Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder - Book Report/Review Example

In chapter five Kidder takes us into Paul’s childhood and home environment. Paul’s father taught them that nothing in life was demeaning, for example even whites could pick citrus. Furthermore from the incident aboard Lady Ginny Paul learned, from his dad, how to be resolute in spite of uncertainty. Growing up living in a bus and campgrounds with limited funds spurred him to concentrate amidst all life’s challenges. This gives us the inspiration that in spite of how difficult our life maybe we can adapt, flourish and be happy within it.

Chapter six demonstrates to us three things: Paul’s character that made him fit into the humanitarian field, Paul’s mentor, and the events that sowed this passion towards public health and the poor. If we are to be like Paul we need to be easy and adventurous because it is that which took him to Paris and Haiti. It is also important to have a mentor to help us cultivate our interests the way Rudolf Virchow’s works inspired Paul towards social medicine, politics, and anthropology.

 We also need to develop a genuine interest in the world around us if we are to make better our societies.  It is this that made Paul discover the plight of Haitians and the courage of a Belgian nun in the vicinity of his university. This humanitarian calling is therefore a blessing for society but a curse to the individual, Dr. Paul Farmer.