This Is a Soul: An American Doctor's Remarkable Mission in Ethiopia

By Marilyn Berger

Book Overview

"A powerful, important book for our age."
--Abraham Verghese, author Cutting For Stone

Passionately written by journalist Marilyn Berger, This is a Soul is the moving and inspiring story of Dr. Rick Hodes, an American doctor living in Ethiopia, who has devoted his life to caring for the sickest of the sick and the poorest of the poor. Dr. Hodes's life and work makes for fascinating reading, especially for those who have been profoundly touched by Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061759554
• ISBN13: 9780061759550
• Release Date: April 2011
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

A must read

I enjoyed the book tremendously. Berger does a fabulous job capturing the flavor of Rick Hodes, his life, his work, and of course, his own soul. Beyond that, it's genuinely interesting, a real page turner. And very inspiring. The book also beautifully evokes Ethiopia, neither pulling any veils over the difficult realities, nor trafficking in stereotypes of poverty or pity, but rather paints a rich portrait of challenges, and love, and dignity. Weaving in her own compelling story, and the story of the effervescent Danny, Berger brings the life of Rick Hodes and the ripple effects of his work home.

My own experience with Dr. Rick.

My husband and I had the privilege of meeting Rick here in Dallas several years ago when he brought his sons here for surgery and they spent many months in Jaynie's home recouperating and becoming part of the community. Subsequently we visited with Rick in December of 2008 and were privileged to visit him in both the Mother Teresa Hospital and in his home in late December 2008 and in early January 2009. We met the "kids" and Danny. This was a turning point in our lives to see Rick in action. Marilyn Berger has absolutely captured in writing everything we saw first hand on the ground. Yasher Koach, Marilyn for putting into written word a story that must be shared so that people around the world will be motivated to financially support Rick's continued works with these wonderful children. Carole Wolanow Dallas , texas

Fascinating book

Having spent time in Ethiopia I was interested in this book and found it to be an eye-opening account of the work of one man that has changed so many lives in Ehtiopia and other parts of the world. I read the book in one day; simply couldn't put it down. It's a book that should be required reading for all college students. No, it should be required reading for everyone.

Powerful, inspirational, I couldn't put it down

An incredible true story and very well written. Prepare to be inspired. This is a book you'll want to pass along to your friends, family and especially to young people, who might worry that nothing they can do would make a difference in the world.

A beautiful love story

I saw this this morning on GMA and immediately downlaoded it to my Kindle. I have put it down only to write this. The first sentence grabs you and after that you can't let go. I can relate to this story as I too went to Africa and came upon such sickness and heartbreaking helplessness. In the middle of this was a tiny little boy, with a smile that lit up the room and horribly contorted legs. He was 6. He is now 11 and is my son with legs that have had surgery and still with that beautiful smile. This is a story of love, committment and ultimate selflessness. A must read, can't put down book. Makes me want to go back for another.