I put off reading this book for a long time because I thought it was going to be a hard, depressing, read. And, in parts, it was, of course. Heartbreaking how many of these men were treated and hard to think it wasn’t even that long ago. But it’s also written with a light touch and a wry voice. There’s moments of humour and so much warmth and love. But towards the end of the book, I googled to see a photo of the author and instead found that many people have stated that much of the book is exaggerated at best and untrue at worst. Which is disappointing.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

This was such a moving read, as someone who has grown up in a world where HIV has become a chronic condition rather than an out and out killer it was sobering to go back to the beginning of the story and seeing the terrible treatment sufferers received.
An important read, if hard at times

All the Young Men is both utterly devastating and full of love and friendship. The book begins in 1986 when Burks discovers three nurses drawing straws to decide which will go and attend an AIDS patient in their hospital. What follows is a journey of heartbreak and friendship, a battle against society's misconceptions and proving that love wins. Every time.

I struggle to fathom that this happened in the 80s, less than 40 years ago, and that people's beliefs and behaviours were so atrocious towards the LGBT+ community and the AIDS crisis. Burks deals with the negativity and hatred of others honestly and does not take their slights laying down. Ruth Coker Burks is a true inspiration.

I am ashamed to say I did not know of Ruth Coker Burns before I read All the Young Men and I hope that this book helps to ensure more people know her name and the great work she did. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.