“[A] masterpiece . . . an astonishing book that will leave you questioning your own life and political views . . . Kidder opens a window into Farmer’s soul, letting the reader peek in and see what truly makes the good doctor tick.”—Nicholas Thomas, USA TodayIn medical school, Paul Farmer found his life’s calling: to cure infectious diseases and to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to … tools of modern medicine to those who need them most. Tracy Kidder’s magnificent account shows how one person can make a difference in solving global health problems through a clear-eyed understanding of the interaction of politics, wealth, social systems, and disease. Profound and powerful, Mountains Beyond Mountains takes us from Harvard to Haiti, Peru, Cuba, and Russia as Farmer changes people’s minds through his dedication to the philosophy that “the only real nation is humanity.”
Praise for Mountains Beyond Mountains
“A true-to-life fairy tale, one that inspires you to believe in happy endings . . . Its stark sense of reality comes as much from the grit between the pages as from the pure gold those pages spin.”—Laura Claridge, Boston Sunday Globe
“Stunning . . . Mountains Beyond Mountains will move you, restore your faith in the ability of one person to make a difference in these increasingly maddening, dispiriting times.”—John Wilkens, The San Diego Union-Tribune
“Easily the most fascinating, most entertaining and, yes, most inspiring work of nonfiction I’ve read this year.”—Charles Matthews, San Jose Mercury News
“It’ll fill you equally with wonder and hope.”—Cathy Burke, People
“In this excellent work, Pulitzer Prize-winner Kidder immerses himself in and beautifully explores the rich drama that exists in the life of Dr. Paul Farmer. . . . Throughout, Kidder captures the almost saintly effect Farmer has on those whom he treats.”—Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
“[A] skilled and graceful exploration of the soul of an astonishing human being.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
more
I have been meaning to read this book for some time. Finally, after retirement as a high school science teacher I am voraciously devouring all the books that have gathered dust on my book shelves, just waiting to be read. I am so sorry I did not read this book sooner so I could have assigned some parts of it for reading and discussion, …
This is one of those books that changed my world view completely. I cannot recommend this book enough.
One of my all time favorite books.
Inspiring!
Informative and inspirational.
One of the best nonfiction books I have ever read. Dr. Paul Farmer is brilliant, full of energy and dedicated. So many medical schools could learn so much from him.
Liked it especially the first part.
A good book for non-fiction fans of the world of public health and the struggles faced by by ill people with with few resources for facing overwhelming health problems.
Einstein had a split personality, he could be charming and fun, though he was devious and unfaithful to,his wife. He totally took advantage of her intelligence and claimed all of the notoriety for himself. Giving his wife no credit what so ever.
Inspiring story of Dr. Paul Farmer’s humanitarian work.
I liked other Tracy Kidder books better.
exceptionally well written narraative non-fiction. Fascinating as well
This is a book that he stayed with me for some time. At times I think about Paul Farmer and his selfless quest to help humanity. In today’s climate, he is truly a unique and inspirational individual. I read this book some time ago but recently picked up a fresh copy to re-read it.
After finishing this book I wanted to do more for my fellow man. Truly incredible all that he accomplished and does.
Tracy Kidder is an excellent writer, this Biography of Dr Farmer was extremely interesting and inspiring.
Wonderful read.
Very interesting but can be tedious
Such great writing about an important topic, AIDS in the world. Paul Farmer is well developed and, in fact, my daughter did her residency at Harvard to work with Farmer’s Partners in Health. Truly a great read!
Tracy Kidder introduces the reader to a man everyone encounters with awe and admiration. Paul Farmer is a true hero.
Main character a bit a hard to believe.