This is actually Crissy, not Adam. I have always wanted to read that book. Just recently, I was reminded of it...but whenever I have the time and am near a library, I never remember it. Do let us know what you think of it.

I have read about half of it.  I am surprised at some of the character traits of the doctor who spends time in Haiti (as well as Lima, Peru and Cuba).  He seems kind of quirky in a way.  But his steadfastness for getting to the bottom of the TB outbreaks and especially the drug resistant cases is just amazing.  It really opens your eyes to the poverty and lack of medical facilities and supplies in some of these countries.  And of course he hits on the fact that the US has supported many of the regimes that have been wasteful, corrupt, and done absolutely nothing for the poor.  But he is also an anthropologist and as such brings a different perspective to the medical tasks.  I will let you know what I think of it when I am done.  You two take care!

 I haven't read this book, but I've read another Tracy Kidder book, the author really does his research as I recall...I'd be interested in reading this one!

Well, maybe I will bring it with me when we all get together.  I may be finished with it by then.  By the way here is the recipe for the apple dip:

8 oz cream cheese (reduced fat but not fat free)

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Blend those together

Then just stir  in 1 cup chopped walnuts

Use slices of Granny Smith apples and dip away!  This is great!

What book did you read?

What an amazing story!  I will say that this guy, Paul Farmer, is not typical.  But the problem I see with him is that once he is gone there will be no one to take his place.  He is one of a kind.  I am not sure what motivates him, or how he keeps going the way he does.  He spends so much time travelling from the US to Haiti, to Lima, to Russia, etc.  He really loves the one on one relationship with patients and he also has to spend so much time involved in the bureaucracy, I cannot see how he had the energy to do half what he accomplished.  An example, he hiked 7 hours to see two patients!  But he really started something.  I would recommend this book.  There are a few pages where the language is strong; didn't bother me; this guy is amazing.  Some people might wonder about his ego but it is an interesting read!  And the co-founder of the Partners in Health is, I believe, Patricia Neal's (the actress) daughter (Ophelia Dahl).  This book shows how Farmer used what he could take from the US, how he was funded by a multi-millionaire, the numerous meetings and the bureaucracy he had deal with, how he finaglled getting his way.   This book also gives you some perspective on the global impact of diseases like TB and MDR-TB as well as HIV-Aids.  I will be taking a copy (if not my own) to my sister when our family gets together for the holidays. 

I'd love to read it, too! It sounds fascinating. Have you read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin? I just finished it, and was quite impressed. What you're describing sounds similar to this book. Greg Mortenson builds schools for children, especially girls, all over Pakistan. He does it practically single-handedly, and yet he has made a tremendous impact on the people of Pakistan. The book is not only inspiring, but gives a much needed perspective on what life is actually like for these people.

Yes, I have read Three Cups of Tea (or I think most of it).  I remember the story.  Interesting.  If I bring Mountains Beyond Mountains with me Saturday you and Barb will have to fight over it!  LOL

Hope all have had a Merry Christmas!  We have enjoyed the day, just the four of us.  It has been really nice.  Looking forward to seeing everyone Saturday!