"Ripples is an extraordinary story from a man who thought he was just an ordinary guy. His detailed, honest and at times quite heart-breaking account of this life from the day that he was diagnosed with AIDS shows that he is no ordinary man. Roland details a roller-coaster journey from the depths of despair and the contemplation of taking his own life, through the battles with his employers and how he is now a leading campaigner. It is incredibly well written, it can be rage inducing when one realises just how ignorant and cruel people can be, but it is also a heartwarming tale of hope and most of all, of love.

Roland had been feeling ill for a long time, when his doctor suggested that he take an HIV test, he was happy to do so. He'd had two long-term partners in his life. He and his current partner Richard were loyal, neither of them had slept around, or taken drugs, and were not in the high-risk category. The shock of a positive diagnosis was astounding. Whilst Roland took to his bed, feeling so poorly that he didn't really care if he died right now, Richard took charge of their lives. What an amazing man he is, it is clear that without Richard by his side, Roland may never have found the strength to overcome the diagnosis, let along build a fabulous, fulfilling life afterwards.

The author includes pieces from Richard and their close friends in the book, and these are full of love for Roland.

Also included in the latter part of the book are true life experience from other men and women, also HIV positive and these make for diverse and fascinating reading too.

It has been a real pleasure to discover Roland through his words. Ripples is an educating and sobering look at life with HIV, and also goes a long way to dispel the myths created, especially by the media, of just what HIV and AIDS are.

Highly recommended, an eloquent and moving book.