Squint: My Journey with Leprosy

by Jose P. Ramirez Jr. and Jose P. Ramirez

Book Overview

Lying in a hospital bed, Jos? P. Ramirez, Jr. (b. 1948) almost lost everything because of a misunderstood disease. When the health department doctor gave him the Handbook for Persons with Leprosy, Ramirez learned his fate. Such a diagnosis in 1968 meant exile and hospitalization in the only leprosarium in the continental United States--Carville, Louisiana, 750 miles from his home in Laredo, Texas. In Squint: My Journey with Leprosy , Ramirez recalls...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1604731192
• ISBN13: 9781604731194
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Humbling

This is an awesome book. I had no idea that leprosy was not extremely contangious.

Mesmerizing

I could not put this book down. I enjoyed reading it as much for the main story - about Jose Ramirez' journey - as about his family and the times they shared. Mr. Ramirez is a good story teller - he describes his feelings and thoughts in a way that make the reader feel as if they are right there with him. Not only is Mr. Ramirez a strong person for having made his journey, but he is brave for being willing to share the most intimate details. Thanks for writing this book and sharing your story.

compelling story of Hansens disease

Jose Ramirez's story is a compelling story of someone who in late 20th century America was diagnosed with a disease that was still feared and misunderstood. He gives a poignant account of his experiences from prediagnosis through treatment and his cure. The story of courage is about a person whom we could today meet on the street. For anyone who wants insight into Hansens disease (leprosy) and into personal activism this is a must read. The book is touching, inspiring and even funny.