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Still Positive
One Woman's Journey of Advocacy, Faith, and Positivity
“You only have three to five years to live.”
On the day she was diagnosed with HIV and thrust from the confines of her suburban mom bubble into the scary and unpredictable world of AIDS, Julie promptly found herself fighting for her life and rights amidst a disease she never imagined would hijack her future.
With three young children, her family began making every effort to create lasting memories while simultaneously managing the debilitating side effects of early meds. They hid her illness for four years, fearing her children would suffer stigma and discrimination often experienced in the early days of the disease.
Her diagnosis began a path of advocacy, faith, and positivity despite her life’s detour. Now, Julie advocates for better healthcare outcomes for women through the personal stories and reflections from her life. Her health journey creates space for those walking through their own family or medical crises to be seen and supported.
"Some books tell you what to do or offer an outline for life… this book does not do that. The stories that make up Still Positive offered something different and impactful. ... I couldn’t put it down.” – Danielle Eylander, Early Reader
“You only have three to five years to live.”
On the day she was diagnosed with HIV and thrust from the confines of her suburban mom bubble into the scary and unpredictable world of AIDS, Julie promptly found herself fighting for her life and rights amidst a disease she never imagined would hijack her future.
With three young children, her family began making every effort to create lasting memories while simultaneously managing the debilitating side effects of early meds. They hid her illness for four years, fearing her children would suffer stigma and discrimination often experienced in the early days of the disease.
Her diagnosis began a path of advocacy, faith, and positivity despite her life’s detour. Now, Julie advocates for better healthcare outcomes for women through the personal stories and reflections from her life. Her health journey creates space for those walking through their own family or medical crises to be seen and supported.
"Some books tell you what to do or offer an outline for life… this book does not do that. The stories that make up Still Positive offered something different and impactful. ... I couldn’t put it down.” – Danielle Eylander, Early Reader
- GenresMemoirBiography Memoir
350 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
About the author
Julie Lewis
1 book4 followersJulie Lewis is a 39-year AIDS survivor, and mother to Grammy Award winning music producer, Ryan Lewis. She was infected with HIV in 1984 but not diagnosed until the early 1990s when she was given three to five years to live. After years of silence about her disease, she found an unlikely community of friends to fight alongside and began using her story to make a difference. Her experiences as a woman living with AIDS offers insights about grief and loss, caregiving, spirituality and the importance of community in the midst of tragedy.
Thirty years later, wanting to find a way to celebrate her incredible journey, and her passion for community health, she launched the 30/30 Project to positively impact the lives of other women, girls, and families who didn’t have the same access to the healthcare opportunities that she’s had.
The five-year project has resulted in 30 healthcare facilities, built for 18 organizations in 9 countries, including the US and Puerto Rico.
Julie has shared her story on CBS This Morning, Anderson Cooper and The Elvis Duran Show. Julie, a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Change-maker Award, has opened international conferences and been the keynote speaker at several events focused on healthcare, empowering women and uplifting communities whose voices need amplified.
Thirty years later, wanting to find a way to celebrate her incredible journey, and her passion for community health, she launched the 30/30 Project to positively impact the lives of other women, girls, and families who didn’t have the same access to the healthcare opportunities that she’s had.
The five-year project has resulted in 30 healthcare facilities, built for 18 organizations in 9 countries, including the US and Puerto Rico.
Julie has shared her story on CBS This Morning, Anderson Cooper and The Elvis Duran Show. Julie, a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Change-maker Award, has opened international conferences and been the keynote speaker at several events focused on healthcare, empowering women and uplifting communities whose voices need amplified.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 10, 2023
TITLE: STILL POSITIVE
AUTHOR: Julie Lewis & Jenny Koenig
PUB DATE: 05.23.2023 Now Available
I am inspired
I am empowered
It’s stories like this, STILL POSITIVE by Julie Lewis & Jenny Koenig, that propels my job in healthcare less daunting and more positive. Julie’s courageous account to share her chronic illness with the world despite stigma and a death sentence of being told having only 3-5 years to live. Instead of giving up, she took what she had to create a life that would benefit not only for herself and her children, but more to help others through advocacy helping women and others with medical crisis in navigating the complex American healthcare system.
The stories shared in STILL POSITIVE is impactful, inspirational, and hopeful for anyone going through chronic illness, medical crisis, or in the healthcare field.
AUTHOR: Julie Lewis & Jenny Koenig
PUB DATE: 05.23.2023 Now Available
I am inspired
I am empowered
It’s stories like this, STILL POSITIVE by Julie Lewis & Jenny Koenig, that propels my job in healthcare less daunting and more positive. Julie’s courageous account to share her chronic illness with the world despite stigma and a death sentence of being told having only 3-5 years to live. Instead of giving up, she took what she had to create a life that would benefit not only for herself and her children, but more to help others through advocacy helping women and others with medical crisis in navigating the complex American healthcare system.
The stories shared in STILL POSITIVE is impactful, inspirational, and hopeful for anyone going through chronic illness, medical crisis, or in the healthcare field.
August 19, 2023
Julie Lewis shares her journey in an incredibly open, honest, yet warm way.
Told in small bite sizes, Julie begins her story with the fateful day she received the call that she may be infected with the AIDS virus. It was the 90s and she hemorrhaged after the birth of her first child, thus receiving a blood transfusion. Six years later, she was informed that the blood was infected.
After taking a test - and of course, having her entire family tested, her now three children and husband, Julie was indeed HIV positive. Thankfully her family was negative.
Julie shares how at the time, being HIV positive was a death sentence - one doctor gave her 3 to 5 years. But with support, early drug treatment, and knowledge, Julie is a 39-year HIV-positive survivor and has become a strong advocate for better healthcare and education.
Through this journey, Julie also shares the reality of the stigma and discrimination this disease carried with it, especially in the early days. It was beautiful to see how Julie’s faith and family were really what gave her strength to keep moving forward. Speaking of family - you may recognize her son Ryan Lewis of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.
𝘛𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘐𝘝-𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @stillpositivebook for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
Told in small bite sizes, Julie begins her story with the fateful day she received the call that she may be infected with the AIDS virus. It was the 90s and she hemorrhaged after the birth of her first child, thus receiving a blood transfusion. Six years later, she was informed that the blood was infected.
After taking a test - and of course, having her entire family tested, her now three children and husband, Julie was indeed HIV positive. Thankfully her family was negative.
Julie shares how at the time, being HIV positive was a death sentence - one doctor gave her 3 to 5 years. But with support, early drug treatment, and knowledge, Julie is a 39-year HIV-positive survivor and has become a strong advocate for better healthcare and education.
Through this journey, Julie also shares the reality of the stigma and discrimination this disease carried with it, especially in the early days. It was beautiful to see how Julie’s faith and family were really what gave her strength to keep moving forward. Speaking of family - you may recognize her son Ryan Lewis of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.
𝘛𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘏𝘐𝘝-𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @stillpositivebook for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
August 13, 2023
Still Positive
By: Julie Lewis with Jenny Koenig
What would you do if you were told you have 4-5 years to live? This novel was so powerful. A mom and wife who was diagnosed with HIV. This was in the era when Ryan White, a teenager was in the media with HIV/AIDS, and the world did not know much about the disease.
Her children were young and so she starting to create memories and find out about the medicine she needed to help with this new diagnosis. The stigma at the time was incredible with the not knowing, all the ways it could be transmitted. She decided when to tell their children and how she got the disease. Hers was through a blood transfusion, so testing was necessary for her family.
Her faith and journey in the story are incredible. Now she advocates for better healthcare and her journey has been one of lows and highs. She is truly inspirational! Her children are grown now and she has lived to see so much that she never thought was possible.
Thank you Suzy @suzyapprovedbooks. Out as of May 23. #stillpositive, #julielewis, #jennykoeng, #suzyapprovedbooktours, #inspiring, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50
By: Julie Lewis with Jenny Koenig
What would you do if you were told you have 4-5 years to live? This novel was so powerful. A mom and wife who was diagnosed with HIV. This was in the era when Ryan White, a teenager was in the media with HIV/AIDS, and the world did not know much about the disease.
Her children were young and so she starting to create memories and find out about the medicine she needed to help with this new diagnosis. The stigma at the time was incredible with the not knowing, all the ways it could be transmitted. She decided when to tell their children and how she got the disease. Hers was through a blood transfusion, so testing was necessary for her family.
Her faith and journey in the story are incredible. Now she advocates for better healthcare and her journey has been one of lows and highs. She is truly inspirational! Her children are grown now and she has lived to see so much that she never thought was possible.
Thank you Suzy @suzyapprovedbooks. Out as of May 23. #stillpositive, #julielewis, #jennykoeng, #suzyapprovedbooktours, #inspiring, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50
June 5, 2023
Julie’s remarkable memoir is an honest, touching story that describes her incredible journey following her diagnosis with HIV in 1990. While dealing with this difficult news and the effects if put on her mental and physical health she found the strength and resilience to raise her 3 children as well as become an advocate for those who were also fighting for their lives with HIV and AIDS. Her inspiring story is filled with courage, hope and an amazing drive to serve others all over the globe.
March 5, 2025
you’ll be halfway through the book and she’ll write a chapter about someone you’ve never heard of before and then she goes “me and this person were best friends for 20 years.” overall nice story nice message but needs editing/trimming because sometimes she says so much yet so little
August 7, 2023
Thank you to my partner, Suzy Approved Book Tours, and the author. I appreciate the gifted paperback, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
1. 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 (in two ways) - As readers, we are immediately immersed deep into Julie’s psyche with her brutal honesty. At the time of her diagnosis and the years that followed, Julie didn’t allow fear and the stigma of AIDS deter her from being open and honest with the world.
2. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 - Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I absolutely remember the fear and panic surrounding the AIDS epidemic. Julie does such a great job relaying that feeling, and yet, she is able to relay the complete uncertainties of it at the time.
3. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - At the time of AIDS being a newly emerging disease, it was absolutely thrown around in the media as something that mainly gay men and IV drug users had to be afraid of. In 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, Julie paints the true picture of the time.
4. 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 - It is difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that people did contract HIV from something that should have been (and was at the time) a life-saving procedure. I am thankful that the word of medicine has progressed; however, we still don’t know what new things are out there in our futures.
5. 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 - Through it all, the story of their family and the unending love that they had for one another really stood out. And not just blood relations…the found family that came into Julie’s life were of the utmost importance to her and truly helped her navigate her life at the time.
1. 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 (in two ways) - As readers, we are immediately immersed deep into Julie’s psyche with her brutal honesty. At the time of her diagnosis and the years that followed, Julie didn’t allow fear and the stigma of AIDS deter her from being open and honest with the world.
2. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 - Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I absolutely remember the fear and panic surrounding the AIDS epidemic. Julie does such a great job relaying that feeling, and yet, she is able to relay the complete uncertainties of it at the time.
3. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - At the time of AIDS being a newly emerging disease, it was absolutely thrown around in the media as something that mainly gay men and IV drug users had to be afraid of. In 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, Julie paints the true picture of the time.
4. 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 - It is difficult for me to wrap my head around the fact that people did contract HIV from something that should have been (and was at the time) a life-saving procedure. I am thankful that the word of medicine has progressed; however, we still don’t know what new things are out there in our futures.
5. 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 - Through it all, the story of their family and the unending love that they had for one another really stood out. And not just blood relations…the found family that came into Julie’s life were of the utmost importance to her and truly helped her navigate her life at the time.
September 8, 2023
Read. Once I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. Julie’s story is inspiring, honest, heartbreaking and real. I enjoyed the short chapters and story telling style. Julie’s experience hits close to home as my own uncle passed away from the HIV/AIDS virus. Julie does an amazing job honoring and recognizing those who died from and/or were impacted by the death of their loved ones due to AIDS. I think the timing of her writing her memoir during the Covid 19 pandemic and tying that into her own experience living with HIV made her story and experience so much more relatable. I remember the fear, unknowns, and misconceptions around HIV/AIDS when I was a kid and so much of those same attitudes, feelings, conflicting views, and the polarization that resulted repeated themselves with Covid. This book really is for everyone. Especially as a mother, I can only begin to imagine what Julie endured during those first 3-5 years and the many that thankfully have followed for her. Julie took her circumstances and combined them with her skills and the support of her community, to educate, inspire, and help others. There are so many takeaways and amazing things Julie has done with her life. She lives and breathes that every day is a gift and inspires us all to do the same, but in a very realistic and achievable way.
July 9, 2023
With Jenny Koenig, Julie Lewis has written an amazing and emotional memoir and non-fiction novel, “Still Positive, A Memoir.” Julie Lewis has been living with AIDS, for many years, after an emergency blood transfusion to save her life. When she was first diagnosed, the author was given an estimate of a three to five-year survival rate. At the time, AIDS was looked as a death sentence, and the author and her husband didn’t want to put the medical or blood tests through insurance. At that time, the author had 3 young children.
This brings back memories of a time when people were frightened by AIDS. Many health practitioners didn’t want to deal with AIDS patients. Friends, family, and society often shunned patients. I appreciate how the author writes in a positive, factual, and informative way.
The author expresses her emotional feelings and fears and is determined by faith and belief that she will survive. For years, Julie Lewis advocated for others with AIDS and volunteered in other organizations to help women and children. I appreciate how the author discusses AIDS and the importance of family, friends, neighbors, and society. I highly recommend this unique, thought-provoking, and intriguing memoir.
This brings back memories of a time when people were frightened by AIDS. Many health practitioners didn’t want to deal with AIDS patients. Friends, family, and society often shunned patients. I appreciate how the author writes in a positive, factual, and informative way.
The author expresses her emotional feelings and fears and is determined by faith and belief that she will survive. For years, Julie Lewis advocated for others with AIDS and volunteered in other organizations to help women and children. I appreciate how the author discusses AIDS and the importance of family, friends, neighbors, and society. I highly recommend this unique, thought-provoking, and intriguing memoir.
August 17, 2023
I found this memoir very interesting as Julie tells her story of living the last 30 years being HIV positive.
She not only takes us on her journey of feelings but also shares the whys of the decisions she made (like her decision when and how to tell her three young children she was sick). She also weaves HIV educational facts throughout the book.
The book is divided into 3 parts.
In the first part, we learn how Julie became HIV positive. She also shares why she kept that information private.
In the second part, Julie chooses to come out about her diagnosis and she becomes a public speaker on AIDS awareness. We get to see the people she meets and looses along that chapter of her journey.
In the final part, Julie starts a project that impacts families around the world.
Julie threads the importance of faith throughout the entire read.
I was in college and teaching during the height of the AIDS epidemic so I found Julie’s story very interesting. I remember the negative perception of people who had AIDS.
This is a great memoir for a book club discussion because it will prompt memories for those of us impacted during that time as well as help younger people benefit from learning about the not so long ago past.
She not only takes us on her journey of feelings but also shares the whys of the decisions she made (like her decision when and how to tell her three young children she was sick). She also weaves HIV educational facts throughout the book.
The book is divided into 3 parts.
In the first part, we learn how Julie became HIV positive. She also shares why she kept that information private.
In the second part, Julie chooses to come out about her diagnosis and she becomes a public speaker on AIDS awareness. We get to see the people she meets and looses along that chapter of her journey.
In the final part, Julie starts a project that impacts families around the world.
Julie threads the importance of faith throughout the entire read.
I was in college and teaching during the height of the AIDS epidemic so I found Julie’s story very interesting. I remember the negative perception of people who had AIDS.
This is a great memoir for a book club discussion because it will prompt memories for those of us impacted during that time as well as help younger people benefit from learning about the not so long ago past.
August 8, 2023
Still Positive by Julie Lewis is a well written memoir.
I was very interested in reading this memoir due to the topic it addresses, AIDS. I had an uncle that was diagnosed with AIDS during the height of the pandemic. Unfortunately, he didn't survive his battle.
Julie Lewis has been living with AIDS after a medical procedure. Initially given a short time to live with a 3-year survival rate.
I appreciate the author's honesty in this thought-provoking memoir.
I spent a long time (and still do) in the community of people who are living with AIDS.
We have come a long way with the new medical technology, but I appreciate the author's honesty and candid during the time when it was not always that way.
Highly recommend this memoir.
I was very interested in reading this memoir due to the topic it addresses, AIDS. I had an uncle that was diagnosed with AIDS during the height of the pandemic. Unfortunately, he didn't survive his battle.
Julie Lewis has been living with AIDS after a medical procedure. Initially given a short time to live with a 3-year survival rate.
I appreciate the author's honesty in this thought-provoking memoir.
I spent a long time (and still do) in the community of people who are living with AIDS.
We have come a long way with the new medical technology, but I appreciate the author's honesty and candid during the time when it was not always that way.
Highly recommend this memoir.
August 15, 2023
Still Positive is the perfect title for this book. Julie, diagnosed with AIDS in the 1990’s and given 3-5 years to live, wrote this book 30 plus years later. Julie’s faith and positive outlook are admirable and inspirational. I appreciate her candor and openness and think it’s amazing that she has shared her story with countless people over the years. This book is a good reminder that one person CAN make a difference. Yes, it takes a village to accomplish change but it all starts with one person who is brave enough to take the first step. Julie is one of those remarkable people and her story will stay with me for a long time.
August 19, 2023
This book was such a beautiful and loving look at cherishing those around us and making the most of the time we have on earth. I really enjoyed Julie's positivity and strong sense of faith as well as her grit and determination. I came away from the book with a new, deeper appreciation for AIDS survivors and activists and am now inspired to find a way to give to this deserving community. She is just so amazing!
I also felt like I was sitting and enjoying a chat over coffee as I read her beautiful words. The conversational style of her writing made me feel like she was a friend whom I knew well. As a result, I just wanted to hug her with every turn of the page. Such a great book! I think this is a memoir everyone should read!
I also felt like I was sitting and enjoying a chat over coffee as I read her beautiful words. The conversational style of her writing made me feel like she was a friend whom I knew well. As a result, I just wanted to hug her with every turn of the page. Such a great book! I think this is a memoir everyone should read!
June 6, 2023
This is a story of courage, faith, resourcefulness and perseverance in a seemingly insurmountable situation. Julie’s journey through the depths of fear, loneliness and isolation when she was initially diagnosed to the highs of dancing at her children’s weddings and walking through the women’s health clinics built through her work at CfC is an amazing story. The book is raw, honest, terrifying and ultimately triumphant and life-affirming.
July 5, 2023
𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨!
What a fantastic and inspiring story, just wow, talk about a positive journey. A story about courage, resilience, survival and strenght.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 by Julie Lewis released May 23, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
What a fantastic and inspiring story, just wow, talk about a positive journey. A story about courage, resilience, survival and strenght.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 by Julie Lewis released May 23, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
May 3, 2024
A very inspirational story, I appreciated her vulnerability. I appreciated how her story evolved and am amazed by what she’s accomplished in her lifetime.
July 9, 2023
It has been a few months since I read a memoir that was really good and stuck with me. This book broke that drought! While the topic is heavy, the writing is easy to read. In fact, I breezed through the book in two days because I was hooked. Her strength and perseverance is apparent in the story and in her writing. I applaud her for telling this story and for her candid writing.
Thank you so much to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy!
Thank you so much to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy!
June 13, 2023
This memoir had my attention from the beginning. Not only did the author express her fears and thoughts about living with HIV, but also had facts about HIV. The facts I learned in this memoir just opened my perspective more. I have so much respect for Julie to do something many would not. In a time where the disease was feared and people with it were unwelcome she became a voice for many. She advocated not only for herself but others infected by the disease by educating others. Julie made and lost friends with HIV and I loved how she explained some of their stories as well. It was a vulnerable, inspiring and beautiful written story. Julie didn’t let the disease define her as she lives her life to the fullest.
Thank you @stillpositivebook and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @stillpositivebook and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
November 12, 2023
Listened to the audiobook. The narrators voice wasn’t my favorite and at times appeared to sound as if she was auditioning for a play with her inflections and dramatic voices. That being said, I can’t even imagine having to live through what she did. This wasn’t my favorite medical story unfortunately. I skimmed some parts and struggled to stay interested.
October 6, 2023
What a fantastic, inspiring memoir! One of the best books I’ve read all year. I love the heartfelt descriptions of her life experiences and all the quotes at the beginning of the chapters. Hearing her story should increase our humanity.
October 10, 2023
Was super intrigued until the part where she said she was a Christian and seemingly not a liberal one. So I stopped reading. Probably a good book for Christians.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews