These are haunting and powerful stories that help us understand the great toll in human suffering caused by AIDS. Stephanie Nolen writes, "The most valuable thing that you can do to fight the AIDS pandemic in Africa is to talk about it". These stories can facilitate those conversations with others because they go so beyond the facts and figures, and offer something tangible.

These stories gave me a glimpse into the personal lives that are affected by this enormous problem. When one reads the news and statistics, the problem seems far away, the people are anonymous, TIA ("This is Africa"). But, as I read these stories, I thought to myself, this could be me, how would I cope? Stephanie Nolen also conveys hope in story after story of people who rise to the occasion, and who demonstrate leadership and courage. She suggests ways to help and I think after reading this book, most people will want to do something.

Stephanie Nolen has crafted a series of haunting, absorbing and deeply moving profiles of people from many walks of life and circumstances (from a truck driver to a doctor to a beleagured grandmother to Nelson Mandela), all dealing with the scourge of HIV/AIDS in their lives and communities. I anticipated that this book might be a depressing read, but the individuals profiled are engaging and inspiring, even as their stories wrench at your heart. Still, the societal forces that continue to allow the disease to spread through neglect, fear, prejudice, ignorance and worse are infuriating, and *that* is depressing. What the 28 individuals exemplify and what Nolen exhorts at the end of the book is that the most vital thing we can all do to fight this pandemic is to fearlessly and persistently talk about it. She also details and personally endorses AIDS care and treatment organizations in Africa that probably deserve everyone's support.