The New York Times published an article on September 14th about the life of Lia Lee, the child of Hmong refugees whose struggle with epilepsy and subsequent severe brain damage was chronicled by Anne Fadiman in the book, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Lia passed away on August 31st.
According to the article, the book remains an important tool in training physicians about the role of cultural traditions in caring for patients and families. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down was re-released in April with new material about Lia’s life after the original edition, which came out in 1997.
Read the article: Lia Lee, 1982-2012: Life Went On Around Her, Redefining Care by Bridging a Divide, by Margalit Fox.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down (the original edition) is available for checkout at the library.
Boston Children's Hospital Library News 