Super Short Summary

My Own Country by Abraham Verghese is an autobiographical account of his experiences as an infectious disease specialist in Johnson City, Tennessee, during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. Verghese becomes the de facto AIDS expert in this rural setting, facing widespread stigma and ignorance. He struggles to provide compassionate care while building support networks for individuals with HIV, highlighting the personal and social impacts of the disease. The book deals with sensitive topics, including terminal illness and the emotional toll on healthcare providers and their families.