What do you think?
Rate this book
Standing Strong: An Unlikely Sisterhood and the Court Case That Made History
Diane Reeve thought she had found everything in handsome Frenchman Philippe Padieu. Believing him to be her last great love, she spent every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday with him for four years, and they were about to buy a house together. When Diane learned he had Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday women, too, she was devastated. But the pain was just beginning. A week after their breakup, during a routine exam, she tested positive for an STD. After calling every woman she found in Philippe's phone records, she was told to get tested for something much worse: HIV. The sick reality was that Philippe was deliberately infecting multiple women women in their 20s through 60s, with little in common except their vulnerability. It was a sisterhood none of them wanted to belong to, but it became their lifeline as they struggled with anger, the specter and stigma of an HIV diagnosis, and failing health.
Despite plummeting t-cell numbers and declining health, Diane vowed to stop Philippe from victimizing anyone else. In a race against time, she tracked down as many of his conquests as possible. Against all odds, this unlikely group made legal history, successfully prosecuting Padieu and sending him to prison for assault with a deadly weapon. This fascinating case won only through the help of new DNA science is Diane's story of victory and her mission to bring awareness and empowerment to others. As she explains, "Courage is doing what's right, even when you're afraid.""
Despite plummeting t-cell numbers and declining health, Diane vowed to stop Philippe from victimizing anyone else. In a race against time, she tracked down as many of his conquests as possible. Against all odds, this unlikely group made legal history, successfully prosecuting Padieu and sending him to prison for assault with a deadly weapon. This fascinating case won only through the help of new DNA science is Diane's story of victory and her mission to bring awareness and empowerment to others. As she explains, "Courage is doing what's right, even when you're afraid.""
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 29, 2017
To see this review and learn more about the author, please visit www.readrantrockandroll.com
Standing Strong by Diane Reeve had me captivated from beginning to end. The story is absolutely amazing, revealing, and well written.
I have to admit, I was so shocked as the story unraveled. It's truly hard to believe that someone could have the capabilities to be so destructive and cruel. Phillipe Padieu is that type of person. A monstrous person who simply cannot be trusted. What happens to Diane is a tragedy, but her courage prevails.
I love that she explained statistics and helpful information in the book. Diane is unbelievably brave and now a prominent AIDS awareness advocate.
5*****
I'd like to thank Netgalley, the author, and publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Standing Strong by Diane Reeve had me captivated from beginning to end. The story is absolutely amazing, revealing, and well written.
I have to admit, I was so shocked as the story unraveled. It's truly hard to believe that someone could have the capabilities to be so destructive and cruel. Phillipe Padieu is that type of person. A monstrous person who simply cannot be trusted. What happens to Diane is a tragedy, but her courage prevails.
I love that she explained statistics and helpful information in the book. Diane is unbelievably brave and now a prominent AIDS awareness advocate.
5*****
I'd like to thank Netgalley, the author, and publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2018
4 Stars.
Diane Reeve is a woman with a truly fierce spirit. Her tale is a captivating and harrowing one. Diane didn’t just survive, she thrived. She also fought for justice, not just for herself, but for others as well.
In “Standing Strong” Diane Reeve tells the story of her relationship with Phillipe Padieu, who she described as her last chance at love. She was a single mother, and a business woman, who seemingly had it all, except for love, which she so desperately wanted. And then she met Phillipe. And he fulfilled that need in her. He gave her love, affection and attention. And above all he made her feel oh so special. But only three nights a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. After dating for quite a while, when Phillipe canceled on her for a special occasion, Diane questions his behavior. Finally. Though there had been several red flags beforehand. And then she discovers that on the evenings he is not with her, he sees other women. He has one other girlfriend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the he sees lots of other women on a rotating Sundays. In short, he is a sex addict (though Diane only uses that phrase once, for it is a harsh term). She then breaks it off, of course. But she misses him, terribly, that companionship, the way he made her feel.
Then one day, Diane goes to see her Gynecologist and discovers that she has HPV and it can only have come from him. She is outraged and she confronts him. Though she is upset, she gets over it and somehow, after he promises that he has broken it off with all of the other women, stupidly, she takes him back. And it gets worse. After finding out that he is back at it with lots of other women, she finally finds the courage to break it off for good.
Yet it is too late for Diane. She has been feeling fatigued for ages, sickly, not quite right. Her doctors discover that her HPV has not gone away and worse, that Diane is HIV positive. Her world is shattered. Diane and Phillipe never used protection. He swore he was “clean.” She believed him. Diane then realized that he was with several different women and probably infected them as well and she has means to contact and warn them. And so she does. And of course, he has.
Diane’s journey begins. To fight for herself and everyone else that Phillipe infected. The bonds formed by the group of women Phillipe harmed were truly inspiring. Throughout, you feel Diane’s hurt, pain and intense rage, in addition to Susan’s, Maddie’s and Laura’s, whose friendships she values. This book highlights relationships and what it truly means to be exclusive, in addition to practicing safe sex until you get tested, which is an important lesson to learn for anyone who is dating.
Diane Reeve’s story is a truly admirable one and I have the utmost respect for her. I will say however, that in reading this book parts of her story frustrated me to no end and I had to put the book down for quite a while before picking it back up to finish it. It also felt to me, like the author was rambling for most of the book, trying to tell us every single thing that happened to her from the beginning of her relationship with Phillipe, till she and her female friends and comrades took action and that is the reason for the 4 v. 5 star rating. Diane’s survival story however, surpasses all and for that I am in awe.
Thank you to NetGalley, HCI Books and Diane Reeve for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.30.17.
Diane Reeve is a woman with a truly fierce spirit. Her tale is a captivating and harrowing one. Diane didn’t just survive, she thrived. She also fought for justice, not just for herself, but for others as well.
In “Standing Strong” Diane Reeve tells the story of her relationship with Phillipe Padieu, who she described as her last chance at love. She was a single mother, and a business woman, who seemingly had it all, except for love, which she so desperately wanted. And then she met Phillipe. And he fulfilled that need in her. He gave her love, affection and attention. And above all he made her feel oh so special. But only three nights a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. After dating for quite a while, when Phillipe canceled on her for a special occasion, Diane questions his behavior. Finally. Though there had been several red flags beforehand. And then she discovers that on the evenings he is not with her, he sees other women. He has one other girlfriend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the he sees lots of other women on a rotating Sundays. In short, he is a sex addict (though Diane only uses that phrase once, for it is a harsh term). She then breaks it off, of course. But she misses him, terribly, that companionship, the way he made her feel.
Then one day, Diane goes to see her Gynecologist and discovers that she has HPV and it can only have come from him. She is outraged and she confronts him. Though she is upset, she gets over it and somehow, after he promises that he has broken it off with all of the other women, stupidly, she takes him back. And it gets worse. After finding out that he is back at it with lots of other women, she finally finds the courage to break it off for good.
Yet it is too late for Diane. She has been feeling fatigued for ages, sickly, not quite right. Her doctors discover that her HPV has not gone away and worse, that Diane is HIV positive. Her world is shattered. Diane and Phillipe never used protection. He swore he was “clean.” She believed him. Diane then realized that he was with several different women and probably infected them as well and she has means to contact and warn them. And so she does. And of course, he has.
Diane’s journey begins. To fight for herself and everyone else that Phillipe infected. The bonds formed by the group of women Phillipe harmed were truly inspiring. Throughout, you feel Diane’s hurt, pain and intense rage, in addition to Susan’s, Maddie’s and Laura’s, whose friendships she values. This book highlights relationships and what it truly means to be exclusive, in addition to practicing safe sex until you get tested, which is an important lesson to learn for anyone who is dating.
Diane Reeve’s story is a truly admirable one and I have the utmost respect for her. I will say however, that in reading this book parts of her story frustrated me to no end and I had to put the book down for quite a while before picking it back up to finish it. It also felt to me, like the author was rambling for most of the book, trying to tell us every single thing that happened to her from the beginning of her relationship with Phillipe, till she and her female friends and comrades took action and that is the reason for the 4 v. 5 star rating. Diane’s survival story however, surpasses all and for that I am in awe.
Thank you to NetGalley, HCI Books and Diane Reeve for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Instagram on 12.30.17.
January 13, 2018
4 courageous stars to Standing Strong ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I found out about Standing Strong from my friend, Susanne, and I remembered hearing about this court case in the media. I don’t even have the words to convey how much I admire Diane Reeve’s tenacity and strength, once she found it, to go after the man who willfully infected her, and many other women, with HIV.
That said, I would give 5 stars (10 really!) for Diane’s survival mentality and tenacity and 3.5 stars for how she told the story. This book was quite detailed, including what people ate at particular meals (nachos). Likewise, there was a ton of dialogue for a memoir. It was also frustrating at times because Diane went back to this man who had torn her heart apart, and he ended up doing the same things to her all over again.
But, that said, this story was very much Diane’s to tell how she chose to tell it, and I am grateful to have been inspired by (and in awe of) her strength and determination, once she found them, to not only fight for her life, but to fight for what was right for both herself and all the other women this man infected.
Thank you to Diane Reeve for bravely telling her story, as well as HCI and Netgalley.
I found out about Standing Strong from my friend, Susanne, and I remembered hearing about this court case in the media. I don’t even have the words to convey how much I admire Diane Reeve’s tenacity and strength, once she found it, to go after the man who willfully infected her, and many other women, with HIV.
That said, I would give 5 stars (10 really!) for Diane’s survival mentality and tenacity and 3.5 stars for how she told the story. This book was quite detailed, including what people ate at particular meals (nachos). Likewise, there was a ton of dialogue for a memoir. It was also frustrating at times because Diane went back to this man who had torn her heart apart, and he ended up doing the same things to her all over again.
But, that said, this story was very much Diane’s to tell how she chose to tell it, and I am grateful to have been inspired by (and in awe of) her strength and determination, once she found them, to not only fight for her life, but to fight for what was right for both herself and all the other women this man infected.
Thank you to Diane Reeve for bravely telling her story, as well as HCI and Netgalley.
February 9, 2016
This book was really a painful case about a woman who thought she had finally found the "one" and ended up in a battle for her life. Alone, sick and trying to sort out what had happened, Diane Reeve discovers that her recent puzzling health problems are due to being HIV positive. When she realizes with growing horror that it was her "dream man" Phillipe Padieu, that she'd just broken up with who had infected her, she became angry and outraged. She had discovered that Phillipe her ex, was a serial cheater all during their 4+ year relationship.
Despite being very ill herself, she turned stalker, investigator and more, to see to it that he wasn't able to continue going around infecting even more women. A true life horror story about destroyed trust, a sisterhood that grew out of it, and an historic court case. I found it very moving but also informative about the topic, and learned much I hadn't known about HIV and AIDS. Contains important information for women who are dating and sexually active, about what can happen when you think you don't have to worry. I was provided a download of this book to read by Goodreads and HCI in return for an honest review.
Despite being very ill herself, she turned stalker, investigator and more, to see to it that he wasn't able to continue going around infecting even more women. A true life horror story about destroyed trust, a sisterhood that grew out of it, and an historic court case. I found it very moving but also informative about the topic, and learned much I hadn't known about HIV and AIDS. Contains important information for women who are dating and sexually active, about what can happen when you think you don't have to worry. I was provided a download of this book to read by Goodreads and HCI in return for an honest review.
November 28, 2017
Standing Strong is the perfect title for Diane Reeve’s moving memoir about acquiring HIV/AIDS from a long term partner who willfully transmitted the virus to many people. Reeve is still standing despite the devastation of finding out her significant other was cheating on her during their entire relationship. She is still standing despite receiving an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, which was later proven to be transmitted by this guy. Reeve was able to draw from her own innate strengths and gather together many of the women who acquired the virus from him. As a group, they stood strong together and charged this man criminally, endured the trial, and celebrated their win when he was convicted. (Not a spoiler—his conviction is noted on the book’s cover.)
I’ve had Standing Strong on my digital shelf for several months, but thought it would be a tough emotional read, which made me put it off. I’m glad I waited until the #MeToo movement began, and the concept of rape culture began to be discussed in the mainstream media. While the women in this book willingly had sex with this man, his intentions were the same as a rapist.
Okay, I can’t get inside his head, but he had to know what he was doing and the book will explain why that’s the case. His awareness of the “deadly weapon” in his pants is exactly why he was convicted. By the way, I honestly don’t want to name him because the book is about Reeve and the women she banded together with. Read the book or Google her name for the media accounts.
Reeve is a Hall-of-Fame martial artist, teacher, and studio owner. It’s clear from her story that she’s, as she says, “a badass bitch.” Instead of turning inwards at her moment of greatest life crisis, she started looking for her sister victims. And then together they turned the tables on the man who transmitted the disease and pursued him in the justice system. They helped gather evidence. They found more sisters for the “club no one wants to join,” and those new members were added to the strength of the criminal case. They cried, hugged, drank margaritas, and ultimately won their case.
Then Reeve decided that telling her story (some sisters joined in this too) would benefit other women. Advocacy and education are the purpose of this book, and I couldn’t admire Reeve more for putting it all out there. She bravely bares her soul in excruciating detail, but she doesn’t stop there. The last chapter of book is a list of what Reeve really learned, and also includes many resources online to education and assist people in staying safe or getting treatment. The statistics are jaw-dropping.
“In a 2015 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, two researchers broke down how new infections are transmitted:
30% are transmitted by people who don’t know they have HIV
61% are transmitted by people who know they have HIV and are not in medical care
6% are transmitted by people who know they have HIV and are in medical care, but are not virally suppressed
2.5% are transmitted by those who are virally suppressed.
The majority of cases are transmitted by people who know they have it and are not being treated for it. It’s not a lunatic fringe. It’s not the outliers. It’s the majority.”
(The final book may have a slightly different version of this quote, but I thought it was too important not to quote.)
I hope you’ll consider tracking Reeve’s book down and reading it, especially if you are a sexually active women not currently in a monogamous relationship. But everyone should read this cautionary tale and learn from the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of strength from adversity. It’s powerful!
Thanks to NetGalley, HCI Books, and the author for the opportunity to read the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.
Originally published at TheBibliophage.com.
I’ve had Standing Strong on my digital shelf for several months, but thought it would be a tough emotional read, which made me put it off. I’m glad I waited until the #MeToo movement began, and the concept of rape culture began to be discussed in the mainstream media. While the women in this book willingly had sex with this man, his intentions were the same as a rapist.
Okay, I can’t get inside his head, but he had to know what he was doing and the book will explain why that’s the case. His awareness of the “deadly weapon” in his pants is exactly why he was convicted. By the way, I honestly don’t want to name him because the book is about Reeve and the women she banded together with. Read the book or Google her name for the media accounts.
Reeve is a Hall-of-Fame martial artist, teacher, and studio owner. It’s clear from her story that she’s, as she says, “a badass bitch.” Instead of turning inwards at her moment of greatest life crisis, she started looking for her sister victims. And then together they turned the tables on the man who transmitted the disease and pursued him in the justice system. They helped gather evidence. They found more sisters for the “club no one wants to join,” and those new members were added to the strength of the criminal case. They cried, hugged, drank margaritas, and ultimately won their case.
Then Reeve decided that telling her story (some sisters joined in this too) would benefit other women. Advocacy and education are the purpose of this book, and I couldn’t admire Reeve more for putting it all out there. She bravely bares her soul in excruciating detail, but she doesn’t stop there. The last chapter of book is a list of what Reeve really learned, and also includes many resources online to education and assist people in staying safe or getting treatment. The statistics are jaw-dropping.
“In a 2015 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, two researchers broke down how new infections are transmitted:
30% are transmitted by people who don’t know they have HIV
61% are transmitted by people who know they have HIV and are not in medical care
6% are transmitted by people who know they have HIV and are in medical care, but are not virally suppressed
2.5% are transmitted by those who are virally suppressed.
The majority of cases are transmitted by people who know they have it and are not being treated for it. It’s not a lunatic fringe. It’s not the outliers. It’s the majority.”
(The final book may have a slightly different version of this quote, but I thought it was too important not to quote.)
I hope you’ll consider tracking Reeve’s book down and reading it, especially if you are a sexually active women not currently in a monogamous relationship. But everyone should read this cautionary tale and learn from the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of strength from adversity. It’s powerful!
Thanks to NetGalley, HCI Books, and the author for the opportunity to read the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.
Originally published at TheBibliophage.com.
June 3, 2017
Standing Strong by Diane Reeve had me gripped from start. I even found myself thinking about the Diane and the case when I wasn't reading the book. The story is heartfelt, amazing, revealing, and well written.
The true story of a man who preys upon women by infecting them with HIV and AIDS. Many of his victims are vulnerable and are too ready to believe every lie he tells. The author's writing is fluid and this allows the reader to experience the highs and lows of the case.
Diane Reeve is one amazingly strong and resilent lady, whose courage and determination has helped to save a countless number of lives, and through this book has made many more people cautious about unprotected sex and HIV transmission, which can only be a positive thing
5***********************************
I'd like to thank Netgalley, the author, and publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The true story of a man who preys upon women by infecting them with HIV and AIDS. Many of his victims are vulnerable and are too ready to believe every lie he tells. The author's writing is fluid and this allows the reader to experience the highs and lows of the case.
Diane Reeve is one amazingly strong and resilent lady, whose courage and determination has helped to save a countless number of lives, and through this book has made many more people cautious about unprotected sex and HIV transmission, which can only be a positive thing
5***********************************
I'd like to thank Netgalley, the author, and publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2016
A tremendous courageous read of a group of six women who stood together against all odds to fight in a Texas court of law, a notorious Frenchman womanizer Philippe Padieu who knowingly and deliberately infected them (and an unknown number of other women) with HIV. Diane Reeves a professional businesswoman and former nurse, tells of the shocking story in her astonishing memoir: "Standing Strong: An Unlikely Sisterhood and the Court Case That Made History" The story was featured on national news, Oprah, and 20/20.
After several years of being in a happy relationship with charming handsome Philippe that included travel abroad to exotic locations, Diane Reeves had a rude awakening when she discovered the love of her life was not the man he professed to be. There were many red flags all along, yet she believed all his excuses, stories, and lies. It was too easy to assume their relationship was exclusive and he felt as much love for her as she did for him. Things unraveled quickly when Philippe was unable to accompany her to her daughters wedding festivities or go on their mutually planned trip to Hawaii. When she uncovered his secret double life, she discovered she was infected with an STD.
Through the public health clinic, Diane would learn she was very ill-- worse then she ever imagined, which suggested she had HIV for an extended time period. Highly disgusted that Philippe had never disclosed his HIV status, and infected her and others intentionally, she made up her mind to fight this sexual predator in court, to hold him accountable and stop him from infecting others. There was a high number of women victimized by him , their ages varied between the 20's to the 60's, and not many were willing to come forward or discuss the situation. Diane and another woman risked their personal safety to alert other women, and Philippe accused them of harassment and threatened to sue. Philippe showed absolutely no remorse for his crimes, nothing slowed him down, (until he was finally arrested/jailed) he continued to have multiple relationships with an unknown number of women. Equally determined were the six women who bravely brought charges against him, never finding peace of mind until he was brought to justice.
The stories and cases in the media of those with HIV knowingly infecting others is shocking- at 61%. Not all people who knowingly spread HIV are sociopaths, some are drug users, and some are just too careless about their lives and others and fail to disclose. Our laws need to be strong and universal to protect public health. HIV education and prevention needs to be our top priority. This is an important not to miss read for anyone concerned with personal and public health and safety.
After several years of being in a happy relationship with charming handsome Philippe that included travel abroad to exotic locations, Diane Reeves had a rude awakening when she discovered the love of her life was not the man he professed to be. There were many red flags all along, yet she believed all his excuses, stories, and lies. It was too easy to assume their relationship was exclusive and he felt as much love for her as she did for him. Things unraveled quickly when Philippe was unable to accompany her to her daughters wedding festivities or go on their mutually planned trip to Hawaii. When she uncovered his secret double life, she discovered she was infected with an STD.
Through the public health clinic, Diane would learn she was very ill-- worse then she ever imagined, which suggested she had HIV for an extended time period. Highly disgusted that Philippe had never disclosed his HIV status, and infected her and others intentionally, she made up her mind to fight this sexual predator in court, to hold him accountable and stop him from infecting others. There was a high number of women victimized by him , their ages varied between the 20's to the 60's, and not many were willing to come forward or discuss the situation. Diane and another woman risked their personal safety to alert other women, and Philippe accused them of harassment and threatened to sue. Philippe showed absolutely no remorse for his crimes, nothing slowed him down, (until he was finally arrested/jailed) he continued to have multiple relationships with an unknown number of women. Equally determined were the six women who bravely brought charges against him, never finding peace of mind until he was brought to justice.
The stories and cases in the media of those with HIV knowingly infecting others is shocking- at 61%. Not all people who knowingly spread HIV are sociopaths, some are drug users, and some are just too careless about their lives and others and fail to disclose. Our laws need to be strong and universal to protect public health. HIV education and prevention needs to be our top priority. This is an important not to miss read for anyone concerned with personal and public health and safety.
April 14, 2016
What an inspirational story! I can only imagine what Diane Reeve went through. She's an intelligent, strong, business woman who is missing that special someone in her life to share it with. She finally meets who she thinks is her soulmate. She's blinded by his charm, lets her guard down knowing she's taking a big risk but she was protecting her heart, not her health. She's like many women of a certain age, we don't think of HIV or STD's when we haven't been in the playing field for a long time. We think that's more of a younger person concern.
Boy, her story was just mind blowing, it's so real and really heartbreaking. We can all feel the emotions that spin through her head. When she sees a red flag it's so easy to explain these little quirks away She's in love with the man, he's like her Knight in a shiny armor. He's everything she's wants and needs. So she puts her blinders on and knows that she can love him through whatever made her suspicious.
But when she gets slammed with the reality of her "exclusive relationship" and sees that her Knight's armor was tarnished beyond repair, the blinders will no longer hide the fact that she's been played. It must have been such an awful feeling. I'm amazed at how strong she is especially with everything she's lost before she even realizes she's been infected by HIV.
The camaraderie of the group of woman who brought this monster down is just so inspiring. I can't imagine learning I had contracted HIV and being able to be so supportive of the "other women". It's amazing, these women were so courageous in what they did. I can't tell you the admiration for them that I felt reading this book.
This is a must read for every woman out there married or single. I've been married for 30 yrs, but I've got friends who are dating men that they feel are "exclusive" but a few of them also see those red flags waving. It's so easy for someone on the outside of these relationships to say, "Kick him to the curb" but it's not always that easy for the person in the relationship. This book was such an eye-opener.
Diane Reeve is a total Rock Star.
I would like to thank HCI publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley of this inspiring book.
Boy, her story was just mind blowing, it's so real and really heartbreaking. We can all feel the emotions that spin through her head. When she sees a red flag it's so easy to explain these little quirks away She's in love with the man, he's like her Knight in a shiny armor. He's everything she's wants and needs. So she puts her blinders on and knows that she can love him through whatever made her suspicious.
But when she gets slammed with the reality of her "exclusive relationship" and sees that her Knight's armor was tarnished beyond repair, the blinders will no longer hide the fact that she's been played. It must have been such an awful feeling. I'm amazed at how strong she is especially with everything she's lost before she even realizes she's been infected by HIV.
The camaraderie of the group of woman who brought this monster down is just so inspiring. I can't imagine learning I had contracted HIV and being able to be so supportive of the "other women". It's amazing, these women were so courageous in what they did. I can't tell you the admiration for them that I felt reading this book.
This is a must read for every woman out there married or single. I've been married for 30 yrs, but I've got friends who are dating men that they feel are "exclusive" but a few of them also see those red flags waving. It's so easy for someone on the outside of these relationships to say, "Kick him to the curb" but it's not always that easy for the person in the relationship. This book was such an eye-opener.
Diane Reeve is a total Rock Star.
I would like to thank HCI publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley of this inspiring book.
March 12, 2016
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to have my request approved as I have always found HIV to be a terrifying disease, and a true story about a group of women deliberately infected sounded like very compelling reading.
It was certainly that!
Initially I couldn't understand how Diane and the others were so gullible about Philippe, but the good thing about this book is that it does make you stop and think and realise it's not fair to focus on why the women didn't protect themselves and focus more on why Philippe was so evil he deliberately infected all those women to start with. I guess maybe she has a valid point that many over 50's haven't got the message about protection and think it won't happen to them. I think it's drummed into people my age and younger and we know full well that everyone is at risk. Also I guess we all have our weak and vulnerable moments in life.
Honestly I was disgusted with that guy. I can't even imagine what was going through his head or the devastation caused to these women and their families.
What Diane did was incredible. I think so many people would have just curled up and died if this happened to them. To keep fighting despite being desperately ill and exhausted as well as the emotional damage shows real guts.
Maybe a lot of it was revenge motivated. Who cares, honestly. How many women (and men) did she save in the future from that monster? I was sickened by some of the victims he chose, the poor mentally ill old lady and the woman with MS. As if they weren't dealing with enough in their lives.
This was very well written. It took me one day to read. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to netgalley. I am very glad I had a chance to read this.
I was very excited to have my request approved as I have always found HIV to be a terrifying disease, and a true story about a group of women deliberately infected sounded like very compelling reading.
It was certainly that!
Initially I couldn't understand how Diane and the others were so gullible about Philippe, but the good thing about this book is that it does make you stop and think and realise it's not fair to focus on why the women didn't protect themselves and focus more on why Philippe was so evil he deliberately infected all those women to start with. I guess maybe she has a valid point that many over 50's haven't got the message about protection and think it won't happen to them. I think it's drummed into people my age and younger and we know full well that everyone is at risk. Also I guess we all have our weak and vulnerable moments in life.
Honestly I was disgusted with that guy. I can't even imagine what was going through his head or the devastation caused to these women and their families.
What Diane did was incredible. I think so many people would have just curled up and died if this happened to them. To keep fighting despite being desperately ill and exhausted as well as the emotional damage shows real guts.
Maybe a lot of it was revenge motivated. Who cares, honestly. How many women (and men) did she save in the future from that monster? I was sickened by some of the victims he chose, the poor mentally ill old lady and the woman with MS. As if they weren't dealing with enough in their lives.
This was very well written. It took me one day to read. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to netgalley. I am very glad I had a chance to read this.
April 7, 2016
Take off your blinders.
I have to admit I do not read "true life" books. I like surprise endings, mysteries, thrillers...well, never say never. There is so much "story" between the beginning and the end of this book that I was captivated into reading it almost straight through. "Standing Strong" starts out like a romantic thriller, turns into a horror story in the middle and ends up a heroine's tale.
Ms. Reeve presents an honest soul baring of the secrets that so many of us don't want to voice. Strong, successful women hiding insecurities that the rest of the world would never expect us to have... leading us into circumstances we would never think we would have to face.
So break out of your fiction rut , take off your blinders and dive into this book by a "badass bitch with an indomitable spirit". Diane Reeve with the help of Jenna Glatzer is going to help us discover the "New Face of HIV".
I believe that "This is not how the story is going to end.". I expect there will be more triumph from Ms. Reeve to come.
Nadine M Haarsager
I have to admit I do not read "true life" books. I like surprise endings, mysteries, thrillers...well, never say never. There is so much "story" between the beginning and the end of this book that I was captivated into reading it almost straight through. "Standing Strong" starts out like a romantic thriller, turns into a horror story in the middle and ends up a heroine's tale.
Ms. Reeve presents an honest soul baring of the secrets that so many of us don't want to voice. Strong, successful women hiding insecurities that the rest of the world would never expect us to have... leading us into circumstances we would never think we would have to face.
So break out of your fiction rut , take off your blinders and dive into this book by a "badass bitch with an indomitable spirit". Diane Reeve with the help of Jenna Glatzer is going to help us discover the "New Face of HIV".
I believe that "This is not how the story is going to end.". I expect there will be more triumph from Ms. Reeve to come.
Nadine M Haarsager
May 1, 2016
I feel that this is a book that everyone woman should read before they make the choice to have unprotected sex. I will admit that after starting this book I wanted to slap Diane and ask her what is wrong with her for staying with this man who repeatedly cheats on her, but then I thought back to my past and I remembered being with a guy who made me feel like I was the only girl in the world. (it turns out he was cheating on me as well) Going through a break up after being with someone for more than 4 years is a huge change in your life but to then find out you have HIV is something I can't imagine. Diane did everything in her power to protect other women from this creep. This is her powerful journey through these life changing events and how she helped make sure this man would never hurt another woman. I won this book through a goodreads giveaway.
April 7, 2016
A must read for every female even if you feel you are not gullible. Bravo for the women who came forth at great personal risk. The physical, emotional and financial toll they experienced must be difficult to resolve, especially the HIV issue.
The author allows the reader into the her experience and evokes emotions including anger, empathy, and relief.
The journey was most difficult but hopefully lessons will be learned by future readers.
The author allows the reader into the her experience and evokes emotions including anger, empathy, and relief.
The journey was most difficult but hopefully lessons will be learned by future readers.
October 7, 2016
Interesting book, a cautionary tale certainly.
Brave of the author to be so forthright about her relationship, what signs she missed, and what behavior she was willing to put up with from her partner before ending it for good.
Well done to these women for putting him (Padieu) behind bars.
Brave of the author to be so forthright about her relationship, what signs she missed, and what behavior she was willing to put up with from her partner before ending it for good.
Well done to these women for putting him (Padieu) behind bars.
June 12, 2016
Philippe Padieu messed with the wrong woman when he messed with Diane Reeve. Even Diane, with her strong intellect and quick wit, couldn’t see through the barricade of lies that Padieu had spent decades building and perfecting. Diane believed she had found the perfect man in Padieu and that she could enjoy the rest of her life with him. His cunning charm shrouded the truth of the evil at his core. After a roller coaster of events, Diane finds out that Padieu had been knowingly infecting others with HIV for years, and she had become part of the unfortunate group of victims.
With the help of Jenna Glatzer, Diane weaves the details of this complicated and intriguing tale together in a way that keeps the reader engaged and excited for the next chapter. She opens up the doors to her private life in a way that most people would not do. Even though she’s a fighter and a champion by nature, she tells her story with honesty, transparency and vulnerability. Diane recounts the highs and lows of the journey she embarked on with a group of women who share the same heartbreak and life challenge. This band of women that Diane knitted together worked to build a court case that would eventually foil Padieu’s selfish escapades. The emotions evoked by the heartwarming sisterhood formed out of this tragedy are rivaled only by the fist-pumping reaction to the justice that is served on a badass bitch platter to the lying, cheating, unremorseful Padieu. This book is just one of the many victories in Diane's mission to empower others to stand strong just as she has done. Great read, awesome story, well done!
With the help of Jenna Glatzer, Diane weaves the details of this complicated and intriguing tale together in a way that keeps the reader engaged and excited for the next chapter. She opens up the doors to her private life in a way that most people would not do. Even though she’s a fighter and a champion by nature, she tells her story with honesty, transparency and vulnerability. Diane recounts the highs and lows of the journey she embarked on with a group of women who share the same heartbreak and life challenge. This band of women that Diane knitted together worked to build a court case that would eventually foil Padieu’s selfish escapades. The emotions evoked by the heartwarming sisterhood formed out of this tragedy are rivaled only by the fist-pumping reaction to the justice that is served on a badass bitch platter to the lying, cheating, unremorseful Padieu. This book is just one of the many victories in Diane's mission to empower others to stand strong just as she has done. Great read, awesome story, well done!
February 17, 2017
Truly a tragic story of a group of women, with Diane Reeve as the primary focus here, of love and horrible crime committed to them by a man they all loved or admired. I don’t live in America where it all happened, and it seems like it was a big deal there, but I never heard of it. I never before heard of Phillipe Padieu, who I can describe in mostly angry and horrible words.
The book tells the story of Diane, how she met Phillipe, how she fell in love with him, how she traveled with him, how she cared about him. And then it tells the story of how she found out the truth about the man, and how she fought to stop him. It is surprisingly an uplifting story of a group of women that were a support to each other, and who helped each other and all women (and potentially men) that could be charmed by Phillipe one day and also infected with HIV.
It is not written amazingly; it is not making you stay up late to read it, to be true I had troubles to finish it, I read two different books in the meantime. I reckon it could be shorter, giving maybe tiny fewer details, and leaving some of the Diane thoughts and personal events during the trial aside. But I know that this book is not a work of fiction, it is retelling things that happened, and there is no point in making them more ‘attractive’ to the reader. I am glad I read this book.
The book tells the story of Diane, how she met Phillipe, how she fell in love with him, how she traveled with him, how she cared about him. And then it tells the story of how she found out the truth about the man, and how she fought to stop him. It is surprisingly an uplifting story of a group of women that were a support to each other, and who helped each other and all women (and potentially men) that could be charmed by Phillipe one day and also infected with HIV.
It is not written amazingly; it is not making you stay up late to read it, to be true I had troubles to finish it, I read two different books in the meantime. I reckon it could be shorter, giving maybe tiny fewer details, and leaving some of the Diane thoughts and personal events during the trial aside. But I know that this book is not a work of fiction, it is retelling things that happened, and there is no point in making them more ‘attractive’ to the reader. I am glad I read this book.
April 4, 2017
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. This is possibly one of the most powerful books I have ever read. Diane's strength and desire to help others is breathtaking and she and the other women who had the misfortune to meet Philippe.
Diane's honesty shines through every page. Her willingness to take off the cloak of anonymity, something the rest of us would probably stay under for life has saved and will continue to save lives. I read a lot of memoirs and pride myself on having a good understanding of HIV and sexual health but I was really shocked by the statistics on HIV acquisition in middle aged women. I'm happily married but should I ever find myself single I would get myself tested regularly and it's not something I ever thought would apply to me. That, is why this book needed to be written.
I waited until I'd finished the book before I looked up Diane and Philippe on-line. I saw a clip of a Tv interview that Philippe did and instantly knew that every word Diane had said was true and that she hadn't exaggerated any aspect of her story. The man is clearly not of a normal personality type.
I recommend everyone read this book; the writing style is witty, warm but also keeps the drama and suspense so that it read in the same way a novel would. Any scientific information was accessible and the emotional side was genuine and without sentimentality. I cried, laughed and cheered with the women and punched the air when Philippe was given his fate.
Diane's honesty shines through every page. Her willingness to take off the cloak of anonymity, something the rest of us would probably stay under for life has saved and will continue to save lives. I read a lot of memoirs and pride myself on having a good understanding of HIV and sexual health but I was really shocked by the statistics on HIV acquisition in middle aged women. I'm happily married but should I ever find myself single I would get myself tested regularly and it's not something I ever thought would apply to me. That, is why this book needed to be written.
I waited until I'd finished the book before I looked up Diane and Philippe on-line. I saw a clip of a Tv interview that Philippe did and instantly knew that every word Diane had said was true and that she hadn't exaggerated any aspect of her story. The man is clearly not of a normal personality type.
I recommend everyone read this book; the writing style is witty, warm but also keeps the drama and suspense so that it read in the same way a novel would. Any scientific information was accessible and the emotional side was genuine and without sentimentality. I cried, laughed and cheered with the women and punched the air when Philippe was given his fate.
April 10, 2017
Despite losing the person she loved in a mire of lies and cheating, then learning he had made her incredibly ill, then learning he deliberately made many others incredibly ill, Diane Reeve persisted in chasing him down until he faced a court and proper justice. The women she features in her book (other conquests of her former partner) are so strong and the friendship and support of the group was genuinely inspirational to read- I'm pretty sure other people would have fallen apart and faced it with resentment and bitterness, but these women stuck together to get the outcome they needed.
Real justice doesn't come around too often. I feel sorry that these women will struggle to some extent for the rest of their lives- no sentence is long enough for a man who deliberately transmits HIV to his partners. Some of the paragraphs in the book made my heart boil with pure rage and the tension of the last few chapters gave me some understanding of how awful the entire criminal justice process is for victims. The stigma associated with HIV is also clear here and the misogyny of the perpetrator is cruel and cold hearted.
This is worth reading- the bravery on the page is understated but the courage in real life is titanic.
Real justice doesn't come around too often. I feel sorry that these women will struggle to some extent for the rest of their lives- no sentence is long enough for a man who deliberately transmits HIV to his partners. Some of the paragraphs in the book made my heart boil with pure rage and the tension of the last few chapters gave me some understanding of how awful the entire criminal justice process is for victims. The stigma associated with HIV is also clear here and the misogyny of the perpetrator is cruel and cold hearted.
This is worth reading- the bravery on the page is understated but the courage in real life is titanic.
December 19, 2016
I will be honest and say this is not my type of book, but I learned so much from this book. If I met Philippe, maybe I will become one of his victim. Diane is a very brave woman to share her story with others, to share a lesson in life. The true story of Diane is excellently written, grabbed me from page one, leaving me unable to put the book down. This is a must read for every woman, whether single or married.
Diane, I just want to say thank you so much for writing this book!
I received this book from NetGalley
Diane, I just want to say thank you so much for writing this book!
I received this book from NetGalley
April 8, 2017
The true story of a man who preys upon women by infecting them with HIV and AIDS. Many of his victims are vulnerable and are too ready to believe every lie he tells. The author's writing is like having a lunch conversation with a friend. The book also contains suggestions and resources.
*Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
May 31, 2016
This book was so gut wrenching and heart breaking. Diane finds out that the man she is in love with and has been seeing for years has actually had numerous partners and to top it off she now has HIV. This story explains how she found a support group from his "girlfriends" and how they changed the legal system. It was a very good book. I received this book for an honest review from Netgalley.
February 23, 2018
Gripping story
I could not put this book down. A compelling story. This is a book I will recommend to all readers.
I could not put this book down. A compelling story. This is a book I will recommend to all readers.
August 28, 2016
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Remember that old movie "D.O.A."? A film noir from 1950, remade in 1988, with a devastating setup: A man in shadow walks into a police station, approaches a detective's desk and says, "I'm here to report a murder." Asked who the victim is, he replies, "Me."
Diane Reeve, author of this book, did the same in 2007. Like the living murdered man in "D.O.A." she had been exposed to a slow-acting poison: Human Immunosuppression Virus, the source of AIDS. Unlike the movie, however, she knew exactly who had poisoned her, and had a handful of co-complainants filing charges with her against him - plus a slew of other women exposed to the AIDS virus by the accused.
Reeve was one of the longer and more "official" relationships for Philippe Padieu, who was convicted of six counts of aggravated assault using a deadly weapon in 2009. Over the course of more than four years together, Reeve became aware of Padieu's occasional peccadillo, which blossomed into recognition of his compulsive womanizing. After their breakup and her diagnosis, first with HPV and then HIV, she realized the full horror of his actions: Padieu had known he was an STD carrier and even knew he was HIV-positive, and continued having unprotected sex at every possible opportunity.
Proving he knowingly exposed Reeve and several other women who tested positive - including a handful not listed in the criminal case who made themselves known to her once the case got media attention - that was another matter entirely.
Standing Strong tells the story of how Padieu's dupes banded together to stop his career as a professional disease vector. Padieu was sentenced to serve six 45-year sentences concurrently with no possibility of parole for nearly half that time (he would be in his mid-70s should he then win release, assuming his own health held out that long). In the years since, however, he's proven only one example of this particular subset of sociopathy, and the case led to a whole new class of laws specifically targeting AIDS predators. It's a riveting tale, simply told, and well worth a read.
Remember that old movie "D.O.A."? A film noir from 1950, remade in 1988, with a devastating setup: A man in shadow walks into a police station, approaches a detective's desk and says, "I'm here to report a murder." Asked who the victim is, he replies, "Me."
Diane Reeve, author of this book, did the same in 2007. Like the living murdered man in "D.O.A." she had been exposed to a slow-acting poison: Human Immunosuppression Virus, the source of AIDS. Unlike the movie, however, she knew exactly who had poisoned her, and had a handful of co-complainants filing charges with her against him - plus a slew of other women exposed to the AIDS virus by the accused.
Reeve was one of the longer and more "official" relationships for Philippe Padieu, who was convicted of six counts of aggravated assault using a deadly weapon in 2009. Over the course of more than four years together, Reeve became aware of Padieu's occasional peccadillo, which blossomed into recognition of his compulsive womanizing. After their breakup and her diagnosis, first with HPV and then HIV, she realized the full horror of his actions: Padieu had known he was an STD carrier and even knew he was HIV-positive, and continued having unprotected sex at every possible opportunity.
Proving he knowingly exposed Reeve and several other women who tested positive - including a handful not listed in the criminal case who made themselves known to her once the case got media attention - that was another matter entirely.
Standing Strong tells the story of how Padieu's dupes banded together to stop his career as a professional disease vector. Padieu was sentenced to serve six 45-year sentences concurrently with no possibility of parole for nearly half that time (he would be in his mid-70s should he then win release, assuming his own health held out that long). In the years since, however, he's proven only one example of this particular subset of sociopathy, and the case led to a whole new class of laws specifically targeting AIDS predators. It's a riveting tale, simply told, and well worth a read.
Read
April 21, 2016I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
I normally do not leave reviews for books I DNF, but this book annoyed me beyond belief. (I am obviously in the minority here, so unpopular opinion ahead.)
I vaguely remember hearing about this story. (Probably 20/20.) So when I noticed this book on Netgalley I jumped at the chance to read a more in-depth recollection of what happened. I expected to hear about a woman who was completely blindsided. She had no idea the man she had been with for four years could be capable of such a thing, but that just was not the case.
There were SO many instances in the first two years detailed in the book that were clear signs Philippe was stepping out that Diane admittedly ignored. Then she learns two years into their eventual four year relationship that he definitely is cheating. She completely sweeps it under the rug and takes him back. No explanation, no excuses, no anything! Just a free pass! And she continues to sleep with him sans condom! Then when she learns he is leaving her for one of the other women, she begs him to rethink his decision! Even goes as far to blame herself and get plastic surgery! She is then giddy when he comes back to her, only to learn yet again he’s cheating.
I can’t finish this book. The way she turns a blind eye to everything, and has such a competition complex with other women makes it very difficult to muster sympathy for her. Was what Philippe did, knowingly infecting women, okay? No, definitely not. Did he deserve the sentence he got? You bet. However, one also has to take their own life into consideration and make the right choices to protect themselves. I just cannot fathom how someone would continue to be intimate with a person that has admittedly cheated on them countless times and not use protection.
DNF
I normally do not leave reviews for books I DNF, but this book annoyed me beyond belief. (I am obviously in the minority here, so unpopular opinion ahead.)
I vaguely remember hearing about this story. (Probably 20/20.) So when I noticed this book on Netgalley I jumped at the chance to read a more in-depth recollection of what happened. I expected to hear about a woman who was completely blindsided. She had no idea the man she had been with for four years could be capable of such a thing, but that just was not the case.
There were SO many instances in the first two years detailed in the book that were clear signs Philippe was stepping out that Diane admittedly ignored. Then she learns two years into their eventual four year relationship that he definitely is cheating. She completely sweeps it under the rug and takes him back. No explanation, no excuses, no anything! Just a free pass! And she continues to sleep with him sans condom! Then when she learns he is leaving her for one of the other women, she begs him to rethink his decision! Even goes as far to blame herself and get plastic surgery! She is then giddy when he comes back to her, only to learn yet again he’s cheating.
I can’t finish this book. The way she turns a blind eye to everything, and has such a competition complex with other women makes it very difficult to muster sympathy for her. Was what Philippe did, knowingly infecting women, okay? No, definitely not. Did he deserve the sentence he got? You bet. However, one also has to take their own life into consideration and make the right choices to protect themselves. I just cannot fathom how someone would continue to be intimate with a person that has admittedly cheated on them countless times and not use protection.
June 16, 2017
I read this for my book club and I'm so glad I did! Diane is local to us so she joined our discussion this June. What a horrible predator Philippe is! And how strong and courageous Diane and the other ladies are!
The book is quick read - very gripping and you want to continue to see what happens. I read it in about 6 hours.
The book is quick read - very gripping and you want to continue to see what happens. I read it in about 6 hours.
February 13, 2018
Diane’s story is spell bounding. She is a survivor. She is every woman looking for love, commitment and the desire to trust. Her story is heroic and remarkable. In this non fiction story of her relationship with a man who’s only purpose was to destroy her and many others.
July 12, 2018
Inspiring,engrossing and well-written, this book grabbed me and didn’t let go. The strength it took to persevere against this horrible man is amazing. A definite recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2017
Heart wrenching inspiring read
Diane is inspiring and a vivid story teller. Witnessing her journey and battle from the pages of her book was inspiring.
Diane is inspiring and a vivid story teller. Witnessing her journey and battle from the pages of her book was inspiring.
October 6, 2019
Life affirming.
In spite of the subject matter, I found this book to be very life affirming and a great read. Diane takes us on a rocky ride from despair to wholeness, and everything in between. I am full of admiration and awe for the strength of all of these women, and how they supported each other through the whole journey. I appreciate how open Diane is about her personal experience with HIV and it's effect on her life. I was so happy to read how Philippe, the man who knowingly infected several women, and possibly men with the HIV virus, was finally exposed and sentenced to a long jail term. Diane has also thoughtfully provided a list of online resources for people with HIV/AIDS.
In spite of the subject matter, I found this book to be very life affirming and a great read. Diane takes us on a rocky ride from despair to wholeness, and everything in between. I am full of admiration and awe for the strength of all of these women, and how they supported each other through the whole journey. I appreciate how open Diane is about her personal experience with HIV and it's effect on her life. I was so happy to read how Philippe, the man who knowingly infected several women, and possibly men with the HIV virus, was finally exposed and sentenced to a long jail term. Diane has also thoughtfully provided a list of online resources for people with HIV/AIDS.
September 19, 2021
One of the first, if not THE first, court cases against a man who knowingly infected many women with HIV. The book is written by one of his victims who was with this man for 4 years, not knowing that he was having numerous affairs. The author was instrumental in gathering as many infected women as possible to have him arrested. This case has been on several true crime tv shows so can easily be found on Youtube.
July 27, 2019
Wow! What a gripping story! Somehow I missed this on the news in 2010 when the court case happened. I blew off all my chores today and read this true account of a man who knew he had HIV and spread it to numerous women. Six of them were strong enough to come together and get him convicted and sentenced to 45 years. This is truly a chilling tale and will have you turning pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews