In “Ripples From the Edge of Life”, the author, Roland Chesters, shares his first-hand experiences from his initial diagnosis to his eventual reconciliation with the terrible virus HIV/AIDs. The author then introduces us to a larger and broader community, including the voices of fourteen diverse HIV/AIDS survivors, as well as several health care professionals working in this field, and a handful of friends/colleagues occupying the relationship “ripples” surrounding the author and his story.

I found this book fascinating, frightening, saddening, uplifting, and informative - all at the same time.

I consider myself a reasonably well-informed person, but was appalled at how little I found I understood the current world of HIV/AIDS. It seems my awareness really stopped in the mid- 80’s to 90’s, my early adulthood period, and the facts as I knew them reflected in the movie “Philadelphia”, and other media of that vintage. This was long before the development and subsequent refinement of the life-altering antiretroviral drugs, and was back when a diagnosis of HIV was largely a death sentence, the shame and stigma attached was pervasive, and legal, social and community supports for the afflicted were scarce.

I am so happy to have read this eye-opening book which has not only allowed me to glimpse the pain, suffering and incredible trauma this terrible virus continues to cause, but also to witness the hope, bravery, and wonder of the survivors who have found value and meaning during their recovery via advocacy, compassion, education, and care for others in the community. And yes, stigma and shame is still out there, - but as the author and his voices repeatedly point out, (although sadly there are huge geographical gaps in this coverage), in general there has been tremendous progress made in HIV/AIDS treatments, socialization and acceptance.

Four wonderful thank-you-sharing-such-insight stars.

A big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Silver Wood Books, , and the author for an opportunity to read this book.