Ryan White: My Own Story

by Ryan White, Ann Marie Cunningham, Ann Cunningham

Book Overview

A challenging and emotional inspirational memoir of terminal illness, prejudice, and living with HIV/AIDS.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER
"Heartbreaking... A powerful tale."--New York Times Book Review

In 1984, when Ryan White received an AIDS diagnosis after receiving a contaminated blood treatment for his hemophilia, he was given six months to live. And although doctors said he posed no risk to other students,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451173228
• ISBN13: 9780451173225
• Release Date: August 1992
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.1" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Story Full of Hope

I first read Ryan White's Story last summer of 2002. It was a wonderful book. It really made me think about my own life and I relized that I needed to be thankful for each day the Lord gave me. Having AIDS can be a really hard thing for someone to deal with. But with all the courage that Ryan White had, he did everyting he could to stop it from coming but death took his toll and he died on in April of 1990. We need to remember to help those who "might" have AIDS. Today, fear of AIDS still lurks in the air and even one or two people might get it but if I remember right 1 in 10 people get AIDS. It's sad but it's really true.

An uplifting story of love and courage

This is probably the best book I have ever read. Ryan was an incredibly strong boy who left his mark on the world. He will never be forgotten for his endless efforts to help people with AIDS and for all of the lives he's touched. Ryan accomplished more in his seventeen years of life than most people do in one hundred years. You will fall in love with Ryan and his family. Ryan loved life and he made every second count. While fighting his illness, he did everything possible to help other people with AIDS. Although short, Ryan led a very full life, one that he was very grateful for. Ryan was put on this earth for a reason and after reading this book, you'll soon realize why.

I defy anybody to smear this book.

I heard about his story through the 3-2-1 Contact special that first aired and then read the book. Both presented a young boy who went through some amazing odds and suceded in brining AIDS awareness to the national conciousness. The prose is simple and unscholarly, but this is the beauty of the book, because Ryan was a real human being with real feelings and frustrations. Although some language will ofend the sensitive, it captures the importance of tolerance and education. In addition to fighting the complications of hemophilia and AIDS, he also had to fight sheer uneducation, and a weaker person would have crumbled a lot earlier. Picked on because of his difference, Ryan was ultimately more saintly than several hollier than thos fundamentalists who either condemed him or patronized him. Although I am fortunate enough not to have hemophilia or HIV/AIDS, I did see a lot of myself in him and needed the obligatory tissues by my side as I read this compelling story. In the years since, Elton John has dedicated "Candle in the Wind' to many people and it has lost some of it's bestowment awe, but I remain convinced that it rightfully belongs to Ryan White. As for quotes, I believe Michael Jackson said it best: "Good bye Ryan White, you taught us how to stand and fight" People like this do not come a long every day.

An inspiration to all of us.

I read this book 3 years ago as a sopohomore in high school. I had heard the story of Ryan White but never knew it in this much detail. To be honest, throughout the book, my eyes were rarely ever dry. Ryan was so young, yet he was forced to become an adult much sooner than anyone could ever imagine. No matter what everyone else said about him, Ryan always kept his head up. He never lost hope in himself. I remember once in the book he tells his mom I'll beat this thing or I'll die trying. That is what he did. He died trying to beat the dreadful disease. However, good did come of this. Because of Ryan White, new light has been shed on the entire AIDS issue. He was so brave. I do not know of anyone in this world who possesses the same kind of courage that this young man did. The story of Ryan White will never leave my heart. He is a true inspiration to all of us and will never be forgotten. In the words of Elton's song "Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did."ÿ

A story that will make you think about your own life...

I read this book becasue my friend told me I should. She said I would cry, and I did. Ryan White was a remarkable person. He was born with hemophilia and struggled through much of his short life trying to be a normal kid. Ryan was diagnosed with AIDS at age 13. I am 14 years old, and I know what it is like to be a teenager. The trials and tribulations any normal teen goes through, Ryan went through but he did it with his deadly disease. I am amazed at how much strength and courage he and his family all had. When their own hometown turned their backs on the White family, they moved and built up a whole new life with new friends. Wherever Ryan went, his message also followed and the message is this: NEVER give up on your life. Thank you.