O'Connell is a fascinating protagonist.

Tracy Kidder, a master of narrative nonfiction, is drawn to self-effacing, unsung heroes who work tirelessly to make the world a better place. Kidder delves deeply into his subjects, deftly weaving the fruits of his research into a strong narrative line that keeps readers turning pages. He doesn’t hide his admiration for his subjects.

Excellent.

Excellent and immersive.

[An] uneasy portrait of the United States.

The book, a chronicle of Dr. Jim’s work and the city’s unsheltered population as seen through his eyes, is at its most moving when Kidder’s camera zooms in tight on the semi-dysfunctional relationship between Dr. Jim and Tony, who look to each other for solace from the horrors they’ve witnessed and experienced on the streets. As Rough Sleepers progresses, their relationship becomes its primary focus, culminating in a brutal revelation that may provide the key to unlocking the mystery of why, exactly, Tony has been on the streets so long.

A model of storytelling.

With a straightforward scrutiny that somehow sees, describes and reveals without flinching or judging, Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Kidder offers a long, hard look at the lives of people without housing in Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People..

Poignant.

A searching, troubling look at the terrible actualities of homelessness..