Notes from May 2014 Group

STRENGTH IN WHAT REMAINS by Tracy Kidder – Discussed on Wed May 7, 2014 at Geneseo Library                             

                                                                                                                                             

In Strength in What Remains, Tracy Kidder gives us the story of one man’s inspiring American journey and of the ordinary people who helped him, providing brilliant testament to the power of second chances. Deo arrives in the United States from Burundi in search of a new life. Having survived a civil war and genocide, he lands at JFK airport with two hundred dollars, no English, and no contacts. He ekes out a precarious existence delivering groceries, living in Central Park, and learning English by reading dictionaries in bookstores. Then Deo begins to meet the strangers who will change his life, pointing him eventually in the direction of Columbia University, medical school, and a life devoted to healing. Kidder breaks new ground in telling this unforgettable story as he travels with Deo back over a turbulent life and shows us what it means to be fully human

This true story told of horrors of civil war in Burundi, Africa as experienced by one young survivor.  It described to us how Deo managed to survive alone in New York City – his struggles to find a job, determination to learn English, and eventually make friends and go back to school.   We respected the main character.  This was a good example of it takes a village to raise a kid.  Our group found this an inspiring story on how one person can make a real difference in the world.  We liked this book but wished it included a few photos of Deo and his clinic in Africa.