A Man Who Would Cure the World - The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer

Dr. Farmer is one of those amazing individuals who have faith that mountains can be moved, one rock at a time. Because of his tireless ambition to cure the poor, he has really made a difference. (He and others like him who share his determined passion.) His story will no doubt bring you up short; as a fellow reader indicated when we met to discuss the book, what have we done with our lives? Especially because Dr. Farmer has an attitude of "No excuses, just do it" when it comes to helping the poor. I passed the book along to a friend who reminds me of Dr. Farmer in her energetic work with Heal the Children.

Tracy Kidder paints a fascinating portrait of this fascinating man. MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS is a provocative and inspiring book.

Paul Farmer's life is an inspiring story of dedication to those suffering around the world. This story follows his medical work in Haiti and other developing countries as he confronts ineffective World Health Organization policy on the eradication of TB and works to develop interventions to solve the hardest cases of TB. Excellent, easy to read story that is very inspiring.

My best friend recommended this novel to me as part of some research I am doing in Global Health. It is phenomenal. It tells the story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a man known as THE global health guru. It is written with a quiet humor that had me laughing in many places, and a dignified sorrow that brought me to tears. Most importantly, the biography reads as a call to action. If one man can accomplish all this through love, then what could one million men do with the same technique? I strongly encourage others to read this book and to look up Paul Farmer, a man who is making waves.

This is an interesting read about a subject with which I had no previous contact. It will not appeal to all readers but for those interested in the general political and economic climate of health global health care it is a good starting point for discussion. Discussion starter:

Amazing read that truly goes beyond mere medicine. It historical perspective on just how Haiti took the trajectory it has taken is shocking all itself. It know that a self-liberated country founded less than 20 years after America could be so far behind is a slap in the face to the progression and advancement all countries have been known for.

This is the best nonfiction book I have ever read. One of our cousins recommended this one to me. This book documents the life of Dr. Paul Farmer. He is an incredible humanitarian. I will be recommending this book to my mother-in-law.

Although I did like the book very much and received valuable insight into such a poor country, I found it very hard to read. I could not read for very long at a time because I had a hard time digesting all the material. I found that if I read for a short time I could better process the message.

This is a wonderfully written account of some of the most significant health care activities of the past 30 years. The work, the people, and the accomplishments surely rank with our new health care innovations. The book is well written, I laughed, cried, and was moved. Upon completion of the book I let my two teenage duaghters know I am ordering one for each of them so at some point in their lives they will pick up and read and feel this description of work that is based both on the heart and the mind. This is a book to keep on your desk.

I am teaching a Service Learning Cource for a mid size college in Indianapolis, this has been a great book to highlight (although to an extreme) a life dedicated to service through his profession. The book is very well written, and the life of Dr. Farmer is so engaging and encouraging for those wanting to find their niche for service in the community or those needing some exposure to the vast need around us locally and globally!

Paul Farmer is absolutely inspirational and is everything that is right with humanity. While the book allows one to gain some insight into Dr. Farmer as as person and a physician, the storyline is a bit choppy.

This book was selected as this year's "common book" for all incoming Freshmen at the University of Washington to read. Although a member of the Class of 1955 I decided to join in. Reading this book was a moving experience. Dr. Paul Farmer was driven to bring about change where it seemed hopeless. Farmer does not appear to be motivated by spirituality but his drive is unquestionable. As a former board member of a Christian relief agency that considered going into Haiti I had a special appreciation for the struggles involved. You cannot read this book and remain complacent to the overwhelming needs in the world. Farmer was not overwhelmed and Kidder gives an up close look at who Paul Farmer is and what his goals are.

Loved this book, and especially loved the subject. Tracy Kidder is, not surprisingly given his track record, an accomplished and skillful writer. He tells the story of Paul Farmer and, while he is part of the story, he is careful to never become the story. The focus is always on Dokte Paul.

Paul Farmer is a character who will haunt you, if you have any inclination to serve others. He does so completely and thoughtfully and, at the same time, irrationally. He treats his patients in Haiti with dignity and passion.

I highly recommend this book. It's hard to resist the combination of a compelling subject and a masterful writer.

It was an interesting story about a unique man, but it was difficult for me to keep picking it up and continue reading to the end. If it hadn't been a book club pick I probably wouldn't have finished it.

Very interesting book. Purchased for Ethics Class. An interesting read and definitely will be reading again. Book arrived in excellent conditions as described by seller. Very happy with this purchase.

This book is inspiring to read! It makes me appreciate more and more those who give their lives for others to see they receive adequate healthcare. Dr. Paul Farmer is an advocate for those without voice; those who are marginalized and have no means to cry out for the mercy of others! GREAT READ!!

I couldn't stop reading this book. Paul Farmer's clinical and personal understanding of his many very sick patients makes him a grounded person; at the same time, Farmer's ability to enlist individuals and institutions in his projects has made him a world-class personality. Tracy Kidder writes about a fine subject and structures the book well.

This book shines new light on third world and developing countries with regard to medicine and medical care. It also brings forth the concept of crossing and spanning boundaries to get many people from all professions and walks of life together to be proactive in working together for solutions.

An entertaining book that allows you into the private life of a dedicated physician that has offered so much to Haiti and the world through his big heart and determination. Definitely worth the read.

This book is inspiring to read! It makes me appreciate more and more those who give their lives for others to see they receive adequate healthcare. Dr. Paul Farmer is an advocate for those without voice; those who are marginalized and have no means to cry out for the mercy of others! GREAT READ!!

Super great book about Haiti and the beginnings of Partners in Health and their role in worldwide public health. A great read and not boring even though the topic of public health might suggest that it would be.

I couldn't stop reading this book. Paul Farmer's clinical and personal understanding of his many very sick patients makes him a grounded person; at the same time, Farmer's ability to enlist individuals and institutions in his projects has made him a world-class personality. Tracy Kidder writes about a fine subject and structures the book well.

This book shines new light on third world and developing countries with regard to medicine and medical care. It also brings forth the concept of crossing and spanning boundaries to get many people from all professions and walks of life together to be proactive in working together for solutions.

An entertaining book that allows you into the private life of a dedicated physician that has offered so much to Haiti and the world through his big heart and determination. Definitely worth the read.

I loved this book. The writing was engaging, and the protagonist inspiring. As a biography, I thought it was exceptionally well done and presented the colossal humanity of this individual as well as his breadth of understanding of public health - the real side of public health, which is the individuals who make up the "public". I am left feeling inept and useless, but inspired. Thank you for a wonderful read.

I enjoyed this powerful story about Paul Farmer and his clinic in Haiti. I was moved by his courage and motivation and by the strength of the people in the clinic's catchment area. Tuberculosis isn't a diesease that we worry about much in the developed world, but it is a horrible disease that causes immense suffering and loss of life every day. Paul Farmer's story proves that one person who cares to make a difference can change the world. Tracy Kidder does a fantastic job telling this story. A+!

Beautifully written biography of Paul Farmer, a man who, almost single-handed, changed the nature of public health worldwide. This fascinating and inspirational book covers Farmer's unconventional childhood, his education, and his life changing work in Haiti. He is a truly remarkable person who has made a real difference.

Kidder's penetration of what makes Dr. Paul Farmer tick provides a profound insite into the healing process for people and society. This book will make you rethink a lot of stuff. It is not another testimonial to somebody with saintly characteristics. Paul Farmer is amazing, and also amazingly complex. It's a book one definetely rereads.

I just started reading it, but this is a fantastic book, one of Dr. Farmer's best! It is an essential read for anyone who wants to learn how to lead by example. The other plus was that the book shipped really fast.

Mountains Beyond Mountains is a remarkable book about a super
remarkable man, Dr. Paul Farmer. Much of this was written about
Haiti before their devastating earthquake and now the hurricane,
Tomas. Even before these two horrors hit Haiti, the country
was dirtpoor. The book shows how one energetic person, Dr.
Farmer, can change the lives of thousands. I also loved reading
about his work around the world and his cooperation with
other people and other cultures. This is a great book and
should be read by everyone. It will make us all more sensitive
to the plight of the poor.
written by Dorothy Fidler

Anyone concerned about recent health situations in Haiti, Cuba, Peru, Russia, and right here in the U.S. will find this book very informational. Kidder may not be a marvelous author, but he is an accurate and multi-perspectival documenter. Paul Farmer will inspire you, and our world will embarrass you even more.
I highly suggest this book if you would like to know how modern health evolved from essentially nothing, the flaws in world health, or if you yourself are looking for inspiration and motivation or just an uplifting (well, simultaneous discouragement too) read.

Fascinating story of a dedicated, unusual doc whose eclectic upbringing opened a world of kindness and caring.
If you are interested in health care and public health care policy, no doubt, this story will be thought-provoking.