The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman

There's been criticism on both side of Anne Fadiman's The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down - it's either too pro-Hmong/Lia Lee's family or too pro-doctor. I've always believed that if neither side of a story is entirely happy with your article or book, then you've done something right.

In fact, Fadiman does a yeoman's job of being balanced on both sides of the controversy around Lia Lee. Fadiman spent eight years researching and writing her story, which revolves around Lee's epilepsy diagnosis and the lack of communication between her family and physicians. It is justifiably considered one of the best examples of how a lack of cross-cultural understanding can kill.

What's amazing to me is how well this book holds up. First published in 1997, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down remains topical and relevant, especially as hospitals continue to try to bridge cultural gaps within our community. In addition, you will learn historical information about the Hmong, including the secret war in Laos during the Vietnam era. Out of all the history classes I've taken, I cannot conjure up a single memory of a discussion of Laos, so this was new and interesting information.

I have a vivid memory of my medical student friend reading this book, and I'm hopeful that other health care professionals have or will read it. My only caveat on reading this edition is that the print is way too small, and readers should be warned that the story does not move quickly. There is a lot to digest, but it's worth it.