“Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World” by Tracy Kidder, Adapted for Young People by Michael French

In a quest to include more nonfiction on our “TAB Bookclub”cart, this new adaptation of Tracy Kidder’s powerful work was included.  Not sure it will draw in many readers but I will definately be marketing it.  Paul Farmer is a man we should all know about.  Surprisingly, we do not.  A doctor dedicated to the poor and to improving the lives of those in places like Haiti, Farmer has basically reinvented how the world deals with the health needs of the indigent and he has transformed TB care around the globe.  The book begins with an introduction by Kidder, explaining that we should not feel guilty when reading about the work of Paul Farmer.  It is hard not to.  “Tirelessly fighting for those with no voice” is an understatement and I was left with a desire to turn over all my worldly goods to Farmer’s PIH consortium after reading this (but didn't).  It was curious to read it near the holidays, with so many needy causes vying for attention.  The book ends with a postscript which addresses the changes in PIH and Haiti over the last ten years. 
 
The book itself seems to have undergone little or no vocabulary changes as a result of the “adaptation.”  I can only assume that some of the more detailed descriptions of violence in Haiti were left out.  It is a mature read and a technical one, as Farmer’s theories of social inequity being inexorably tied to health issues are explored as well as the epidemiology of disease in places like Haiti’s plateau region.  It is not a page turner, and, IMHO, not the most literary of books (a surprise, given Kidder’s Pulitzer Prize) but a personal story and an engaging one.  It is a biography, in the strictest sense, but not a “typical” biography in any way (yes, I know … librarian filing dilemma).  Kidder has a very intimate take on his subject, having spent nearly a year with Dr. Farmer.  He gushes on about how Farmer impacts him personally and interviews many of those surrounding the man to get a full picture of who he is.  The result is complex and interesting.  While reading it, I spent a lot of time wondering how someone becomes as selfless and dedicated as Farmer (so did Kidder) and thinking about the “big picture” of world poverty and health.  It becomes clear that Farmer is not perfect, but passionate and driven.  And there is a price he pays, I believe, that is more inferred than stated.  You will have to decide for yourself.  Bottom line – this isn’t just a book you should read, it’s one you will enjoy.  Now, it's time for me to hit the internet and make a few donations.