Queer and Loathing: Rants and Raves of a Raging AIDS Clone

It has become almost a cliche. Whenever a book or movie contains humor that is any edgier than standard, mushy fare, critics rush to say the piece's humor is "savage" or "brutal." This book, however, redefines what it means to use brutal satire and mockery. David Feinberg rips into the systems in society that allow people to die without hope or dignity, in the process creating a highly-charged history text of the fight against AIDS as the 1980s gave way to the '90s.

Feinberg is at his best in his shorter pieces. Although the opening essay, a description of the ACT-UP takeover of Federal Drug Administration offices, has power, it is not as punchy as his later, shorter essays and lists. However, he takes no prisoners in his opening, showing exactly how disorganized and catch-as-catch-can ACT-UP meetings were, in addition to castigating the FDA and other institutions that inflated drug prices to unattainable levels.

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Feinberg says in this book that he wants to reach age 40 and write 5 books. It's our great loss that he didn't get to do either but at least we have 2 novels and this. I'd say that if you're going to read anything that's real about AIDS, read this.

I can't believe he made such a funny book about a heartbreaking subject. I am in shock that this even happened. If only I could have one more book from him. However, it is too damn late. I can not believe I am wanting to cry and laugh at the same time.