The Spirit Catches You and then You Fall Down - Amy Fadiman

I'd remembered this author's name when I saw it on the spine so thought it would be a good choice.  I picked the book up in Pismo Beach while camping there.  I found the previous book I'd read of this author's, Ex Libris, by searching on my blog.  I'd enjoyed it a lot and this one was also a great read.

This book tells the story of Lin, a Hmong child whose family had immigrated from Laos after the Vietnam war.  Lin has a severe form of epilepsy and the way she is treated by American doctors versus the beliefs of her family and culture are the focus of the story.

I didn't know who the Hmong were so the history and cultural information was fascinating.  Their immigration struggles in the late 70's and 80's brought home the extreme difficulty of starting life over some place new. 

I was enthralled by the contrast in the belief systems of the two cultures and sadden by its impact.  A wonderful, thoughtful read.

Published:  1997  Read: September 2019  Genre: Non-fiction