This October, I got completely absorbed by Dr. Abraham Verghese's Covenant of Water. Inspired by Oprah's deep dive into his work and encouraged by my dad, who admires Verghese as a physician with a similar life story, I decided to explore Verghese’s debut, My Own Country.

Before reading this memoir, my grasp of the AIDS crisis was fairly surface-level, perceived as a distant tragedy. However, a poignant comment from someone who had experienced the AIDS crisis firsthand—describing it as a decade-long isolation—really hit home for me, especially in the context of the pandemic.

My Own Country was truly enlightening. Verghese shares his journey as a doctor treating AIDS patients in Tennessee, revealing the personal stories and societal stigma faced by his patients. It was shocking to learn how they were marginalized, sometimes even by healthcare professionals who deemed them undeserving of care due to perceived "lifestyle choices." 

I appreciated that Dr. Verghese put humanizing names and stories to statistics that often feel cold and dehumanized. The book also left me wondering how much has changed in terms of victim blaming in many of the issues we still face today, like the fentanyl crisis or homelessness. 

While finishing the book, I stumbled upon an NPR podcast detailing the AIDS epidemic in the Bronx, which resonated deeply with the themes in Verghese’s narrative, particularly a heart-wrenching story about a four-year-old’s battle with AIDS. The book and podcast offer profound insights into the epidemic, underlining the power of empathy and understanding against stigma and fear. They’re essential resources for anyone looking to understand this critical historical period.

Shockingly, My Own Country, published in 1995 (coincidentally on my eighth birthday!), is somewhat outdated regarding accessibility—no Kindle or Audible versions were available, so I had to get a softcover copy. My Own Country could have reached a new audience during the pandemic with some promotion, a refreshed cover, an updated author’s note reflecting COVID, and digital versions. A few months ago, I shared how this author’s novel about the Spanish flu found its audience during the pandemic. 

If you’ve got a story or book that needs to be shared broadly, especially when narratives about health, uncertainty, and resilience are so pertinent, I’d love to help. Schedule a free call, and let’s discuss how we can effectively share your message with those who need it most.

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