The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
This book explores the clash between a small county hospital in California and a refugee family from Laos over the care of Lia Lee, a Hmong child diagnosed with severe epilepsy. The book delves into the contrasting perspectives of Lia's family, who see her condition as a spiritual matter, and her doctors, who perceive it as a medical issue. This cultural divide leads to a tragic misunderstanding, highlighting the challenges of navigating a complex healthcare system while maintaining cultural beliefs and traditions.
The 7651st greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1997
- Nationality
- American
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Pages
- 341
- Words
- 117,000
- Original Language
- English
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This book is on the following lists:
- 71st on The New Classics - 100 Best Reads from 1983 to 2008 (Entertainment Weekly)
- National Book Critics Circle Award - Nonfiction (National Book Critics Circle)