At Risk

Rating:
Summary: Risk it
Review: This was my first Alice Hoffman book, but it won't be my last! This book will pull you into the lives of the characters and is hauntingly written. Alice Hoffman does a wonderful job in creating empathy for the characters and what they go through. Mixed amotions accompany each page; from horror to sadness; but [warning] this isn't a pick-me-up read for when you're feeling depressed.

Rating:
Summary: A worthwhile read
Review: Very well written, easy read. Hoffman does an excellent job of characterizing issues of isolation experienced by Aids victims and fear experienced by those who know them. I believe that the main character in the novel allows a wide range of people to get a little closer to AIDS issues without haveing to deal with issues suxual morality, homophobia or drug addiction. . . all issues the general public have a hard time confronting. My initial reaction to the main character was taht Hoffman "took the easy way out". .. probably not wanting to offend the consertative right. After finishing the book, I am now comfortable that the characters strenght, innocence and youth make it impossible for a reader not to learn something, feel something, perhaps even want to do something, for those who suffer with AIDS. This is a easy enough read for teenagers and an excellent way to help educate them on AIDS.