I met Ryan White and his mother as he was working the circuit, raising AIDS awareness. AIDS wasn't well understood or even very well known about at all (some people had never heard of it) - it was at CBS, where my stepfather worked for the CBS Morning News at the time. I happened to go in to work with him that day and Ryan and Mrs. White were there to do an interview. Before he was brought into the studio, everyone on the set was informed that the child about to do an interview had AIDS. Every person was offered the option of staying for the shoot or setting up their equipment and exiting the studio during the interview. I was appalled that nearly every person walked out of the room. That broke my heart and that experience has always stayed with me. I was a handful of years older than Ryan (and young myself, at the time), but he impressed me so greatly! He carried himself with such dignity and was so mature, so brave, and so at ease in his own skin. When this book came out, I knew I had to read it. Almost like an obligation (which I was happy to fulfill). An amazing child, an amazing story - well worth the read.
I've been aware of Ryan since a very young age, due to Michael Jacksons Dangerous: The Short Films release. I didn't exaclty understand what it was Ryan Had when that video came out, but as I got older I learned about what AIDS was because of Ryan as a young kid- much younger than most I'd imagine. I remember Freddie Mercurys death being due to AIDS, but seeing Ryan as this young kid who had lived his life not only trying to survive with a terminal disease, but also survive the society he lived in. This book shows what a real hero is made of. This story is so inspirational I cant even desrcibe it. From talking about his troubles in his original home town, to how he gets by on a day to day basis, cathing illnesses ive never heard of regularly. Through to the end Ryan had the attitude that every single person should aspire to have some day. Very emotionally draining book because evenin the most trivial portionsof the book you can't help put everything into context of what is going on. If you needto be inspired, read this. Born to amuse to inspire to delight, here one day gone one night.
Do You like book Ryan White: My Own Story (1992)?
I found this book in the free bin at the Community Center last week. I don't think I read it as a high schooler when Ryan White was alive, or at the time of his death. It does seem as if Ryan actually wrote or dictated this book. It's very conversational and teen-appropriate. I liked Ryan's stories of his interactions with famous people and I loved his attitude toward his illnesses. His mom and sister and he were very close, and it was nice to read about that, too.And wow! Times have changed since I was a kid. My favorite parts were just remember the jean jackets and Guess jeans, seeing the ridiculously curled hair of the girls of the early 90s. This story really took me back and managed to make me respect Ryan yet again.
—Teleia
I had no idea the amount of hate and prejudice Ryan White and his family endured over his AIDS diagnoses. It's unreal to me how cruel his community, neighbors, school and friends were to him and his family. I suppose they were just scared of this killer disease that no one had heard of before and was spreading throughout the world like an epidemic. Ryan White is an amazing and inspiring individual. Despite his battling hemophilia and AIDS he kept a positive attitude and a deep love of life. He never took any day, anything or anyone for granted. He truly lived his life in happiness, love and peace.
—Heather
This wasn't a book, it was memory of a small soldier. I now have respect for Elton John more than before and (although I always loved him)...Michael Jackson. Ryan White was a great book and I actually thought about crying(but didn't). I gab it a 5 because he beat AIDS not with a cure or a process, he beat it by never giving up. So many people I know gave into the depression and heartache that came with AIDS. At such young age he fought for EVERYTHING and EVERY problem. He went to school, he fought to be equal. MY HERO. Ryan White lives on forever because a light like that can't die. It'll be a oxymoron.
—Jeanae Tyra
