The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down (book)

*The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down* by Anne Fadiman explores the cultural clashes between a Hmong immigrant family and the American healthcare system. It tells the story of Lia Lee, a girl with epilepsy, whose traditional Hmong beliefs about illness conflicted with Western medical practices. The book highlights how misunderstandings, communication barriers, and cultural differences can affect medical treatment and outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and empathy in healthcare, illustrating the complex ways cultural identity influences health and disease management within a pluralistic society.