Reviews

And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts

flakeyreader123's review against another edition

informative slow-paced

3.25

melll_brisk's review against another edition

challenging reflective sad slow-paced

3.5

kendallheldt's review against another edition

dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

mllejoyeuxnoel's review against another edition

5.0

I read this book for the first time as a teenager, and I’ve just now finished it for the second time as an adult. This book is required reading for everyone in the queer community. This book is required reading for everyone who works or aspires to work in the field of healthcare. This book is required reading for everyone working in local, state, or federal government. This book is required reading for everyone who watched the United States’ respond to the COVID pandemic and wondered how we got here. This book is required reading for everyone who harbors even lukewarm feelings for Ronald Reagan or nostalgia for his administration. This book is required reading for everyone who ever plans to vote in any American election.

You know what? This books is simply required reading: period.

emzapk's review against another edition

4.0

I would say this was too long but there's absolutely nothing I would have taken out. A thorough and deeply touching depiction of the AIDS crisis.

cmilam06's review against another edition

emotional informative sad medium-paced

5.0

The story of early aids in the UD published in 87. Personal stories, politics, and science 

pbraue13's review against another edition

5.0

While this book seems dense it is actually quite quick and riveting. It will get you angry in the best way. This is Randy Shilts' definitive (perhaps THE definitive) text on the AIDs epidemic and how the news media, the politicians, and RONALD FREAKING REAGAN fumbled acknowledging this deadly disease. Like I said it will make you ANGRY, but rightly so! Also the ignorance and stubbornness of the LGBT community when warned point blank about the risks of unprotected sex is astounding and infuriating! 5/5 stars

tcu_reads's review against another edition

5.0

Heavy AF this is a huge accomplishment, reading this book was exhausting. re*gan i will see you in H ELLLL

kendall_j's review against another edition

challenging informative slow-paced

4.5

bridgetcisneros's review against another edition

5.0

changed my life. one of the best books i’ve ever read