Book club member suggested a book on a Mong child who had epilepsy and diagnosed as the Spirit. Title please.
Answer:
The title of the book you’re looking for is “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” by Anne Fadiman.
“The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of cultural clashes in the field of healthcare.
It tells the true story of Lia Lee, a Hmong child from Laos, who was diagnosed with severe epilepsy – a condition her traditional Hmong family believes is not an illness, but a sign that she is a chosen one, touched by spirits.
When Lia’s family immigrates to the United States, she is treated by Western doctors who are unable to communicate effectively with her family due to language and cultural barriers.
These doctors prescribe a complex regime of medications to control Lia’s seizures, but her family doesn’t fully understand or agree with this treatment.
“The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down” is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of cultural clash in the field of healthcare. It tells the true story of Lia Lee, a Hmong child from Laos, who was diagnosed with severe epilepsy – a condition her traditional Hmong family believes is not an illness, but a sign that she is a chosen one, touched by spirits.
When Lia’s family immigrates to the United States, she is treated by Western doctors who are unable to communicate effectively with her family due to language and cultural barriers. These doctors prescribe a complex regime of medications to control Lia’s seizures, but her family doesn’t fully understand or agree with this treatment.
The book delves into the heart-wrenching consequences of this misunderstanding, as Lia’s condition worsens. The doctors believe her condition deteriorates due to her family’s non-compliance with her medication, while her family feels their cultural beliefs and practices are ignored.
Author Anne Fadiman paints a detailed picture of the Hmong culture and their beliefs, the history of their displacement, and the challenges they face in America. She also illustrates the struggles of the medical community in dealing with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The story highlights the dire need for cultural sensitivity in healthcare, showing how lack of understanding and communication can lead to tragic outcomes. It’s a valuable lesson in the importance of respecting and understanding different cultures, particularly in medical settings.
The book delves into the heart-wrenching consequences of this misunderstanding, as Lia’s condition worsens. The doctors believe her condition deteriorates due to her family’s non-compliance with her medication, while her family feels their cultural beliefs and practices are ignored.
Author Anne Fadiman paints a detailed picture of the Hmong culture and their beliefs, the history of their displacement, and the challenges they face in America. She also illustrates the struggles of the medical community in dealing with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The story highlights the dire need for cultural sensitivity in healthcare, showing how lack of understanding and communication can lead to tragic outcomes. It’s a valuable lesson in the importance of respecting and understanding different cultures, particularly in medical settings.