Rating: 
Summary: Pedro and Me
Review: This is written by a former MTV Real World cast member who lived with AIDS educator Pedro Zamora during his time on the show. This fact can put people off as it seems like Judd Winick used both his fame and the death of his roommate to make money. After reading the book, it is obvious that this is not true. Written, or rather drawn, like a comic book, 'Pedro and Me' tells the story of AIDS educator Pedro Zamora from the beginning of his time on The Real World until his death at the end of 1994, and also includes a little bit about his background and childhood. It shows what a person living and coping with AIDS and life as an AIDS educator and also manages to explore the myths and misinformation surrounding the subject. It is easy to read because of the way it is written, which makes it more entertaining and funny, which it is in parts. You also get to see illustrations of the story, where as you wouldn't in a novel. It shows how much of a friend Pedro was to Judd Winick and how it affected him, as well as how he coped with Pedro's illness and death. He writes is honest and caring. This book may help anyone who is living with someone, or who has AIDs, and also may help anyone suffering the death of a loved one. It will also educate those who know little about AIDS. The story of Pedro Zamora's life is an inspirational one, and could probably not have been better told.
Rating:
Summary: A wondeful tribute.
Review: When I first heard about this book, I thought there was no way that Mr. Winick could capture his story in a comic book format. I was wrong. Not only is this book powerful, but the graphic art truly captures the human emotions that makes it an outstanding book for anyone with an open mind and heart. After reading Pedro and Me, I realized how much Pedro touched many lives all over the world, and his memory will continue to stay alive with this book honoring him.
A job well done Mr. Winick
Rating:
Summary: Simplistic beauty
Review: When I was nine, my fourth grade teacher instructed me to write a letter to President Bush, Sr. and, at random, I picked the topic of HIV/AIDS. For my letter to the president, I spent a good bit of time in the library trying to learn about this killer that, in 1991, few people knew--or cared to know--all that much about.From there formed my life-long interest in AIDS education and awareness. Even though I was just a child and I didn't know anyone with the disease, something about it--and the people afflicted by it--just intrigued me. Like any other nine-year-old with with such interests, I hated MTV. However, at the age of 12, I made it a point to watch The Real World: San Francisco. I did not want to see Pedro Zemora's struggle, but rather his fight. A fight for acceptance and understanding--a fight for the love of our fellow man. Judd Winick has used his talents as a cartoonist and his love for his friend in a beautiful and poignant way. In these pages, the reader is shown Pedro's bravery in addition to his fears. The reader is given insight into the heart, mind and soul of a man who had made some mistakes in life, but who spent his latter years making sure others travelled down a different path. The drawings help to convey emotions that cannot be expressed through words on paper. Rest in peace, Pedro. And thank you, Judd Winick.
Rating:
Summary: Simplistic beauty
Review: When I was nine, my fourth grade teacher instructed me to write a letter to President Bush, Sr. and, at random, I picked the topic of HIV/AIDS. For my letter to the president, I spent a good bit of time in the library trying to learn about this killer that, in 1991, few people knew--or cared to know--all that much about. From there formed my life-long interest in AIDS education and awareness. Even though I was just a child and I didn't know anyone with the disease, something about it--and the people afflicted by it--just intrigued me. Like any other nine-year-old with with such interests, I hated MTV. However, at the age of 12, I made it a point to watch The Real World: San Francisco. I did not want to see Pedro Zemora's struggle, but rather his fight. A fight for acceptance and understanding--a fight for the love of our fellow man. Judd Winick has used his talents as a cartoonist and his love for his friend in a beautiful and poignant way. In these pages, the reader is shown Pedro's bravery in addition to his fears. The reader is given insight into the heart, mind and soul of a man who had made some mistakes in life, but who spent his latter years making sure others travelled down a different path. The drawings help to convey emotions that cannot be expressed through words on paper. Rest in peace, Pedro. And thank you, Judd Winick.
Rating:
Summary: An Instant Classic and a Must Read
Review: With "Pedro and Me" Winick has truly caught me by surprise. I was never too impressed with his comic works, and to be able to write something as powerfully moving and poignant as this autobiographical story takes a lot of strength and courage. This is a must read for anyone who knows someone HIV positive or fighting against AIDS. Winick has taken the graphic novel art form to a new level putting him among the ranks of Spiegelman, Pekar and Eisnar. Brilliant.
Rating:
Summary: Read it in one sitting, with me always
Review: Wow! Where do I start? When I heard this book was done in a comic-book style, I was hesitant about reading it. After reading it, I realized it could not have been done any other way. I read this on a plane on my way to visit relatives for a week of vacation. This book has stayed on my mind and in my heart since I read it. It is a beautiful tribute to a person who made a difference in this world, and to a relationship that was started by chance, but grew strong by choice. I loved it!
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