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Love Is the Cure: On Life, Loss, and the End of AIDS
A deeply personal account of Elton John's life during the era of AIDS and an inspiring call to action.
In the 1980s, Elton John saw friend after friend, loved one after loved one, perish needlessly from AIDS. He befriended Ryan White, a young Indiana boy ostracized because of his HIV infection. Ryan's inspiring life and devastating death led Elton to two realizations: His own life was a mess. And he had to do something to help stop the AIDS crisis.
Since then, Elton has dedicated himself to overcoming the plague and the stigma of AIDS. The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised and donated $275 million to date to fighting the disease worldwide. Love Is the Cure includes stories of Elton's close friendships with Ryan White, Freddie Mercury, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, and others, and the story of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Sales of Love Is the Cure benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
In the 1980s, Elton John saw friend after friend, loved one after loved one, perish needlessly from AIDS. He befriended Ryan White, a young Indiana boy ostracized because of his HIV infection. Ryan's inspiring life and devastating death led Elton to two realizations: His own life was a mess. And he had to do something to help stop the AIDS crisis.
Since then, Elton has dedicated himself to overcoming the plague and the stigma of AIDS. The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised and donated $275 million to date to fighting the disease worldwide. Love Is the Cure includes stories of Elton's close friendships with Ryan White, Freddie Mercury, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, and others, and the story of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Sales of Love Is the Cure benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
93 people are currently reading
1416 people want to read
About the author
Elton John
374 books606 followersSir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) is an English pop/rock singer, composer and pianist.
In his five-decade career, John has been one of the dominant forces in rock and popular music, especially during the 1970s. He has sold more than 300 million albums and over one hundred million singles, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. He has won five Grammy awards and one Academy Award. His success has had a profound impact on popular music and has contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him #49 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.
Some of the characteristics of John's music are his ability to quickly craft melodies for the lyrics of songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, his former rich tenor (now baritone) voice, his classical and gospel-influenced piano, the aggressive orchestral arrangements of Paul Buckmaster among others and the flamboyant fashions and on-stage showmanship, especially evident during the 1970s.
John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He has been heavily involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s and was knighted in 1998. He entered into a civil partnership with David Furnish on 21 December 2005. John and Furnish married in Windsor, Berkshire, on 21 December 2014, the ninth anniversary of their civil partnership. Hecontinues to be a champion for the LGBT social movements.
In his five-decade career, John has been one of the dominant forces in rock and popular music, especially during the 1970s. He has sold more than 300 million albums and over one hundred million singles, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. He has won five Grammy awards and one Academy Award. His success has had a profound impact on popular music and has contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him #49 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.
Some of the characteristics of John's music are his ability to quickly craft melodies for the lyrics of songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, his former rich tenor (now baritone) voice, his classical and gospel-influenced piano, the aggressive orchestral arrangements of Paul Buckmaster among others and the flamboyant fashions and on-stage showmanship, especially evident during the 1970s.
John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He has been heavily involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s and was knighted in 1998. He entered into a civil partnership with David Furnish on 21 December 2005. John and Furnish married in Windsor, Berkshire, on 21 December 2014, the ninth anniversary of their civil partnership. Hecontinues to be a champion for the LGBT social movements.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
January 17, 2019
5 Stars!
Truly heartening in just how far we’ve come but also inspiring and brutal in the harsh reality of just how far we still must go.
Truly heartening in just how far we’ve come but also inspiring and brutal in the harsh reality of just how far we still must go.
October 7, 2012
Three stars is almost unfair. I would have enjoyed this book a lot more had it not been for a few tiny things that annoyed me throughout the book. Before I talk more about it, I'd like to say I am completely behind Elton John on everything in this book. The missing two stars does not represent the facts or the proposed solutions in this book--they are all spot on. With that settled...
Love is the Cure is part memoir, but mostly an essay on the history and current state of AIDS. The memoir bits are actually related to the essay bits, so it does not come across as an egotistical celebrity talking about himself instead of the issues at hand. For instance, the hands on treatment Elton John was given in rehab, and the compassionate way he was treated made him believe this was the best way to help anyone. The entire book is extremely personal--indeed that's the point of the book: to go beyond the statistics of HIV/AIDS and give real stories of real suffering. The effect is as intended--I was moved to tears, and was occasionally angered reading these individuals' stories. It really makes you feel connected.
Elton John is not a writer. I realize this. But the repetition in his writing really kept me from enjoying this book. "My dear friend," "dignity they deserve," "compassion," "As early as." The list goes on. "My dear friend" was almost always followed by a celebrity, and while I don't doubt he really is friends with many celebrities it seemed a bit name-droppy. "As early as" to me should imply that the following is the earliest date at which something could have happened. Elton John uses it obsessively to mean, "Wow, guys! Can you believe it happened this early?" The date is usually exact.
One small thing I really admired was that Elton John gives credit where credit is due. He admires the actions of men he really disagrees with on nearly every score--Republican Senators, corrupt foreign Presidents, U.S. President George W. Bush. He acknowledges their huge contributions to the fight against AIDS. Even pointing out the flaws of certain programs, like President Bush's abstinence only education, he appreciates the things that work.
I learnt a lot from this book. I thought I was fairly knowledgeable about AIDS--I wasn't. And even if you are, reading what is essentially a compilation of deeply personal, real stories of people living with HIV/AIDS will make you want to leap to action. I feel so much more connected to this cause than I did before, and I'm grateful for it. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is, as John explains, curable as long as we are willing to show kindness, love, and ignore the stigmatization of marginalized groups. Elton John is clearly very proud of his foundation, as he well should be. They're fighting to save lives, and that's a beautiful thing.
March 5, 2025
As illustrated throughout this book Elton John is extremely passionate and committed to the fight to end HIV epidemic in the world. His story of his relationship with Ryan White is limited to the earlier chapters of the book as he expands on his opinions on the stigma that is associated with AIDS. I respect his passion and dedication to this horrible disease but the narrative at times becomes as he is standing on a soap box.
August 8, 2012
I first chose to read this book just because it was written by Elton John (a fav musician in my younger years), and I wanted to hear what he had to say. I'm glad I read this informative, eye-opening account of his work with HIV/AIDS. He doesn't call himself an authority on the subject; however, I would.
The book begins with John's account of the Ryan White story, which I remembered from the early 80's. Ryan was a hemophiliac who at age 13 was diagnosed with AIDS caused from a blood transfusion. Ryan died as a teenager, but not before he was ostracised from his school and community. Ignorance, lack of love, and contempt caused Ryan's short life on this earth to be a difficult one; however, we was a Christian filled with faith and love.
Reading about the history of HIV/AIDS, the stigma that accompanies it, responses of governments around the world to the disease, and why humanity hasn't taken the necessary steps to end this dreadful disease has made me more aware and compassionate towards this plight.
AIDS isn't like any other disease. There's no complete cure for heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, but there is for AIDS. AIDS could be wiped out by the year 2020 if the money was allocated...and he's not talking about a ton of money. With $5-$7 billion per year through the year 2020, AIDS could end. This sounds like a ton of money; however, consider that "Americans alone spent $16.9 billion on chocolate and $18.7 billion on pet food in 2010 alone".
I encourage you to read "Love is the Cure".
The book begins with John's account of the Ryan White story, which I remembered from the early 80's. Ryan was a hemophiliac who at age 13 was diagnosed with AIDS caused from a blood transfusion. Ryan died as a teenager, but not before he was ostracised from his school and community. Ignorance, lack of love, and contempt caused Ryan's short life on this earth to be a difficult one; however, we was a Christian filled with faith and love.
Reading about the history of HIV/AIDS, the stigma that accompanies it, responses of governments around the world to the disease, and why humanity hasn't taken the necessary steps to end this dreadful disease has made me more aware and compassionate towards this plight.
AIDS isn't like any other disease. There's no complete cure for heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, but there is for AIDS. AIDS could be wiped out by the year 2020 if the money was allocated...and he's not talking about a ton of money. With $5-$7 billion per year through the year 2020, AIDS could end. This sounds like a ton of money; however, consider that "Americans alone spent $16.9 billion on chocolate and $18.7 billion on pet food in 2010 alone".
I encourage you to read "Love is the Cure".
April 18, 2019
Definitely an eye-opener. Absolutely a must read
August 15, 2012
I received this book for free from a First Reads giveaway.
During my time training to be a medical librarian, I tried to stay current with popular medical information. I find this book to be a very approachable look at the AIDS epidemic. I completely agree with Sir Elton John's conclusion that HIV/AIDS is a unique disease in the world. After all, with proper treatment, and more importantly, education and prevention, HIV/AIDS could be completely wiped out among humanity.
While it did have its share of name-dropping (not entirely surprising in a celebrity-authored book), Sir Elton John has put forth a very informative and eye-opening view of this epidemic. I very much enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone I know who is interested in public health or LGBTQ rights issues.
During my time training to be a medical librarian, I tried to stay current with popular medical information. I find this book to be a very approachable look at the AIDS epidemic. I completely agree with Sir Elton John's conclusion that HIV/AIDS is a unique disease in the world. After all, with proper treatment, and more importantly, education and prevention, HIV/AIDS could be completely wiped out among humanity.
While it did have its share of name-dropping (not entirely surprising in a celebrity-authored book), Sir Elton John has put forth a very informative and eye-opening view of this epidemic. I very much enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone I know who is interested in public health or LGBTQ rights issues.
July 17, 2015
Eye-opening statistics and a heartfelt plea to change the way we view HIV/AIDS. This is not an autobiography of Elton John the musician, but it is a personal account of his journey from drug/alcohol addiction to becoming a leader in the fight for AIDS treatment, education, and research. It all begins with his friendship with Ryan White, who transforms Elton in a deep and meaningful way. It is not well-written in the literary sense but is straightforward and written with conviction and love. (less)
July 31, 2012
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads and I am extremely glad that I did! It was truly inspirational to read. Elton John writes as if he is talking through the page and into your ear as if he was right next to you! It was very interesting with many facts about AIDS, the history, and about his life. He is open in this book about some personal aspects of his life and you definitely learn a lot reading it not only about him but about HIV/AIDS. I really enjoyed this book.
December 27, 2014
A poignant, heartfelt view of The AIDS epidemic from a sociopolitical point of view. This work studies how the disease is worsened by the uncomfortable stigma that surrounds it. An argument that may seem far fetched by the title is explained through striking stories about how a societies actions and lack of compassion can actually spread and keep alive something so horrible. A beautiful book.
December 28, 2018
I entered nursing school in the fall of 1991 and I vividly remember my first AIDS patient. Thank you Sir Elton John for your contributions to fighting AIDS through the EJAF and the love you’ve put into it.
July 24, 2012
I learned a lot, I laughed a little, got a little misty, got angry (though not at Elton)... Simply put, this book is a must-read.
April 20, 2021
A powerful book about the opportunity to eradicate AIDs and the work of the Elton John Aids Foundation over the last two decades. Good analysis of the difficulties of medicating marginalised HIV positive people. Two London hospitals where I was CEO in the 1990s benefited from grants from EJAF.
Read
October 24, 2019beautiful... love really is the cure!
June 30, 2024
This was a very enlightening account on the early days of the AIDS epidemic and a very personal memoir of EJ on his love and loss with this epidemic and his fight and start of his foundation to raise awareness about the epidemic.
March 2, 2013
1a6
In the 1980′s, in the heart of the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic, Elton John watched helplessly as friends too numerous to count, succumbed to this frightening illness. It wasn’t until he was in a waiting room one day and read an article on Ryan White, the young boy born a hemophiliac, who contracted AIDS through blood transfusions and then was attacked by the school district and parents of students who did not want him to return to school and put (as they thought at the time) their own children at risk of contacting AIDS.
Elton John was furious about the treatment of Ryan White. While working on cleaning up his own addiction to drugs at the time he conquered this and befriended White and his family. This began Elton Johns campaign to help others move beyond the stigma of AIDS.
Love is the Cure is about Elton’s work through The Elton John AIDS Foundation that has raised over $275 million dollars as of the date of this book to fight the disease worldwide. Impressively, Elton’s campaign has done wonders in third world countries where AIDS is extremely high due to rape, and unprotected sex.
I have huge compassion for people with AIDS. I am a part of a local camp that raises money for AIDS awareness and have met wonderful people through this. People that I am proud to call my friends.
When I seen Elton’s book I knew I had to listen to it to hear his thoughts on AIDS. For the most part, I liked what he said. It was interesting to listen to this audio, narrated (BRILLIANTLY) by him, as he talked about the early years of AIDS his lack of attentiveness, and to now all that is being done around the world and what has yet to be done.
Elton had and has powerful connections to Presidents, Musicians, and Actors. I was impressed to hear all that Bill Clinton has done in the war against AIDS. I was also saddened as Elton John talked about some of the brilliant people who lost that war, Freddie Mercury (QUEEN), Rock Hudson, Liberace, Anthony Perkins, Issac Asimov, Robert Reed, just to name very few…
Elton’s book is factual, and it is personal. I am always stunned by the numbers, 34 million people as of 2010 who has been reported as having AIDS, that number is in fact considerably greater as some states to this day do not report AIDS cases and many never seek treatment and go undiagnosed.
An eye-opening look at the battle that while not as talked about as it once was, is still being fought to this day.
For more of my reviews stop by: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/
In the 1980′s, in the heart of the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic, Elton John watched helplessly as friends too numerous to count, succumbed to this frightening illness. It wasn’t until he was in a waiting room one day and read an article on Ryan White, the young boy born a hemophiliac, who contracted AIDS through blood transfusions and then was attacked by the school district and parents of students who did not want him to return to school and put (as they thought at the time) their own children at risk of contacting AIDS.
Elton John was furious about the treatment of Ryan White. While working on cleaning up his own addiction to drugs at the time he conquered this and befriended White and his family. This began Elton Johns campaign to help others move beyond the stigma of AIDS.
Love is the Cure is about Elton’s work through The Elton John AIDS Foundation that has raised over $275 million dollars as of the date of this book to fight the disease worldwide. Impressively, Elton’s campaign has done wonders in third world countries where AIDS is extremely high due to rape, and unprotected sex.
I have huge compassion for people with AIDS. I am a part of a local camp that raises money for AIDS awareness and have met wonderful people through this. People that I am proud to call my friends.
When I seen Elton’s book I knew I had to listen to it to hear his thoughts on AIDS. For the most part, I liked what he said. It was interesting to listen to this audio, narrated (BRILLIANTLY) by him, as he talked about the early years of AIDS his lack of attentiveness, and to now all that is being done around the world and what has yet to be done.
Elton had and has powerful connections to Presidents, Musicians, and Actors. I was impressed to hear all that Bill Clinton has done in the war against AIDS. I was also saddened as Elton John talked about some of the brilliant people who lost that war, Freddie Mercury (QUEEN), Rock Hudson, Liberace, Anthony Perkins, Issac Asimov, Robert Reed, just to name very few…
Elton’s book is factual, and it is personal. I am always stunned by the numbers, 34 million people as of 2010 who has been reported as having AIDS, that number is in fact considerably greater as some states to this day do not report AIDS cases and many never seek treatment and go undiagnosed.
An eye-opening look at the battle that while not as talked about as it once was, is still being fought to this day.
For more of my reviews stop by: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/
August 21, 2012
Love is the Cure is very well written and Elton John seems to have done his research. A huge focus of this book is on the fact that HIV/AIDS has such a huge stigma attached to it that those with the disease often don't get any treatment. Most of the people who contract the disease are on the fringes of society - meaning they are not always regarded as equal (i.e. gays, prostitutes, injection drug users). In many places because of this social standing, these people are considered to be deserving of their illness. Elton John's point of view is that if everyone stops being so hateful and instead treats everyone with the same respect, AIDS will come to an end. Everyone will get access to the same necessary treatments and preventative measures and will no longer be forced to hide in shame. He proposes that through love the pandemic can end.
I actually learned an extensive amount about the disease while reading this. He's right. HIV/AIDS is something that is basically shoved into the closet and not talked about. I honestly didn't know half of the statistics, including the fact that one of the worst city-wide epidemics in the western hemisphere is in Washington, D.C. The only sort of formal education I've received in school regarding HIV/AIDS was in the 10th grade health class at my school. We had a section on STDs and had to have parental consent to attend those weeks of class due to the fact that HIV/AIDS is primarily associated with gay men. Unfortunately, due to this kind of thinking people like Ryan White have had to (and still do) suffer through the stigma of having the illness.
I am very impressed with the amount of effort Elton John put into this book. He's obviously done his research, which is critical for gaining all of the support he has for his organization EJAF. Citations are provided for each fact to prove that he's not making anything up. Usually, in my opinion, memoirs of celebrities written by those celebrities are trivial and inconsequential. They might be fun and allow a peek inside the hidden lives of the stars but they're not usually intellectual or life changing. This is. Love is the Cure is one of the best nonfiction pieces I've read in a long time. Elton John has just blown my mind away.
I actually learned an extensive amount about the disease while reading this. He's right. HIV/AIDS is something that is basically shoved into the closet and not talked about. I honestly didn't know half of the statistics, including the fact that one of the worst city-wide epidemics in the western hemisphere is in Washington, D.C. The only sort of formal education I've received in school regarding HIV/AIDS was in the 10th grade health class at my school. We had a section on STDs and had to have parental consent to attend those weeks of class due to the fact that HIV/AIDS is primarily associated with gay men. Unfortunately, due to this kind of thinking people like Ryan White have had to (and still do) suffer through the stigma of having the illness.
I am very impressed with the amount of effort Elton John put into this book. He's obviously done his research, which is critical for gaining all of the support he has for his organization EJAF. Citations are provided for each fact to prove that he's not making anything up. Usually, in my opinion, memoirs of celebrities written by those celebrities are trivial and inconsequential. They might be fun and allow a peek inside the hidden lives of the stars but they're not usually intellectual or life changing. This is. Love is the Cure is one of the best nonfiction pieces I've read in a long time. Elton John has just blown my mind away.
April 20, 2016
It has been over a year that I have wanted to read the book and I am excited that I finally finished it! Elton John's book introduces us to the story of one of the most important people that he ever encounter, Ryan White. I heard about this kid and knew his life story but not in details and this is a kid who truly help remove the stigma on HIV/AIDS and promoted change, love, and hope for the future. Elton John had an extreme case of alcoholism, sex addiction, bulimic, and was addicted to Cocaine. Because of the death of Ryan White, it was a wake up call for him and lucky went to rehab and has been sober ever since.
It is remarkable to hear about this from him because I honestly did not know how bad his addiction was and I am surprise that he is still able to sing after all these years. This book encounters memories of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, and countless others who inspired Elton's life and helped manifest his foundation, Elton John's AIDS Foundation aka EJAF.
I have to warn you, I fell into this trap that this book was going to purely on memoirs and its NOT! For about 90 pages, he talks about his friends and loved ones but for most of the book he talks about the history of HIV/AIDS, the destructive past that surrounded this plague, and talks about current events, and things that have become a milestone thanks to his foundation. Elton John uses references to articles in magazines and newspapers to inform where he is getting his information.
I believe this book is crucial and insightful and open my eyes to the chaos that is surrounding this planet and how we as individuals need to step up and start curing the world of diseases with love and dignity. He and countless others are truly passionate towards ending the world of AIDS through the help of government, pharmaceutical companies, foundations and charities and religious institutions. We need to remove the stigma when it comes to HIV/AIDS and fight for a better today, tomorrow, and future generations.
It is remarkable to hear about this from him because I honestly did not know how bad his addiction was and I am surprise that he is still able to sing after all these years. This book encounters memories of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, and countless others who inspired Elton's life and helped manifest his foundation, Elton John's AIDS Foundation aka EJAF.
I have to warn you, I fell into this trap that this book was going to purely on memoirs and its NOT! For about 90 pages, he talks about his friends and loved ones but for most of the book he talks about the history of HIV/AIDS, the destructive past that surrounded this plague, and talks about current events, and things that have become a milestone thanks to his foundation. Elton John uses references to articles in magazines and newspapers to inform where he is getting his information.
I believe this book is crucial and insightful and open my eyes to the chaos that is surrounding this planet and how we as individuals need to step up and start curing the world of diseases with love and dignity. He and countless others are truly passionate towards ending the world of AIDS through the help of government, pharmaceutical companies, foundations and charities and religious institutions. We need to remove the stigma when it comes to HIV/AIDS and fight for a better today, tomorrow, and future generations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2019
While at the library picking out some books, Elton John's face caught my eye and I had a glance at the title. I'd always wanted to educate myself on AIDs, but I'd never felt like picking up a serious, lengthy, complicated book on the matter, fearing it would either go straight over my head or it'd be too hard to absorb all the information. This was just what I'd been looking for. A narratively styled, not too long book discussing both the statistics and the real life people behind those numbers. This is something that will stick with me. Although I found there were overly repetitive points and it wasn't necessarily the best piece of literature, I didn't mind; it wasn't intended to be the most sophisticated book ever written, it was intended to inform, educate and inspire, to attract a new audience, and in that it was entirely successful.
This book really served a purpose for me, and achieved what it set out to. As someone born after the initial AIDs outbreak, prior to reading this book I've always felt uninformed and ignorant about the topic. I was aware AIDs was still around and was a global issue, but as to the history and (just as crucially) the present status of the disease, treatment, and prevention, I was very much in the dark. I feel enlightened after reading this book, as well as both moved and inspired by many of the specific and personal stories he told.
"The bottom line is, we're all human, and we all deserve to be helped and to be loved."
This book really served a purpose for me, and achieved what it set out to. As someone born after the initial AIDs outbreak, prior to reading this book I've always felt uninformed and ignorant about the topic. I was aware AIDs was still around and was a global issue, but as to the history and (just as crucially) the present status of the disease, treatment, and prevention, I was very much in the dark. I feel enlightened after reading this book, as well as both moved and inspired by many of the specific and personal stories he told.
"The bottom line is, we're all human, and we all deserve to be helped and to be loved."
April 1, 2014
There are going to be a great many people disappointed expecting an autobiography on Elton John. This is, more or less, a 200 page essay on AIDS. Little more than a smattering about the great life and career of Sir Elton John is to be had.
That being said, the book was a quick and interesting read. I know a great deal more about the spread and prevention of HIV, about how far those fighting the disease have come and how much further there is to go.
The book is also interesting to read for those coming from a conservative or religious perspective. Elton is a flaming liberal, but you can feel him trying to meet those with whom his differences are many, halfway. His passion and honesty on the topic he cares about can't help but be contagious, and you'll forgive him his many self-righteous indulgences along the way.
Still, it is a 200 page essay on AIDS, so it can be damn boring as hell.
That being said, the book was a quick and interesting read. I know a great deal more about the spread and prevention of HIV, about how far those fighting the disease have come and how much further there is to go.
The book is also interesting to read for those coming from a conservative or religious perspective. Elton is a flaming liberal, but you can feel him trying to meet those with whom his differences are many, halfway. His passion and honesty on the topic he cares about can't help but be contagious, and you'll forgive him his many self-righteous indulgences along the way.
Still, it is a 200 page essay on AIDS, so it can be damn boring as hell.
March 18, 2019
Very enlightening book on the the history and fight of the AIDS epidemic. It was really great listening to it in Elton John's own voice. I am really struck by his heart for people and his tenacity to fight this disease.
May 26, 2024
Heart-warming and touching novel about Elton John’s personal connections to AIDS. I was assigned this book for class and I loved it! I cried several times. Elton talks about many cool stories about Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury and more.
September 7, 2017
The individual stories are what made this book.
January 1, 2018
Fantastic book. "Love is the Cure", Sir Elton is absolutely correct. A definite must read.
April 11, 2019
Maybe too many statistics and personal opinions, but it made me think. How do governments, neighbors, churches, corporations think and react to AIDS issues, and more importantly, people?
January 20, 2024
I absolutely was blown away by this book, which was crazy, because I went into it pretty blindly. I had chosen it because I am a big Elton John fan, and I had the assumption that this book was about his life and career in the music industry, and was totally surprised when it was pretty much about the AIDS epidemic. I almost stopped listening, because I didn’t feel like it would fit into my theme this month, but I was so intrigued by the stories that Elton was sharing of his friends and regular every day people who had to suffer through this terrible illness, and, their stories were the catalyst that created a massive global change in fighting back against the disease and listening to illustrate their stories, and how he played part in them, and how it changed his life and his perspective really was moving to me
Not to mention how educational it was because I had no idea about how bad the epidemic was in the 70s in blood transfusions and hemophiliac. I always believed that it was pretty much a sexually transmitted disease and I never considered it a gay disease, but I wasn’t aware of all of the people who suffered from it strictly, because there was nothing to screen for it back then , I also wasn’t aware of how bad the situation of rape and HIV spread was in South Africa and how much the women there suffered in silence because of it until I heard this book
I loved how he incorporated so many people stories into this book from Ryan White to 70s power couple who was an actress in contracted it, threw a blood transfusion during labor and unknowingly, gave it to both of her kids, in utero, and then he goes onto tell story about the woman he met in South Africa. Every story was so empowering and so moving and so tragically beautiful.
Not to mention how educational it was because I had no idea about how bad the epidemic was in the 70s in blood transfusions and hemophiliac. I always believed that it was pretty much a sexually transmitted disease and I never considered it a gay disease, but I wasn’t aware of all of the people who suffered from it strictly, because there was nothing to screen for it back then , I also wasn’t aware of how bad the situation of rape and HIV spread was in South Africa and how much the women there suffered in silence because of it until I heard this book
I loved how he incorporated so many people stories into this book from Ryan White to 70s power couple who was an actress in contracted it, threw a blood transfusion during labor and unknowingly, gave it to both of her kids, in utero, and then he goes onto tell story about the woman he met in South Africa. Every story was so empowering and so moving and so tragically beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2019
Content warning: alcoholism, addiction, codependency, eating disorders (bulimia), drug use (cocaine), rape (related to spread of HIV, discussions surrounding the context before imfection could be triggering to some), stigma due to HIV/AIDS.
This was alright. I enjoyed the first few chapter where the author describes his personal (however vague) life. He was brilliant in setting up his life is related to HIV/AIDS. This philanthropy is also a pillar in his sobriety (though it's not in a selfish way). He describes how his friends and those close to him succumb to this disease (the Freddie Mercury story felt particularly heart breaking).
Later on in the book, he talks in great detail about the achievements his foundation made and the collaborations that resulted in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The book did start to get repetitive (how many times can you say my foundation did such and such) and the driving home message was that compassion was the cure was repeated many times.
He also describes the later stages of AIDS as "full-blown AIDS", which I didn't particularly like.
While I think this was a good personal, anecdotal story, I expected a little more. Perhaps more on the research side of things? I really do appreciate all the work Elton John is doing with this foundation, and this book was a slice of what the foundation does.
This was alright. I enjoyed the first few chapter where the author describes his personal (however vague) life. He was brilliant in setting up his life is related to HIV/AIDS. This philanthropy is also a pillar in his sobriety (though it's not in a selfish way). He describes how his friends and those close to him succumb to this disease (the Freddie Mercury story felt particularly heart breaking).
Later on in the book, he talks in great detail about the achievements his foundation made and the collaborations that resulted in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The book did start to get repetitive (how many times can you say my foundation did such and such) and the driving home message was that compassion was the cure was repeated many times.
He also describes the later stages of AIDS as "full-blown AIDS", which I didn't particularly like.
While I think this was a good personal, anecdotal story, I expected a little more. Perhaps more on the research side of things? I really do appreciate all the work Elton John is doing with this foundation, and this book was a slice of what the foundation does.
March 13, 2020
I like reading autobiographys and this was interesting and changed my thoughts about Elton. I did find all the constant facts and figures that he quotes a little tedious after a while even though they are an essential part of the story he is trying to tell. I did learn a lot about HIV and Aids that I never knew and the story is harrowing in parts. The sadest part is learning just how prevalent this disease still is today in much of the world.
A personal account of Elton John's life during the era of AIDS and an inspiring call to action.
In the 1980s, Elton John saw friend after friend, loved one after loved one, perish needlessly from AIDS. He befriended Ryan White, a young Indiana boy ostracized because of his HIV infection. Ryan's inspiring life and devastating death led Elton to two realizations: His own life was a mess. And he had to do something to help stop the AIDS crisis.
Since then, Elton has dedicated himself to overcoming the plague and the stigma of AIDS. The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised and donated $275 million to date to fighting the disease worldwide. Love Is the Cure includes stories of Elton's close friendships with Ryan White, Freddie Mercury, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, and others, and the story of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Sales of Love Is the Cure benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
A personal account of Elton John's life during the era of AIDS and an inspiring call to action.
In the 1980s, Elton John saw friend after friend, loved one after loved one, perish needlessly from AIDS. He befriended Ryan White, a young Indiana boy ostracized because of his HIV infection. Ryan's inspiring life and devastating death led Elton to two realizations: His own life was a mess. And he had to do something to help stop the AIDS crisis.
Since then, Elton has dedicated himself to overcoming the plague and the stigma of AIDS. The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised and donated $275 million to date to fighting the disease worldwide. Love Is the Cure includes stories of Elton's close friendships with Ryan White, Freddie Mercury, Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, and others, and the story of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Sales of Love Is the Cure benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
August 14, 2019
The era we are in now could be argued to be one of the most accepting generations. Although I didn't live through the 70s and 80s, the stigma of AIDS is still prevalent today. There might be a stereotype that Elton John is "just another celebrity with a charity" or he chose to support the end of AIDS because he is homosexual. Both of those assumptions are wrong. Not only does this book address tough topics of the human nature to look for blame or hide from those that aren't like them, it explains exactly what people can do to help. Filled with personal testimonies that hold more weight than statistics, Elton John does a tremendous job of advocating for his cause in his personal fashion. A monumental figure with a powerful message.
"Ending this disease is no longer a matter of money. And it is no longer a matter of technology. It is a matter of finding the will to do what is necessary to save countless lives and beat this terrible pandemic. It's a matter of fighting stigma and politics, intolerance and indifference. The question is not whether we can do it, or whether we can afford to do it. The question is whether we care enough to do it."
"Ending this disease is no longer a matter of money. And it is no longer a matter of technology. It is a matter of finding the will to do what is necessary to save countless lives and beat this terrible pandemic. It's a matter of fighting stigma and politics, intolerance and indifference. The question is not whether we can do it, or whether we can afford to do it. The question is whether we care enough to do it."
September 2, 2023
Elton John is a big-hearted and compassionate human being. He takes stories from his own life and his friends to paint a vivid picture of the AIDS epidemic from the late 70s to now. If I said I didn’t cry on the way to work within the first 15 minutes of this book - I would not be telling the truth. My heart and mind were invested in what the author was sharing and the message he was spreading - that our resources are there to fight AIDS, but the love and understanding must spread to truly save those in need. I was emblazoned with a drive to be a better advocate for the unjust and donate time and money to the cause. Thank you for igniting wildfire, Elton John, and I hope more read this and feel the same.
Must of this is opinion based, though there are many factual statistics and supports throughout the book to reinforce (both successfully and sometimes unsuccessfully) his points to be made.
Must of this is opinion based, though there are many factual statistics and supports throughout the book to reinforce (both successfully and sometimes unsuccessfully) his points to be made.
September 16, 2019
“AIDS might as well stand for “Appalling Indifference to the Disenfranchised in Society.”
Not sure how I missed it, but I had no idea how much Elton John has done in an effort to end the AIDS crisis. Love Is the Cure is both heartbreaking and horrifying, yet also quite inspirational. One humorous anecdote was when EJ met President George W. Bush in 2004: GWB started listing EJ's songs to the room "Crocodile Rock, Daniel, Bernie and the Jets..." Laura Bush shouted out, "It's Bennie and the Jets!" to the delight of everyone in attendance. I also had no idea how much GWB did, including his initiative that became known as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which caused EJ to change his mind about GWB—maybe he wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened to the US.
Not sure how I missed it, but I had no idea how much Elton John has done in an effort to end the AIDS crisis. Love Is the Cure is both heartbreaking and horrifying, yet also quite inspirational. One humorous anecdote was when EJ met President George W. Bush in 2004: GWB started listing EJ's songs to the room "Crocodile Rock, Daniel, Bernie and the Jets..." Laura Bush shouted out, "It's Bennie and the Jets!" to the delight of everyone in attendance. I also had no idea how much GWB did, including his initiative that became known as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which caused EJ to change his mind about GWB—maybe he wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened to the US.
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