Holding the Man

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Summary: A book I shall always treasure.
Review: I was given this book by a dear friend of mine who warned me not to bother with a box of kleenex, and to rather go for a towel.Good advice! I read the book cover to cover in one night and midway through I discrded the kleenex in favour of the towel, each time I have read it since I have opted for the towel from the start

Without a doubt one of the most moving and beautifully written books to deal with the subject of AIDS, homosexuality, comng out and the ups and downs of any relationship.

Contrary to what some might feel, not all gay men have a difficult "coming out" some of us actually do get amazing support and acceptance from our friends.

Tim and John shared a love that most people can only aspire to, maybe they had some rough times that Tim glossed over or neglected to include... kudo's to him! there is enough anger and bitterness in the world, I thank him for allowing us a glimpse into his beautiful world with John.

The world is a darker place without the light of Timothy Conigrave's talent. Rest in Peace both of you, together in eternity.

Rating:
Summary: Just brilliant
Review: I was given this book on a Friday night, commenced reading Saturday lunchtime, and never got off the couch (except to get a tissue) until I finished it Saturday night! Probably the most moving book I've ever read. I could relate very much to Tim and Johns' teen years, growing up in Melbourne, also my home town. I truly wish I could have known them both.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant! Really touching!
Review: One of the best love stories have been told. It is just so captivating without pretentiously bringing out those corny controversies. I would give this book to all of my friends who want to know more about gay love.

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Summary: Something Special
Review: The hardest thing for me when I read this book, is knowing that those things that Tim describes, I have also lived: the scenary and the events. Coming from Melbourne gives an added dimension to this book for me, that would not have otherwise not been there. It really sinks in that the author was a real person and this is his real life.

The first half of this bookn encapsulates everything that we want our lives to be and yet the second half is everything that we fear that it could become.

This is far more than just a good read... it's also an eye-opener for the straight community as to the hardships that gays have to endure whilst not just bing limited to HIV, but also the pressures of coming out to family.

Everyone could benifit from reading this book and the world might be a more understanding place if more people did.

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Summary: The best book I have ever read!!
Review: This book has changed the way I think about life and love in general. This is a must for anyone who can get a hold of it!

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Summary: Fantastic
Review: This book will make you laugh, smile, cry (alot)and fall in love. The love that John and Tim share is unconditional, they see it through no matter what this cruel world throws at them. Through unbeleivable sadness and death this book will help you discover true happiness and the essence of life.

I could not sleep until I finished this book and I could not sleep after I finished this book. Tim and John will become your friends forever and remind you why we are all here.

Rating:
Summary: 1) you cannot put it down 2) smile 3) cry 4) sob 5) happy
Review: This is a book that will cheer you up, throw you around, make you depressed, and then bring you up to enjoy what youve got in life. Its a true story about two wonderful people and their unconditional love for each other. It tells how their fight aids and Win in the end. YOU MUST READ IT.

Have lots of tissues handy. youll have a laugh and itll probably bring back younge memories that you had when you were a teenager (or if you are a teenager, help you out in other ways)

Rating:
Summary: Realistic, heartfelt, and honest
Review: This is a very honest, upfront, true story by Tim Conigrave who's life was sadly cut short due to the AIDS virus. It doesn't matter what your sexual preference, this book is an excellent example of the tragedy of losing someone to this disease and the confusion, fear and ignorance of the general public at the time it was discovered. At the beginning of the book you really get to know and understand Tim, his insecurities and self doubt as he goes through puberty, and you can start to relate to him. By the time I got to the part where he was waiting for his test results, I felt a feeling of dread for him in the pit of my stomach, it was like losing a friend. An excellent book by an amazing young man.

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Summary: Moving proses wrench tears from your eyes
Review: This is a very lucid and well written book. Why, you may ask? Because in my book, a book which moves you to tears can't be all that bad! Understandably this book is geared towards people whose "love" is unacceptable to those who in their viewpoint can only accept "conventional" love. I am as straight as the next straight guy and frankly, had to revise my opinion on the essences of love and how pain is experienced regardless of what sexuality one has after reading this book. Sadly the author passed away and some may view it as a semi-autobiographical narrative of his life but I believe that readers who read the book will feel the same pangs of heartache for the characters as I did.

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Summary: Tim Conigrave's Gift to Mankind!
Review: This is a very wonderful book. I first learn about this book when a friend told me about it. He said this book is just wonderful and that he cried over it. When he told me the synopsis I thought it is just another gay book that deals with AIDS. god knows how boring could that be and how many writers had written about it. But then he insist that I should at least check on it. The reviews that this book got from its readers except for one. So I decided to buy this book, and WOW! This book is indeed really great. What had made it really wonderful is the fact that it has very little conflict in its plot, but you still get really involved. I was really mad at Bob and oh I just love Tim and his lover. I never really cried reading a book, just drop a tear once, but with "Holding the Man" I really cried a lot. The book has made me sad, but it has also made me realize that love is still more powerful than anything. This is Tim Conigrave's gift to mankind. I just hope when they print this book again, they will ask one of Tim's friend to add a chapter or two as to what happened to Timothy Conigrave.