The Naked Truth - by Marvelyn Brown & Courtney Martin (Paperback)

About the Book

The surprisingly hopeful story of how a straight, non-promiscuous, everyday girl contracted HIV and how she manages to stay upbeat, inspired, and more positive about life than ever before. It is an inspirational memoir that shares how an everyday teen refused to give up on herself, even as others would forsake her. More, it's a cautionary tale that every parent, guidance counselor, and young adult should read. (Memoir)

From the Back Cover

The surprisingly hopeful story of how a straight, nonpromiscuous, everyday girl contracted HIV and how she manages to stay upbeat, inspired, and more positive about life than ever before

At nineteen years of age, Marvelyn Brown was lying in a stark white hospital bed at Tennessee Christian Medical Center, feeling hopeless. A former top track and basketball athlete, she was in the best shape of her life, but she was battling a sudden illness in the intensive care unit. Doctors had no idea what was going on. It never occurred to Brown that she might be HIV positive.

Having unprotected sex with her Prince Charming had set into swift motion a set of circumstances that not only landed her in the fight of her life, but also alienated her from her community. Rather than give up, however, Brown found a reason to fight and a reason to live.

The Naked Truth is an inspirational memoir that shares how an everyday teen refused to give up on herself, even as others would forsake her. More, it's a cautionary tale that every parent, guidance counselor, and young adult should read.

Review Quotes

"Marvelyn Brown takes a bold approach to speak to our youth with enough honesty and frankness, everybody should be listening! She is an inspiration to men and women everywhere!" - Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges
"Breathtaking in its honesty, this gripping portrayal of life with HIV riveted me from the first beautifully written page. I'm inspired by Marvelyn's commitment to help others by sharing her story. But even more, as I read Marvelyn's story, I became outraged that American society still fails to teach young people forthrightly what they need to know about sex and sexuality to protect themselves from this disease. The Naked Truth is a desperately needed call to action." - Gloria Feldt, Activist, Author, and former president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Be inspired by this true story of a 19-year old who contracted the HIV virus from her longtime monogamous boyfriend and became an Emmy Award winning advocate for HIV awareness. - Upscale
This brave books puts a real face on the tragic statistics. - Ebony
"Make a note to add The Naked Truth; Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive by Marvelyn Brown to your bookshelf. In this poignant account, Brown 24, provides a cautionary tale about how she became HIV-positive at 19." - Essence