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Book Review of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures

reviewed on
Helpful Score: 2


I had to read this book for college, and it was - hands down - my favorite piece of assigned literature. I read it through a second time completely of my own free will. The frustrating conflict between culture and medicine is masterfully portrayed. This book was very thought provoking, and caused me to experience a teeter-totter of emotions. One moment I was cursing the doctors for not listening, the next chapter I was exasperated with the family for their lack of understanding. The only parts of the book I didn't care for were the "history of Laos" chapters - while they provided insight to the Hmong culture; they seemed very dry in comparison to the rest of the book.

If you are involved in the health care field in any way, this book is a must read.

Honestly, even if you don't work in health care, I can't imagine you'd regret reading this book. I loved it.