Review: Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett

Full Disclosure is unapologetic to its core. Our protagonist Simone is HIV-positive. She has her problems with it of course, but she never once allows herself to fall into the trap of believing the vile things people say about it. She is imperfect and yet perfectly so. This story is gripping and utterly moving. Secondary school is tough for every teenager but there is something about the way that Garrett writes it that puts you in her shoes. Every heartache or joyful moment that Simone experiences is felt by the reader too. Her use of language and dialogue is key to that.

The way Garrett writes about family, race and sexuality is so real and heartfelt. Each character has a unique set of circumstances which are handled delicately. There is so much diversity in this book, be it through race or sexuality. Representation of minorities is really important, especially at a YA level. Having someone to relate to in the content that we consume helps us realise that we are not alone. If anything else, it’s educational too. There is a character in this book who is asexual and has a girlfriend, and though the situation isn’t always pretty, it’s handled so honestly and openly that it teaches people what it’s like to struggle with this. The main character’s illness also does a lot to teach about HIV and what the stereotypes are around it and how that perception can be harmful. But instead, people should be looking to educate themselves. The book has some resources at the end about HIV which I found to be incredibly useful.

Cliona Hornibrook