The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
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Book Reviews of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
Book Review: I grew up in Merced and had no idea about this
Summary: 5 Stars
I grew up amongst the sizable population of Hmong immigrants in Merced during the time the Lees were going through this ordeal.
This book takes place in my hometown and I had no idea what cultural heritage these Hmong people brought with them. The author does an excellent portrayal of both sides. On one hand, the doctors were endlessly confused/frustrated/angry over the family's hard time with Western medicine because they didn't understand where they were coming from. On the other hand, the Lee family didn't trust this alternate form of healing and had such a hard time with the language barrier.
The author's deep relationship with the Lee family and the doctors in this book is evident. This heart-wrenching story sparked such passionate emotions in me and continually had turns that shook my ordinary stability. The author takes no sides but explores all corners. It has given me a usable insight of how to better understand the very people I grew up with.
Book Review: just beautifully written
Summary: 5 Stars
so all the praise i can possibly say about this book has been, so this will be short. all in all, even if i wasn't reading it for the subject matter, Fadiman's storytelling is amazing. not only is this book damn informative and perceptive-changing, it is also VERY ENTERTAINING. almost like a novel, it grips you at parts, makes you feel a gamult of emotions...Book Review: A fascinating look at a different culture
Summary: 5 Stars
Before I read this book, I had never heard of the Hmong. And whether or not you have heard of them, this book is important because it shows just how difficult it is for Americans to understand the culture of the immigrants and refugees who settle in the U.S.
Anne Fadiman tells the story of the immensely different American and Hmong cultures by highlighting the case of Lia Lee, a Hmong toddler with epilepsy. Lia's parents believe her seizures are a result of soul loss, while Lia's doctors believe her seizures are caused by little-understood "storms" in her brain. The language and culture barrier between the family and the doctors leads to one misunderstanding after another.
Interspersed with Lia's story, Anne relates a little Hmong history, especially the war in Laos and the flight of the Hmong from that country after they lost the war. It's a war that many Americans have probably never heard of, but when you read about what the Hmong endured before escaping to America, it's truly heartbreaking.
I highly recommend this book. The most important thing I learned from this book is that you have to try to understand someone's background and culture before you can hope to understand their beliefs and motivations.
Book Review: perspective altering story
Summary: 5 Stars
A tale of how cultural misunderstanding can lead to good intentions going awry. The author explores the sad story of one Hmong child and her interactions with the social and medical services in the US in a way that does not blame either side for her suboptimal outcome. The story is dramatic, heartbreaking, and ultimately enlightening.Book Review: Beautiful words written from deep wells of wisdom
Summary: 5 Stars
i love this book! I think it should be required reading for all high school students, in this ever changing world, the more we are aware of cultural differences and what that can actually mean, the better off we will all be.
Share it with all your friends!!