Originally Published: September 24, 2013

By: J.H. Trumble

Writing anything – whether a book, film, song, etc. – about HIV/AIDS is difficult in terms of portraying how the character feels, but also grabbing audiences in at the same time. Author J.H. Trumble manages to do so with beautiful grace in Just Between Us.

Luke Chesser is trying to survive hot Texas while playing in his high school’s marching band when field tech college student Curtis Cameron catches his eye. Unbeknownst to Luke, Curtis has recently found out he is HIV positive and can’t handle a relationship.

It is so difficult to read Curtis’ story as he struggles to deal with his diagnosis. You’ll be yelling at the book for Curtis to reach out for help, but at the same time you’ll realize how difficult it is for someone to process this information.

Final say: A moving and important story. ★★★★☆