In the shadow of a plague that threatened to consume the world, a group of unlikely heroes emerged from the depths of despair and marginalization. "How to Survive a Plague" by David France chronicles the remarkable story of activists, many of whom faced their own mortality, who rose against a tidal wave of indifference and hostility to carve a path toward survival. With the precision of a historian and the narrative flair of a storyteller, France captures the essence of the AIDS epidemic, transforming it from a tale of tragedy into one of triumph and human resilience. This is not just the story of a disease but a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refused to be silenced in the face of oblivion. Through meticulous research and intimate accounts, France brings to life the grassroots movement that challenged the very foundations of medical and governmental neglect. From the establishment of ACT UP and TAG to the creation of an underground drug market as a response to the exorbitant costs of treatment, the book is a journey through the heart of darkness into a realm of hope. It's a narrative that spans the globe, highlighting the universal struggle for dignity, recognition, and the right to live. "How to Survive a Plague" is an essential chronicle of the AIDS epidemic, serving as both a memorial to those lost and a beacon of hope for future generations, proving that even in the darkest of times, humanity's light cannot be extinguished.