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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
Paul Farmer is an inspiration along the lines of Mother Teresa or Florence Nightingale. As Kidder says in his update to the book, many people feel guilt about their own apathy or inaction, and I can certainly understand that. On the other hand, I think Farmer would be a very difficult person to live with, not so much that he holds others to his same standard of survival but that he gives so much of himself to people in need that it's hard to imagine he has much left over for intimacy. "If Farmer's the standard, we're all F'ed" is a truism. Farmer's standard is an impossible one to achieve, and maybe not even something one should try to achieve.
Kidder's book offers an amazing insight to Haiti from both cultural and political perspectives and left me wanting to know more about the US' role in creating such abject poverty in that country. Kidder presents Farmer as an almost Christ-like person but omits the non-healthcare worker side, so I'm left wondering how he manages his personal life. (It would seem he doesn't, but he does, after all, have a wife and child, so he must?) Kidder's book is approachable and easily digested but perhaps a shade over-simplified.
Kidder's book offers an amazing insight to Haiti from both cultural and political perspectives and left me wanting to know more about the US' role in creating such abject poverty in that country. Kidder presents Farmer as an almost Christ-like person but omits the non-healthcare worker side, so I'm left wondering how he manages his personal life. (It would seem he doesn't, but he does, after all, have a wife and child, so he must?) Kidder's book is approachable and easily digested but perhaps a shade over-simplified.
An inspiring read for anyone who feels drawn to the idea of making a difference in others' lives, on a grand scale or at a very personal level. The book started to feel repetitive to me by the 2nd half, but it is still loaded with both heartbreaking and uplifting stories from parts of the world that are too easily overlooked.
This book was really lovely! Dr. Farmer is an inspiring individual, and the book places great emphasis on trying to mimic his impact rather than trying to become him as a person. He is too grand and amazing to try and become. Kidder's writing style makes this book an easy and enjoyable read, smoothing over very sad bits and making dry political interactions interesting - providing the reader with a larger view of Dr. Farmer's life.
This was a lovely story, and to be honest quite overwhelming. It really does challenge your beliefs and perspectives towards health care and public health in the developing world. I have no idea how Paul Farmer did what he did, he is truly one of a kind. This book also does a fantastic job of educating about medical anthropology and how to truly treat a patient you have to treat poverty as well.
thanks c for the rec. this initiated my global health pursuits and my deep dive into all things paul farmer and PIH and infectous disease from the sdoh perspective. loved it!
This book is so fucking boring and dragged forever. I had to read it for school and if my assignment wasn’t so necessary on finishing this book I never would have. Farmer obviously has a lot of empathy and has done a lot for his patients however he seems to be rather narcissistic and judgemental of others who aren’t willing to do exactly as he does. I could never imagine being married to him-guy is married to himself and work. That’s it.
The way this is written is one giant jerkoff to farmer. Kidder overidolizes him. Very white savior vibes. Just annoying. Bleh. Hated this book.
The way this is written is one giant jerkoff to farmer. Kidder overidolizes him. Very white savior vibes. Just annoying. Bleh. Hated this book.
This book is on every medical anthropology reading list. While the subject matter is moving, the writing is just flat out boring. If you want to learn about Paul Farmer and his work, go to the source; his own writing is much better.