Tracy Kidder is an American author renowned for his deeply immersive approach to non-fiction storytelling. He excels at dissecting complex human endeavors, from the intricate development of cutting-edge technology to the collaborative effort behind architectural marvels. Kidder's signature method involves extensive fieldwork, where he observes his subjects closely, spending considerable time with them to capture the texture and nuance of their work and lives. This dedication allows him to craft compelling narratives that offer profound insights into the creative process and the dedication of those involved.
As a medical student, Dr Paul Farmer found his life's calling: to cure infectious diseases and to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine - so readily available in the developed world - to those who need them most. The author's account shows how, from achieving this modest dream, one person can make a difference in solving global problems.
Recognized as one of the year's best by Kirkus Reviews, this book offers a compelling narrative filled with rich characters and thought-provoking themes. It delves into profound experiences and emotions, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of human relationships and personal growth. The author masterfully weaves together elements of drama and insight, creating a story that resonates deeply and lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
Tracy Kidder's The Soul of a New Machine, the compelling account of the inventors of a new mini-supercomputer for the young Data General company, is the best chronicle of the computer age and the extraordinary people who have created it. A compelling account of individual sacrifice and ingenuity, it became an instant classic on publication and won a Pulitzer Prize. The Wall Street Journal described it as "fascinating" and "provocative", and The New York Times Book Review praised its "high level of narrative art". This Modern Library edition includes a new introduction by Tracy Kidder. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
In the New York Times bestseller House, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Kidder takes readers to the heart of the American the building of a family's first house with all its day-to-day frustrations, crises, tensions, challenges, and triumphs.In Kidder's "remarkable piece of craftsmanship in itself" ( Chicago Tribune ), constructing a staircase or applying a coat of paint becomes a riveting tale of conflicting wills, the strength and strain of relationships, and pride in skills. With drama, sensitivity, and insight, he takes us from blueprints to moving day, shedding light on objects usually taken for granted and creating a vivid cast of memorable characters in the process."The making of a house is a strange blend of dreams and mundane work, of heaven and earth, and Mr. Kidder has explained it."— New York Times Book Review
The book has received critical acclaim and recognition as one of the year's best, showcasing its impactful narrative and strong themes. It explores profound ideas and character development, resonating with readers and critics alike. The story is likely to engage audiences through its unique perspective and emotional depth, making it a standout choice for those seeking quality literature.
Brimming with the exuberance and innocence of childhood, Among School Children is the intense and affecting chronicle of a Holyoke, Massachusetts, fifth-grade teacher's passionate dedication to the children in her classroom.#Houghton Mifflin.
In this fascinating book, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder takes us inside the everyday workings of Northampton, Massachusetts -- a place that seems to personify the typical American hometown. Kidder unveils the complex drama behind the seemingly ordinary lives of Northampton's residents. And out of these stories he creates a splendid, startling portrait of a town, in a narrative that gracefully travels among past and present, public and private, joy and sorrow.A host of real people are alive in these pages: a tycoon with a crippling ailment; a criminal whom the place has beguiled, a genial and merciful judge, a single mother struggling to start a new life at Smith College; and, at the center, a policeman who patrols the streets of his beloved hometown with a stern yet endearing brand of morality -- and who is about to discover the peril of spending a whole life in one small place. Their stories take us behind the town's facades and reveal how individuals shape the social conscience of a community. Home Town is an unflinching yet lovingly rendered account of how a traditional American town endures and evolves at the turn of the millenniums.
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, this memoir offers an unfiltered and personal perspective on a young man's experiences during a tumultuous time. Tracy Kidder combines humor and poignancy to depict his journey of self-discovery amidst the chaos of conflict. By sharing his own story for the first time, he crafts a narrative that challenges traditional war stories, making it a compelling and unique account that resonates deeply with readers.