Some Chains Say Johnson’s Book on AIDS Is Too Graphic for Them

Some store chains are refusing to sell Magic Johnson’s book on preventing AIDS because of its blunt language about how to avoid the sexually transmitted disease, the book’s publisher said Friday.

Peter Osnos, Times Books Publisher, said Kmart Corp. and the Walgreen’s drug store chain were among retailers objecting.

The book, “What You Can Do To Avoid AIDS,” was written by Johnson, who retired from the Lakers because he has the HIV virus.

Kmart spokeswoman Mary McGeachy said the retailer decided against carrying the book in its main stores but is selling it through its Waldenbooks subsidiary.

“We’re not a bookstore,” she said. “The book is very informative, but it’s also very graphic. It should be available to teen-agers . . . (but not) a 3-year-old while their mother is buying a lawn mower.”

Waldenbooks carries more than 15,000 titles, compared with the 1,800 carried in Kmarts, McGeachy said.

Osnos said Walgreen’s and the Texas-based HEB grocery store chain also have refused to sell the book. A spokesman for HEB said later the store initially had concerns but has decided to carry it.

Walgreen’s officials didn’t return calls seeking comment Friday.

The American Medical Assn. has endorsed the book, Osnos said.