The Least of These My Brethren: A Doctor's Story of Hope and Miracles in an Inner-City AIDS Ward

by Daniel J. Baxter

In an “extraordinary” (Newsday) book of “Tolstoyan power” (Washington Post Book World), a doctor shares stories of suffering and redemption from the three-and-a-half years he spent caring for down-and-out AIDS patients in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, LGBT, Medical

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Robin Mandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So that we never forget. That's why I read books like this. And so that we never forget the fullness of the cycle of life. More of a review when I can think as well as feel about this book.

[Sandra Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A candid and often graphic look at AIDS in an inner city NYC hospital written in anecdotes. The doctor who wrote this imparts humour and hope where there is very little to be found. The lovely part is that he takes no glory personally but talks openly about how his patients, families and colleagues have taught him and continue to do so. To All medical students and doctors: Read This!

[Stephanie LiVigni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, very draining to read. If you've ever lost someone you love to AIDS you may want to brace yourself before you pick this one up.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrifying, uplifting, terrible but touching.

It also surprised me that the hospital is the same one which Bob Broome dies in from David B Feinberg's "Eighty-Sixed"

[CosmicUnity · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most authentic memoir of this time period that I have ever read.

[David Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. If you're interested in medicine, AIDS, NYC, the American healthcare system, Catholicism...read it.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the recollection of one doctor working in New York in the 1990's and staring HIV, AIDS, and death square in the face. He recounts the individuals he saw, touched, helped, hurt, healed, and watched slip through the threads of life into the hands of death. He tells of their hopes, dreams, successes, failures, pasts, futures, families, friends, enemies. This is a good book for those who want to know what it is like to care for people who are outcasted. There are plenty of stories of incredible strength and fortitude by people who are dying. It is nothing short of moving.

[MariAn Nyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I rated this a 4 star, it is difficult to read of the pain, emotions, this doctor experienced when serving for 3 1/2 years on this ward in NYC. Most patients came from off the streets, and in a very, very, lonely place in their lives - homeless, and most are most often drug addicts. His strength and endurance was also found in a relationship with other staff, namely, Sister Pascal, the ever-loving director of Pastoral Care. The ward had many �'things to be desired' in caring for these marginalized persons - not meds but deteriorating surroundings.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. I read it years ago and didn't have it listed until a friend reviewed it. I loved meeting and really liking people I would never have the opportunity to associate with in my life--- which this book introduced me to. This book reinforces how valued and loved we all are in the sight of God. Good to remember that.....
If you liked this book, I recommend "Tattoos on The Heart".

[Penny Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so touched reading this book. It really made me want to be a better person. It had the ability to show a great doctor who was honest and humble about his experience with people that most of society don't want anything to do with. Very moving, convicting and it made me want to be a person like them, who can love unconditionally and not judge others.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most touching books I have read.

[Felicia Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. touches the heart and brought forth tears. Compassion teacher.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and often beautiful with the tenderness of people showing compassion and strength.