SURVIVING AND THRIVING WITH AIDS VOLUME TWO -- COLLECTED WISDOM

People with AIDS Coalition New York has published volume two of Surviving and Thriving with AIDS, edited by Michael Callen -- a 368-page book written by persons with AIDS. (The first volume, subtitled Hints for the Newly Diagnosed, is being reprinted; 20,000 copies have previously been distributed.) The new volume is subtitled Collected Wisdom.

"The two books are meant to be read together, and in order," according to Michael Callen. "Hints is still essential reading for the newly diagnosed. Collected Wisdom expands upon the information and ideas contained in Hints. It's an anthology of our attempts to cope with AIDS. It's a slice of life which captures what it is like to live with AIDS in America in the late '80s."

Volume two contains a large section on treatment options, including AZT, aerosol pentamidine, DHPG, TPN, AL 721, and holistic approaches. These treatments are described firsthand by people who have used them. The personal accounts include practical perspectives on the decision to use or not use certain treatments. They also give practical hints discovered from personal experience, such as treating thrush and leukoplakia by opening an acyclovir capsule and spreading the contents on one's tongue before going to bed.

Other sections include emotional responses to diagnosis, long-term survivors, love and sex and AIDS, family and friends, women and AIDS, people of color and AIDS, AIDS in prison, political responses, dealing with disability, social security, and Medicaid, resource lists, and an index. Throughout the book the firsthand accounts, and pictures, tell much of the history of the development of the PWA advocacy and treatment movements.

Both volumes are offered free to persons with AIDS or ARC; prices for the general public are $10. for volume one and $20. for volume 2. We urge those who can afford to contribute more to do so.

To obtain either or both volumes of Surviving and Thriving with AIDS, send a check to the PWA Coalition, 31 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10010, 212/532-0290.