Items related to What You Don't Know Can Kill You
Synopsis
When thirteen-year-old Debra Geddes's older sister Ellen tests positive for HIV, the family faces the horrifying reality of the disease, a frustrating sense of powerlessness, and the hostile reaction of the community. Reprint.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From Kirkus Reviews
Ellen, college-bound in the fall, learns that she carries the HIV virus, transmitted to her by her previously monogamous, slightly older boyfriend, who had engaged in unsafe sex after getting drunk at a fraternity house. Author Arrick attempts to convey how this news affects Ellen, her younger sister Debra, their parents, and the entire community, where AIDS has previously seemed a remote problem. While showing the broad, indiscriminate sweep of this national crisis is commendable, this novel is too short to delve into any aspect of it in more than a fleeting, superficial manner, and readers are bound to feel confused by the sheer number of the relationships of the many adults and teenagers involved. Plenty of solid information on AIDS is clumsily shoe- horned into the narrative; meanwhile, for those who believe themselves beyond the reach of this illness, Arrick does make a strong case regarding the possibilities for infection of the middle class mainstream. (Fiction. 11+) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
From Publishers Weekly
Arrick's disturbing novel depicts the consequences of forgoing safe sex practices in these AIDS-stricken times. Ellen, 18, is smart, beautiful and has a bright future that is likely to include Jack, her longtime boyfriend. When her blood drive donation reflects the HIV virus, Ellen is sure it's a mistake--she and Jack have been monogamous--until he admits to a few sexual indiscretions while away at school. The story incorporates AIDS-related information, the need for friendship and familial support, the prejudices born of ignorance, and the psychological strains heaped on family members--Ellen's parents and Debra, her 13-year-old sister, are overwhelmed with grief. Although introductory portions of the narrative and some of the dialogue evince an unnatural tone, ensuing passages are filled with heart-rending anguish and should dispel notions of "It can't happen to me" among careless, sexually active readers. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Search results for What You Don't Know Can Kill You
Stock Image
What You Don't Know Can Kill You
Published by
Random House Children's Books, 1994
ISBN 10: 0440218942
ISBN 13: 9780440218944
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 38384249-75
Quantity: 1 available