Vital Volumes

Verghese’s Vital Volumes: A Book Club Dedicated to the Works and Inspirations of Abraham Verghese

Welcome to Verghese's Vital Volumes, a book club dedicated to exploring the works of Abraham Verghese and the literature that has shaped his writing journey. We're embarking on this literary adventure to delve into the rich tapestry of stories that have influenced and been created by this remarkable author, physician, and Stanford professor. Verghese, an important local figure in the Menlo Park area, is not only a New York Times bestselling author but also a frequent visitor to Feldman's Books. His unique perspective as an Ethiopian-born Indian-American medical doctor brings depth and authenticity to his writing, making his works particularly resonant for our community. 

Through this club, we'll explore themes of medicine, cultural identity, and the human condition, all while celebrating the literary contributions of one of our area's most distinguished authors. 

Join us on the third Thursday of each month as we journey through twelve carefully selected books, including Verghese's own works, to gain insight into the mind of this masterful storyteller and the literary world that has shaped him. 

Follow all of this book club's events on Eventbrite to be reminded when they tickets go on sale.

August 15, 2024: "My Own Country" by Abraham Verghese
Verghese's first book, a memoir of his time as a young doctor in Tennessee during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and the doctor-patient relationship. Verghese has described this book as his "coming of age" as a writer and physician, reflecting on how this experience shaped his understanding of medicine and storytelling.

September 26, 2024: "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez 

A masterpiece of magical realism that Verghese has cited as a major influence. He admires Márquez's ability to blend the fantastical with the everyday, and how the novel captures the essence of a family's history. 

October 17, 2024: "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman 

A non-fiction book exploring the clash between Western medicine and Hmong culture. Verghese has praised this book for its insightful examination of cultural differences in healthcare, a theme that resonates with his own work. 

 November 21, 2024: "The Tennis Partner" by Abraham Verghese 

A deeply personal memoir about Verghese's friendship with a medical resident struggling with drug addiction. The book delves into themes of friendship, addiction, and the healing power of sports. Verghese has spoken about how writing this book helped him process his own grief and understand the complexities of addiction. 

 December 19, 2024: "The House of God" by Samuel Shem 

A satirical novel about medical internship that Verghese has described as a formative read for many doctors. He appreciates its honest portrayal of the challenges and absurdities of medical training. 

 January 16, 2025: "Middlemarch" by George Eliot 

A classic novel that Verghese admires for its deep exploration of human nature and relationships. He has spoken about how Eliot's nuanced character development has influenced his own writing. 

 February 20, 2025: "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese
Verghese's debut novel, a sweeping epic set in Ethiopia and America. It follows the lives of twin brothers born to a secret union between an Indian nun and a British surgeon. Verghese has said this book allowed him to explore his Indian heritage and his experiences in Ethiopia, weaving together his passion for medicine and storytelling.

March 20, 2025: "The Cider House Rules" by John Irving
A novel that tackles complex moral issues, which Verghese has praised for its thoughtful exploration of ethical dilemmas in medicine. He admires Irving's storytelling prowess and character development. 

April 17, 2025: "Of Human Bondage" by W. Somerset Maugham
A semi-autobiographical novel that Verghese admires for its portrayal of a medical student's journey and the human condition. He appreciates Maugham's exploration of the protagonist's struggles and growth, which resonates with his own experiences in medicine and writing. 

 May 15, 2025: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot 

A non-fiction book that Verghese has praised for its exploration of medical ethics and the human stories behind scientific advancements. He admires Skloot's ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible. 

June 19, 2025: "Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie 

A novel that blends historical events with magical realism, which Verghese admires for its innovative storytelling. He appreciates Rushdie's ability to weave together personal and national histories. 

July 17, 2025: "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese 

Verghese's latest novel, spanning seven decades and three generations in Kerala, India. It explores themes of family, fate, and the power of healing. Verghese has described this book as a culmination of his life's experiences and his most ambitious work to date.