Narrative Mountains Beyond Mountain

During a visit to the library, one will likely pick up books of two different styles, fiction and nonfiction. When left the option to chose between these styles, I usually read fiction.

Nonfiction writing is critical for documenting facts and true stories. I mostly read nonfiction books for information, and less often for fun. I tend to avoid reading nonfiction writing because I typically find much fewer connections to the plights of the characters, and I find many nonfiction books boring. Despite this tendency, for summer reading this year, I read the nonfiction narrative Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. It told the story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a man who has, “fought for [his] whole life a long defeat.” pg. 288. The long defeat refers to the constant struggle of assisting the less fortunate, against all odds.

I found the narrative to be an inspiring account of dedicated work and compassion for the poor, but it also struck me as rather drab, similar to many other nonfiction books I have read. The narrative was a somewhat difficult read because I became unfocused easily and sometimes had to reread paragraphs that I accidentally skipped. Additionally, each chapter seemed to be a repetition of the last, and the progress of Farmer’s organization, Partners in Health, was incredibly slow. For example, the majority

of the second half of the book followed Farmer and other PIH members around to press conferences, where their ideas were rejected time and time again.
The narrative was also solely from the perspective from the author, Tracy Kidder, a friend who had met Farmer while travelling Haiti.

Due to this, Dr. Farmer was largely portrayed as a hero, and the book didn’t focus on his lack of commitment to his daughter, Catherine; and wife, Didi. I would have enjoyed the book more, and felt a stronger personal connection to Farmer if the story had been told from the perspective of Farmer’s loved ones, and those who had been deeply affected by his life choices. All in all, the style, content, and perspective of Mountains Beyond Mountains highlighted the qualities of nonfiction writing that I

dislike.
On the other hand, fiction is typically written for entertainment rather than educational value. Despite traditionally having less merit in education, fiction can help to spur the imagination, strengthen an understanding of different perspectives, or provide a safe way to escape reality.
When reading an exciting new book, I can sit down and read for hours on end, almost as if I am almost part of the story. Usually, when this happens, I am reading fiction, which I enjoy because the feelings and actions of many of the main characters are often relatable to my own life situations. The characters’ reactions to these situations gives me insight on my own life and the best way to react when I face a similar problem.
Historical and realistic fiction are some of my favorite genres because they incorporate values from both nonfiction, such as historical and everyday lessons, along with exciting storylines from fiction. Some of my favorite books from these two genres have been Dead Ends by Erin Jade Lange, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. These books have all kept me engaged throughout, and made me want to read one page after the next, even if I didn’t love all the characters.
I also love to read science fiction, as they often consider and relate the failures of modern society, while also providing a vision of positive future possibilities. Most of all, though, good science fiction gives a fresh perspective on our current times, through the lens of the future.