Tracy Kidder

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5324971182

Reposted from elsewhere. I wrote this quickly and may eventually come back and do a full review; I've had a lot churning in my head around this work for the past few weeks and need to let that settle before I attempt a full review.

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Started and finished this book this week. I read it basically in two sits. As someone who works on homelessness policy, and used to work in direct service, I just couldn't put it down. So much of what Dr. O'Connell says I could hear coming out of my mouth, and out of the mouths of folks I've worked with over the years.

There were several moments when I just put the book down and started at the coffee shop table. I kept thinking, "man, we need to do so much better." It had an odd effect of both depressing and motivating me.… (mehr)

You know when you have an author you really enjoy and while waiting for another book to be published, you forget about them? That is Tracy Kidder for me! I read 6 of his books then lost track of him until I recently picked Rough Sleepers up from my library. I was so excited and now finished, was not let down one bit!

This book is set in Boston. Dr. Jim O’Connell gets prickly when called a “saint”, so I will simply state that his passion and calling in life is surely special and something to be in awe of.

“Rough sleepers” are the people who sleep their nights on the streets; under bridges, in ATM cubbies, in parks and alleys, in makeshift shelters, rather than staying in shelters. “The Program”, started in 1985 by Dr. Jim, takes care of these people; forms relationships and continuity of medical care and finds housing and of the utmost importance, listens. Listening without judgment and with listening with love; those are special qualities and it’s the focus of the program and of this story.

Just like the author, I was along for this ride and found myself connected to the stories of the homeless people that Dr. Jim introduces us to. I have never had the stomach to be a doctor or a nurse, but the counselor in me could feel the pull of working in a situation such as this group of amazing individuals who are working each day to help heal the homeless population in Boston…one hard day at a time, in a group that becomes family and supports when the going IS ALWAYS tough…and sharing that family spirit nwith the people that most of us try to ignore…God’s work.… (mehr)

In medical school, Paul Farmer found his life’s calling: to cure infectious diseases and to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need them most. Tracy Kidder’s magnificent account shows how one person can make a difference in solving global health problems through a clear-eyed understanding of the interaction of politics, wealth, social systems, and disease. Profound and powerful, Mountains Beyond Mountains takes us from Harvard to Haiti, Peru, Cuba, and Russia as Farmer changes people’s minds through his dedication to the philosophy that “the only real nation is humanity.” - from publisher… (mehr)

Author Tracy Kidder had the opportunity to ride with Dr. Jim O'Connell and his Street Team for five years, as they gave medical treatment and check-ins to "rough sleepers" - those homeless folks who generally elect to stay on the streets rather than go to a shelter - in Boston. He describes Dr. Jim's work, how he got there, and the various people he provides services to.

This was a really excellent book, but so difficult to describe. Kidder does a great job of profiling one man and his work, as well as zooming out and exploring the multifaceted challenges in truly eradicating homelessness, while telling you story of person after person affected by health problems, trauma, substance abuse, and more. Dr. Jim would be the first person to tell you he's not a saint - but he does work hard to bring health services to a population most would like to ignore, and he does it with grace and compassion. Indeed, he compares it often to the myth of Sisyphus, and feeling like you're starting over from square one over and over again. But he keeps going, keeps working, and for some folks, it really does make a difference.… (mehr)