The skill with which Ms. Brooker weaves together the stories of the AIDS patients she is following with the growth of her own awarenesses and her own personal story is remarkable, and what makes this such a compelling read.

I have never read a first chapter of a book that so moved me as this one did, about the author's friend who was the first person she knew who died of AIDS. After reading it I felt I knew this man, and I truly mourned his death, even though I never met him and he died over 15 years ago. That's how powerful a writer the author is. With every chapter, she uses the words of the person she is interviewing along with her own thoughts and feelings to tell their story. She writes with love and the artistry of a poet. This is a wonderful, moving, beautifully written book. I only wish this will be read beyond the gay/AIDS community. I only wish everyone in America would read this book, to see the suffering that ignorance and fear has created in far too many lives.

Let's face it nobody wants to read another book on AIDS. And quite frankly neither did I. But this isn't a book about AIDS. It's a book about a straight woman in San Francisco surrounded by loving beautiful people who have been shunned, discarded and ignored. It's a story about a woman who confronts her own fears, prejudices and ignorance. A woman who is haunted by a promise she made to a dying friend 20 years ago. A promise that she keeps inspite of editors, publishers and agents who simply don't care.

I found my way to this book by accident and was truly moved by it. In a way, this book is a perfect time piece. It is a woman's version of "The Graduate, " a jewel-like recreation of the 1960's and 70's in upper middle class Northern California, framed as a coming of age tale -- a recounting of the loss of innocence and fall from grace that inevitably comes with adult maturation. The voice is at once wry, smart and ironic, and the result is a book that is both bittersweet and sophisticated. This is simply splendid fiction!

"First Vows" is a compelling novel with outrageous characters, passion, trauma, and wonderful plot twists. Ms. Brooker spins a fascinating story of a young woman's tumultuous journey through life, one which anyone can relate to. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and literally couldn't put it down.

The second I started reading I got completely lost. I could not put it down! It was magical and emotionally enlightening. I loved the story and look forward to reading more of Barbara Brooker's work. She's wonderful!

I could not finish reading this book but what I did read is "well crafted." But I found myself bored with the subject. Can't middle-aged middle-class women find something important to write about. My God, there is so much out there. Use your skills, Ms. Brooker, for something important...not your bourgeois navel.