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Uneasy Silence: An activist seeks justice and courage over a lifetime of change
“Mary Fisher is a woman of extraordinary courage and hope, inspiring generations of Americans from her groundbreaking as a person with AIDS to the 1992 Republication National Convention to her decades of work helping others with AIDS live openly and with dignity.
Mary Fisher has broken the Uneasy Silence that too many people with AIDS have had to bear. Because of Mary’s example, millions of AIDS/HIV patients are living fearlessly with compassion and activism in the face of discrimination and despair. Reading her inspiring words teaches all of us that each of us can make a difference.” —Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House of Representatives
“Mary Fisher has inspired millions of people with the quiet power of her art and her words. In Uneasy Silence, she does it again, bearing eloquent witness to cries for justice and compassion.” —Darren Walker, President, the Ford Foundation
With humility and candor, artist activist Mary Fisher inspires us when, in her eighth decade, she creatively takes on disease, poverty, hunger, injustice, racism and the role of women.
Uneasy Silence tells her story of speaking truth to power while living with AIDS, journeying through cancer and surviving a near-death experience. Richly illustrated with 30 original mixed-media pieces of Mary Fisher's art printed in full color, the book is artistically striking. Both visually and narratively, her steady concern for The Other enables her to find the strength to stand up, speak up and make a difference, inspiring us to do the same.
Across the pages of this book, Mary Fisher bears witness with humor, courage, compassion and grace, conquering the uneasy silence we all know too well, showing the way to finally be heard and be free.
Mary Fisher has broken the Uneasy Silence that too many people with AIDS have had to bear. Because of Mary’s example, millions of AIDS/HIV patients are living fearlessly with compassion and activism in the face of discrimination and despair. Reading her inspiring words teaches all of us that each of us can make a difference.” —Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House of Representatives
“Mary Fisher has inspired millions of people with the quiet power of her art and her words. In Uneasy Silence, she does it again, bearing eloquent witness to cries for justice and compassion.” —Darren Walker, President, the Ford Foundation
With humility and candor, artist activist Mary Fisher inspires us when, in her eighth decade, she creatively takes on disease, poverty, hunger, injustice, racism and the role of women.
Uneasy Silence tells her story of speaking truth to power while living with AIDS, journeying through cancer and surviving a near-death experience. Richly illustrated with 30 original mixed-media pieces of Mary Fisher's art printed in full color, the book is artistically striking. Both visually and narratively, her steady concern for The Other enables her to find the strength to stand up, speak up and make a difference, inspiring us to do the same.
Across the pages of this book, Mary Fisher bears witness with humor, courage, compassion and grace, conquering the uneasy silence we all know too well, showing the way to finally be heard and be free.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 26, 2026
Uneasy Silence: An Activist Seeks Justice and Courage Over a Lifetime of Change by Mary Fisher is a profoundly moving and inspiring testament to the power of voice, compassion, and sustained moral courage. With humility and striking honesty, Fisher reflects on a life shaped by activism speaking truth to power while living openly with AIDS, confronting cancer, and enduring a near-death experience all without losing her deep concern for others.
What sets this book apart is its seamless blending of memoir, social conscience, and art. Fisher’s prose is thoughtful and often quietly luminous, marked by humor, grace, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her reflections on disease, poverty, racism, hunger, and the role of women feel both deeply personal and urgently universal. Rather than centering herself, Fisher consistently turns the lens outward, reminding readers that advocacy begins with empathy and sustained attention to “The Other.”
The inclusion of 30 full-color mixed-media artworks elevates the book into a truly immersive experience. The visuals do more than illustrate; they echo the emotional truths of the narrative, reinforcing the themes of resilience, dignity, and hope. The foreword and endorsements underscore Fisher’s lasting impact, but the book itself makes the case most powerfully.
Uneasy Silence is not only a memoir it’s a call to conscience. It leaves readers inspired, steadied, and reminded that one voice, used bravely and consistently, can change countless lives.
What sets this book apart is its seamless blending of memoir, social conscience, and art. Fisher’s prose is thoughtful and often quietly luminous, marked by humor, grace, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her reflections on disease, poverty, racism, hunger, and the role of women feel both deeply personal and urgently universal. Rather than centering herself, Fisher consistently turns the lens outward, reminding readers that advocacy begins with empathy and sustained attention to “The Other.”
The inclusion of 30 full-color mixed-media artworks elevates the book into a truly immersive experience. The visuals do more than illustrate; they echo the emotional truths of the narrative, reinforcing the themes of resilience, dignity, and hope. The foreword and endorsements underscore Fisher’s lasting impact, but the book itself makes the case most powerfully.
Uneasy Silence is not only a memoir it’s a call to conscience. It leaves readers inspired, steadied, and reminded that one voice, used bravely and consistently, can change countless lives.
May 27, 2025
I found Uneasy Silence powerful and moving. It is deeply personal, beautifully written and so honest. I loved how Mary addresses issues that most people are afraid to talk about. She explores illness, addiction, family and politics with strength and courage. The book helped me reflect on my own silences and inspired me to speak up more. I highly recommend this book.
February 22, 2026
After teaching Mary Fisher's speech to my juniors for years, this book was not quite what I expected. Nonetheless, it is definitely a keeper. I appreciated the connections to other authors such as Maya Angelou, Viktor Frankl, and Elie Wiesel. It was full of thought-provoking ideas and inspirational life experiences.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews