Never Give Up: Vignettes from Sub-Saharan Africa in the Age of AIDS puts the AIDS pandemic into cultural context, raising questions about international health issues, cross-cultural experiences, racism and homophobia. After earning his master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School, Kevin traveled to the townships outside of Cape Town, South Africa where he collaborated with AIDS workers and activists for six months.
He chronicled his daily activities by telling stories about the people he came in contact with, accounts that are included in this book. Emotional and highly personal, the lives and conditions depicted in Never Give Up are a strong call to action for all of us to respond to this devastating disease with compassion and determination.
"Equal parts soul-searching memoir, culturally sensitive travelogue, and unabashed call to arms, Kevin Winge's Never Give Up delivers raw, often touching dispatches from a post-9/11 South Africa ravaged by poverty and handcuffed by bureaucratic incompetence, at home and abroad. The author consistently, convincingly brandishes the only weapon that might yet save us: empathy."
- David Schimke, Utne Reader
"This is a very personal appeal for greater awareness and outrage at the extent to which AIDS is scourging poor nations of the world, particularly in Africa, in hopes of provoking action."
- Vanessa Bush, Booklist
"Kevin Winge is to be thanked for investing time, energy and, above all, the integrity that went into Never Give Up. And you will thank yourself for reading it.
- Dwight Hobbes, Insight News
"This book is a must read for all people with a conscience."
- Swallehe Msuya, Mshale
"While the stories Winge shares contain frightfully difficult subject matter, his tone enfolds the reader, guiding him or her gently from case to case. It nudges aside Western prejudices with a touch so light, it seldom is felt."
- Heidi Fellner, Lavender Magazine
"Winge's power book captures the urgency of this plague that is taking millions of lives."
- E.B. Boatner, Lavender Magazine
If you would like to schedule an event or media interview, contact Kevin Winge.
During his sabbatical in 2011, Kevin will be working on a book he has been contemplating for six years. Tentatively titled Black and Blue in South Africa, Kevin’s second book will follow a similar format as Never Give Up telling personal stories about the lives of people he encounters traveling by train between Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Of course, there is the possibility that he will veer from this plan and go in an entirely different direction for his next book. To keep abreast of his thinking and his travels, follow his blogs.
All proceeds from the sale of Never Give Up benefit
Open Arms of Minnesota's HIV/AIDS programs.
Buy a food parcel today and feed a South African family of seven for one month.
