"If you can't see that your own culture has its own set of interests, emotions, and biases, how can you expect to deal successfully with someone else's culture?" This profound question sets the stage for a thought-provoking exploration.

I often express my love for Goodreads, as it allows me to "discover" through friends' reviews books that might otherwise have remained hidden from me. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures is one such gem. My GR friend Elizabeth's beautifully compelling review piqued my interest, and I knew I had to read it.

Wow. This book is truly remarkable. It tells the story of Lia Lee, a young Hmong girl whose family immigrated to the US after the Vietnam War. Lia was severely epileptic, caught between two vastly different cultures. Her parents had different views on the cause of illness and healing than Western doctors, leading to a tragic conflict.

The author, Anne Fadiman, presents both sides with compassion, making it impossible not to see things from the Hmong perspective and admit that Western medicine, while saving many lives, is not perfect. Lia's health suffered as she was caught between two cultures, and it's a heart-wrenching tale.

The book also delves into the history and culture of the Hmong people, a clan without a country. Their struggle to preserve their traditions and independence in the face of assimilation is both inspiring and tragic. Reading this book challenged my previous ideas about immigration and assimilation.

While I still believe assimilation can be a good thing, especially for future generations, I now see that it's not as simple as I once thought. We cannot force people to abandon their cultural beliefs and traditions, but at the same time, they must follow certain rules when they move to another country.

The prejudice and ethnocentrism the Hmong endured in America is shameful. I cannot imagine the terror and confusion they felt. The author writes with such compassion and insight that it's impossible not to be moved.

The only thing I disliked about the book was the animal sacrifice. As an animal lover, I struggled with this. However, I also realize that the Hmong's relationship with animals is different from ours, and we should not judge them based on our own cultural norms.

This book is brilliantly written, despite its tragic subject matter. The author's respect and admiration for both sides is evident, and it's impossible to "pick a side." I highly recommend it. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

To read Elizabeth's brilliant and more informative review of this book, click here. Thanks, Elizabeth!

"The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" is a remarkable exploration of the tragic case of Lia Lee, a Hmong child with epilepsy who unfortunately suffered severe brain damage.

The story is presented from multiple perspectives. The Lee family, believing epilepsy had a spiritual cause, faced practical difficulties as illiterate, non-English speaking immigrants and were reluctant to follow Lia's complex medical regimen.

The doctors, frustrated by the barriers, were determined to treat Lia according to the best medical standards. In between were various individuals like the sympathetic social worker, Lia's foster family, and the author herself.

The book raises profound questions such as: What is more preferable for a doctor - a lower standard of care with higher family compliance or vice versa? When a child is involved, who has the ultimate say - the doctor or the parents? Why are Americans sometimes intolerant of those who don't assimilate? Do they deserve the same rights? How could the Lees be perceived so differently by different people? And in the conflict between saving the body and saving the soul, who should prevail?

The writing and organization of the book are excellent. It avoids the pitfalls of being too dry or too sensationalist/one-sided. The story is gripping, and the background is well-interspersed to build tension. Fadiman's research is evident, and readers learn a great deal without feeling like they are reading a textbook.

Best of all, the book is truly balanced and three-dimensional. Fadiman is sympathetic to the Hmong without romanticizing them. She acknowledges both the unfair racist reactions and the valid concerns of those supporting the Hmong's welfare. The doctors are also portrayed with their good intentions intact.

Highly recommended for those seeking an engaging and thought-provoking read.

4.25-ish

I absolutely LOVED this experience. It was truly remarkable and left a lasting impression on me.

From the moment I embarked on this journey, I knew it was going to be special. The details, the atmosphere, everything was just perfect.

The people I met along the way added to the charm. Their kindness and warmth made me feel welcome and at ease.

I found myself completely immersed in the moment, enjoying every second. It was a time of relaxation, exploration, and discovery.

Even now, as I look back on it, I can't help but smile. This is an experience that I will cherish forever.

It was truly 4.25-ish loved.

This book is likely to evoke a series of emotions within you, cycling through sadness, anger, and heartbreak in little vicious loops!!

It has the power to touch your heart and stir up intense feelings that might linger long after you've turned the last page.

However, despite the emotional turmoil it may cause, it is still a remarkable read.

In fact, it is especially recommended for those working in the healthcare field.

It offers unique insights and perspectives that can enhance their understanding of the human experience and the challenges that come with it.

Whether you're a doctor, nurse, or any other healthcare professional, this book has the potential to deepen your empathy and compassion for your patients.

So, if you're looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging read, give this book a chance.

It might just change the way you view the world and your role in it.