positive by Paige Rawl, with Ali Benjamin

The Good. This story truly surprised me.

The Mmeh Okay. Initially motivated by wanting to know how Paige’s classmate’s learned she was HIV positive, led me to prematurely, as I read, viewing this story would be more suitable for young people. I was wrong. This story is for everyone.

The Best Part. Not only is Paige’s story genuinely touching, it is informative, enlightening and educational. Paige’s mother should be very proud of her daughter. I know I was. I as well sing odes of praises to the Mariah’s and Amber’s (oh I so loved me some Amber), and Erin and Heather, and Herron School, and Eva and Camp Kindle, along with its many members.

I cried for Paige’s mother too. She handled things in the best way she knew how at the time. Ironically, there was a lot of emphasis put on education and awareness after-the-fact; the paradigm that needled me in the opening, leading to my early speculations. Had Paige been aware of the stigmas associated with sharing “the something she had” this story may have never been the story it became, which it is on this petal that Paige’s painful experience blossoms, the makings of a timely important memoir.

Paige’s assessments on handling the gravest social disease of all—acute meanness—are beyond reproach. That was one of the many moving parts in her account that wholly enlightened and grabbed me. Again, this is one of the best memoirs I’ve read this year. Kudos to Ali Benjamin as well. I thank you both for pulling together an incredible, very well done memoir. Highly Recommended!