaves the stories of three women across different eras, all connected by Virginia Woolf and her novel "Mrs. Dalloway." Clarissa Vaughan, a modern-day New Yorker, prepares a party for her friend Richard, a poet dying of AIDS, mirroring Mrs. Dalloway's own preparations for a social gathering. In 1950s Los Angeles, Laura Brown, a housewife grappling with her suffocating domesticity, finds solace in reading "Mrs. Dalloway." And in 1920s England, Virginia Woolf herself struggles with mental illness as she writes the very novel that will bind these women together, exploring themes of mortality, identity, and the passage of time.
Who should read this book?
- Fans of Virginia Woolf
- Readers who enjoy character-driven stories
- Those who appreciate literary fiction
- Book clubs seeking engaging discussions
- Anyone interested in exploring themes of mortality and creativity
7. The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer
What is this book about?
"The Normal Heart" by Larry Kramer is a semi-autobiographical play that offers a raw and unflinching look at the early years of the AIDS crisis in New York City. Told through the eyes of Ned Weeks, a gay writer and activist, the play follows his fervent efforts to raise awareness about the disease and mobilize a community grappling with fear, indifference, and government inaction. As the body count rises and friends succumb to the virus, Ned's anger and frustration grow, leading to conflicts with his lover, friends, and the very community he is trying to save.
8. Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father by Alysia Abbott
What is this book about?
"Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father" by Alysia Abbott is a moving and unconventional memoir that recounts the author's childhood growing up with her father, a gay poet, in 1970s and 80s San Francisco. After her mother's death, Alysia and her father move to a vibrant, yet challenging, world of artists, activists, and eccentrics. As Alysia navigates adolescence and her own burgeoning identity, she grapples with her father's unconventional lifestyle, his artistic ambitions, and his eventual diagnosis of AIDS. The memoir is a tender and honest exploration of their complex and loving relationship, set against the backdrop of a city grappling with immense social and cultural change.
Who should read this book?
- Readers who enjoy memoirs and coming-of-age stories
- Those interested in the cultural landscape of 1970s-80s San Francisco
- Anyone who has experienced loss of a parent
- People seeking emotionally honest and thought-provoking narratives
Awards
- Stonewall Book Award
- Lambda Literary Award
- Goodreads Choice Award
9. My Own Country: A Doctor's Story by Abraham Verghese
What is this book about?
"My Own Country: A Doctor's Story" by Abraham Verghese is a poignant and deeply personal memoir about a young Indian doctor's experiences treating AIDS patients in rural Tennessee during the early years of the epidemic. Verghese, having recently emigrated from India, finds himself grappling with his own cultural displacement as he confronts the fear, prejudice, and stigma surrounding the disease in his small town. As he cares for his patients with compassion and dedication, he bears witness to their suffering, their resilience, and the devastating toll of the disease on individuals, families, and entire communities.
10. Facing It: A Novel of AIDS by Paul Reed
What is this book about?
"Facing It: A Novel of AIDS" by Paul Reed delves into the emotional and social complexities of the AIDS epidemic through the eyes of Stephen, a gay man living in New York City in the 1980s. As the disease ravages his community, Stephen confronts not only his own mortality after testing positive but also the shifting dynamics of friendships, the burden of secrecy, and the overwhelming fear and prejudice that permeates society's response to the crisis. With unflinching honesty, Reed captures the raw emotions of grief, anger, and resilience, offering a poignant portrait of a community grappling with loss, love, and the struggle for dignity in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ literature
- Those seeking raw and honest portrayals of the AIDS crisis
- Individuals who appreciate character-driven narratives exploring complex emotions
11. The Darker Proof: Stories from a Crisis by Adam Mars-Jones, Edmund White
What is this book about?
"The Darker Proof: Stories from a Crisis" by Adam Mars-Jones and Edmund White is a powerful collection of short stories that offers a diverse and unflinching look at the impact of the AIDS crisis on gay men in the 1980s and 90s. The stories explore themes of love, loss, sexuality, and the complex social and emotional landscape of a community confronting a devastating epidemic. From the poignant to the darkly humorous, Mars-Jones and White's masterful storytelling captures the profound personal and collective experiences of navigating life, death, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Who should read this book?
- Fans of short story collections
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ themes
- Those seeking nuanced portrayals of the AIDS crisis
- Anyone who appreciates powerful and evocative writing
12. Close to the Knives: A Memoir of Disintegration by David Wojnarowicz
What is this book about?
"Close to the Knives: A Memoir of Disintegration" by David Wojnarowicz is a raw, fragmented, and intensely personal exploration of art, sexuality, and survival in the face of AIDS. Wojnarowicz, a renowned artist and activist, uses a blend of memoir, essays, and angry rants to document his experiences as a gay man living through the epidemic's devastation. The book is a searing indictment of social injustice, political apathy, and the devastating impact of AIDS on a generation, while simultaneously celebrating queer identity, artistic expression, and the defiant spirit of survival in the face of mortality.
Awards
- Lambda Literary Award
13. AIDS and Its Metaphors by Susan Sontag
What is this book about?
"AIDS and Its Metaphors" by Susan Sontag is a thought-provoking work of cultural criticism that examines the ways in which societal perceptions of illness, particularly AIDS, are shaped by language, metaphor, and cultural narratives. Sontag argues that the metaphors used to describe AIDS, such as "plague" or "invasion," contribute to fear, stigma, and a sense of shame surrounding the disease. She challenges readers to confront the ways in which language can obscure the realities of illness and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, calling for a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of AIDS and those living with it.
Awards
- Lambda Literary Award
14. Plagues and Peoples by William H. McNeill
What is this book about?
"Plagues and Peoples" by William H. McNeill offers a sweeping historical examination of the profound impact of infectious diseases on human societies throughout history. McNeill argues that epidemics have been a major driving force in shaping civilizations, altering power structures, influencing cultural practices, and transforming the course of human events. From the Black Death in medieval Europe to the smallpox epidemics that ravaged indigenous populations, McNeill explores the complex interplay between disease, environment, and human behavior, shedding light on the enduring power of epidemics to reshape our world.
Who should read this book?
- History buffs
- Readers interested in epidemiology and public health
- Those who enjoy thought-provoking analyses of human civilization
- Anyone seeking a broader perspective on the impact of disease
15. The Invisible Cure: Africa, the West and the Fight Against AIDS by Helen Epstein
What is this book about?
"The Invisible Cure: Africa, the West, and the Fight Against AIDS" by Helen Epstein delves into the complexities of the AIDS epidemic in Africa, challenging conventional wisdom and offering a nuanced perspective on the factors driving its spread. Epstein argues that while Western medical and public health interventions are crucial, they often fail to adequately address the social, cultural, and economic realities that exacerbate the epidemic in Africa. She highlights the importance of understanding local contexts, empowering women, addressing poverty and inequality, and learning from successful community-based initiatives to effectively combat the disease.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in global health and development
- Those seeking to understand the complexities of the AIDS epidemic in Africa
- Individuals who appreciate well-researched and nuanced perspectives on global issues
16. The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels, and the Business of AIDS by Elizabeth Pisani
What is this book about?
"The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels, and the Business of AIDS" by Elizabeth Pisani is a provocative and eye-opening account of the global AIDS pandemic told from the perspective of a seasoned epidemiologist. Drawing on her decades of experience working in the field, Pisani challenges conventional wisdom surrounding AIDS prevention and treatment, arguing that well-intentioned but often misguided policies and prejudices have hampered effective interventions. She advocates for a pragmatic, evidence-based approach that focuses on harm reduction, empowers sex workers, and confronts uncomfortable truths about human behavior in order to effectively combat the spread of HIV.
17. The Gifts of the Body by Rebecca Brown
What is this book about?
"The Gifts of the Body" by Rebecca Brown is a deeply affecting and poetic collection of interconnected stories told from the perspective of a hospice worker caring for AIDS patients in the 1980s. Through her intimate interactions with those facing their final days, the nameless narrator confronts the fragility of life, the power of compassion, and the profound beauty that can exist even in the midst of suffering. Brown's lyrical prose and unsentimental yet compassionate gaze illuminate the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of human connection in the face of death.
18. In the City of Shy Hunters by Tom Spanbauer
What is this book about?
"In the City of Shy Hunters" by Tom Spanbauer is a gritty and poignant novel set in 1980s New York City that follows the lives of a group of friends grappling with the AIDS epidemic. The story centers around Travis, a young writer, as he navigates a world marked by both vibrant artistic expression and the devastating impact of the disease on his community. Spanbauer vividly captures the fear, grief, and resilience of a generation confronting mortality, while also celebrating the power of love, art, and chosen family in the face of loss.
19. The Charioteer by Mary Renault
What is this book about?
"The Charioteer" by Mary Renault, set in England during World War II, tells the story of Laurie, a young gay man grappling with his sexuality and searching for love and acceptance. After a youthful infatuation with a charismatic older student, Ralph, re-emerges in Laurie's life as a conscientious objector working at the same hospital, their connection reignited amidst the turmoil of war. However, their relationship faces challenges as Laurie navigates societal expectations, internalized homophobia, and the complexities of love within a triangle formed when a wounded soldier, Andrew, also develops feelings for him.
20. The Farewell Symphony by Edmund White
What is this book about?
"The Farewell Symphony" by Edmund White concludes the author's semi-autobiographical trilogy that began with "A Boy's Own Story" and continued with "The Beautiful Room is Empty." Set primarily in 1980s New York, the novel chronicles the narrator's experiences as a writer confronting the emerging AIDS epidemic. He recounts his tumultuous relationship with a younger man dying of AIDS, the devastating loss of friends and lovers, and the growing sense of fear and uncertainty within the gay community. While grappling with the realities of mortality and navigating complex relationships, the narrator seeks solace in art, literature, and the enduring power of human connection.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ literature and memoirs
- Those who appreciate Edmund White's work
- Individuals seeking emotionally resonant stories about love and loss in the face of the AIDS crisis
- Anyone who has experienced the complexities of grief and resilience
21. As Is: A Play by William M. Hoffman
What is this book about?
"As Is" by William M. Hoffman is a powerful and poignant play that offers a raw and unflinching look at the early years of the AIDS crisis. The play follows the story of Rich, a gay writer living in New York City, who is diagnosed with AIDS at a time when the disease was poorly understood and highly stigmatized. As Rich navigates his diagnosis and deteriorating health, the play explores the impact of the disease on his relationship with his lover, Saul, as well as the devastating toll of AIDS on their community. "As Is" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity and a powerful call for compassion and understanding.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ theater
- Those seeking powerful and moving portrayals of the AIDS crisis
- Individuals who appreciate character-driven narratives exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience
22. The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Tóibín
What is this book about?
"The Blackwater Lightship" by Colm Tóibín is a poignant and emotionally resonant novel that centers around Declan, a young gay man dying of AIDS, and his strained relationships with his family. When Declan returns to his childhood home on the Irish coast, his mother Helen, sister Claire, and grandmother Lily are forced to confront their own pasts and the complexities of their family dynamics as they grapple with Declan's illness and the looming shadow of death. Through their shared experience, the family slowly begins to heal old wounds and find solace in the face of grief, exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and acceptance.
Awards
- Booker Prize
- Dublin Literary Award
23. The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
What is this book about?
"The Line of Beauty" by Alan Hollinghurst follows Nick Guest, an aesthetically driven and ambitious young man, as he navigates the intersecting worlds of art, politics, and sexuality in 1980s London. Invited to live in the opulent home of the Feddens, a wealthy Conservative family, Nick becomes increasingly entangled in their privileged world while embarking on his own explorations of love and desire within the city's burgeoning gay scene. As the decade unfolds and the AIDS crisis casts a growing shadow over Nick's life and relationships, Hollinghurst masterfully portrays the complexities of class, desire, and the precarious nature of beauty amidst a changing social and political landscape.
Who should read this book?
- Readers who appreciate nuanced portrayals of class and society
- Those who enjoy character-driven narratives with historical backdrops
- Fans of literary fiction exploring themes of desire, ambition, and loss
24. The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
What is this book about?
"The Heart's Invisible Furies" by John Boyne is a sweeping epic that spans seven decades in the life of Cyril Avery, a man born out of wedlock and cast aside by his family in 1940s Ireland. As Cyril navigates a life shaped by societal expectations, religious hypocrisy, and his own evolving understanding of love and identity, he confronts the complexities of family, sexuality, and belonging. Through a series of interconnected vignettes that transport readers from the conservative confines of Ireland to the vibrant landscapes of Amsterdam and New York, the novel explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring search for oneself.
Who should read this book?
- Fans of sweeping historical fiction
- Readers who appreciate complex characters and emotional journeys
- Those interested in Irish history and culture
- Anyone who enjoys a well-told story about love, loss, and self-discovery
25. The Prettiest Star by Carter Sickels
What is this book about?
"The Prettiest Star" by Carter Sickels takes readers back to rural Ohio in the 1980s, following the story of Brian Jackson, a young gay man forced to return home after being diagnosed with AIDS in New York City. As Brian grapples with his diagnosis and the stigma surrounding the disease, he must also confront his estranged family and a community grappling with fear and prejudice. Told through the alternating perspectives of Brian, his mother, and his teenage sister, the novel explores the complexities of family love, the challenges of acceptance, and the enduring power of empathy and understanding in the face of a devastating epidemic.
Awards
- Ohioana Book Award
26. The End of Innocence: A Memoir by Chastity Bono
What is this book about?
"The End of Innocence: A Memoir" by Chastity Bono, daughter of famed entertainers Sonny and Cher, chronicles her personal journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with her sexual identity as a lesbian in the public eye. Bono candidly recounts her childhood growing up in the spotlight, her struggles with societal expectations and internalized homophobia, and her eventual decision to embrace her truth and come out publicly. The memoir offers an intimate glimpse into the challenges of navigating fame, family, and personal identity while advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in memoirs and coming-of-age stories
- Those seeking personal accounts of LGBTQ+ experiences
- Individuals familiar with Sonny & Cher and interested in Chastity Bono's story
- Anyone who appreciates honest and vulnerable memoirs about self-discovery
27. The Book of Daniel by E.L. Doctorow
What is this book about?
"The Book of Daniel" by E.L. Doctorow is a fictionalized reimagining of the events surrounding the Rosenberg spy case during the Cold War. Told through the eyes of Daniel, the son of Jewish parents accused and executed for espionage, the novel explores the profound impact of political turmoil, betrayal, and historical trauma on a family. As Daniel grapples with the legacy of his parents' actions and the complexities of his own identity, Doctorow masterfully intertwines personal and political narratives, raising questions about guilt, innocence, and the search for truth in a time of national paranoia.
28. The Lost Language of Cranes by David Leavitt
What is this book about?
"The Lost Language of Cranes" by David Leavitt delves into the lives of the Benjamin family as they grapple with unspoken truths and the complexities of love and sexuality. Philip Benjamin, a young gay man struggling to come out to his parents, finds his world shaken when his father, Owen, reveals his own long-suppressed homosexual desires. As Philip navigates his newfound relationship with his lover and attempts to bridge the gap with his parents, Owen's struggle with his sexuality intensifies, leading to a breakdown in communication and testing the very fabric of their family.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ themes and coming-of-age stories
- Those who appreciate complex family dramas and character-driven narratives
- Individuals seeking insightful explorations of sexuality, communication, and acceptance