Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

Although this book was published 14 years ago, it remains fantastically relevant as well as an astounding work of journalism. I could hardly put it down!

Summary: This novel tells the true story of a young Hmong girl whose family recently came to America. This girl has a slew of medical issues, but, because of cultural barriers, her family has difficulty communicating with and following the orders of the doctors. This is an eye-opening work that reveals issues in America’s health care system and broader society regarding cultural injustice.

Brilliant, brilliantly written. At times infuriating, always fascinating, a page-turner.

Like the author, I felt myself wanting to get mad first at one side, then at the other: the Hmong parents who couldn't or wouldn't (and anyway didn't!) give their daughter the US doctors-prescribed meds, the arrogant US doctors with their inability to think outside the box. Oh man.

Very recommended.