Where We Go From Here is an exquisitely beautiful book about the experiences of three young men in Brazil living with the realities of HIV and AIDS. The story begins in a public clinic, as Brazil has great access to HIV testing and to treatments through its public health system. However, that does not mean that the stigma does not exist. 

We begin with Ian who has just been diagnosed with HIV. Next to enter the patient room is Victor, who is relieved to test negative. Henrique has been living with HIV for the past three years and he is a source of wisdom for others that are new to this experience. The characters' stories weave together and separately into a lovely and heart wrenching story about what it means to live with immense fear and to create hope for themselves. 

Despite the inherent heaviness, I couldn't put this book down. I think this topic is not prevalent enough in common conversations. For many readers, this book can be more than a great story; it can also be a way to learn about what it is like to live with HIV now in the 21st century. Treatments have made incredible strides and with PREP for the partners of those with HIV, it is possible to live a safe, healthy, normal life. Written by a Brazilian author, this book also showcases what public healthcare can accomplish and as he points out in his afterword, how fragile life is for those with AIDS and HIV when healthcare is politicized, a truly life threatening situation if the political winds and policies shift. 

This YA book handles the topic with so much maturity and grace, I recommend it to anyone regardless of age. I think it may be best for older teens, but I think it is important that they have access to books like this that emphasize safe sex and less stigma- here's your reminder that purity culture isn't helping anyone.