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Answering the Call: The Doctor Who Made Africa His Life: The Remarkable Story of Albert Schweitzer
Revere life, and give yours away for the sake of serving
others.
As a
young man, Albert Schweitzer seemed destined for greatness. His immense talent
and fortitude propelled him to a place as one of Europe’s most renowned
philosophers, theologians, and musicians in the early twentieth century. Yet
Schweitzer shocked his contemporaries by forsaking worldly success and
embarking on an epic journey into the wilds
of French Equatorial Africa, vowing to serve as a lifelong physician to “the
least of these” in a mysterious land rife with famine, sickness, and superstition.
Enduring hardship, conflict, and
personal struggles, he and his beloved wife, Hélène, became French prisoners of war during WWI, and Hélène later battled persistent illnesses.
Ken Gire’s page-turning,
novelesque narrative sheds new light on Schweitzer’s faith-in-action ethic and
his commitment to honor God by celebrating the sacredness of all life.
The legacy of this 1952 Nobel
Prize honoree endures in the thriving African hospital community that began in
a humble chicken coop, in the millions who have drawn inspiration from his
example, and in the challenge that emanates from his life story into our day.
Albert Schweitzer seemed destined for greatness—and he achieved it by
making his life his greatest sermon to a world in desperate need of hope and
healing.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2013
78 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Ken Gire
83 books50 followersKen Gire is the author of more than 20 books, including "The Divine Embrace," "Windows of the Soul," "The Work of His Hands," the Moments with the Savior series, and the Reflective Life series. He has also co-authored "The Birthright" with John Sheasby. Two of his books have been awarded a Gold Medallion. A full-time writer and speaker, Ken is the founder of Reflective Living, a nonprofit ministry devoted to helping people learn how to slow down and live more reflective lives so they can experience life more deeply, especially life with God and other people. Ken is a graduate of Texas Christian University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has four children and three grandchildren and lives near the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Monument, Colorado.
As a bestselling author, Ken speaks primarily on the subjects in the books he has written. In the past, he has spoken at such venues as Bill and Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering, Billy Graham's Training Center---the Cove, Laity Lodge, Wind River Ranch, Young Life, as well as a variety of denominational and non-denominational churches. He has spoken in the church service itself but has mostly done church retreats. He is available to speak for large, public events as the keynote speaker or for smaller, more private events, such as leadership retreats. In all of his talks, Ken uses a variety of audio-visuals, such as film clips, and so the host would need to have the necessary equipment and someone to operate it. His messages can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the venue. Since most of his speaking topics are from the books Ken has written, you can get a greater feel for his talks by first getting the book from Amazon.com, which carries both his in-print and out-of-print books.
As a bestselling author, Ken speaks primarily on the subjects in the books he has written. In the past, he has spoken at such venues as Bill and Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering, Billy Graham's Training Center---the Cove, Laity Lodge, Wind River Ranch, Young Life, as well as a variety of denominational and non-denominational churches. He has spoken in the church service itself but has mostly done church retreats. He is available to speak for large, public events as the keynote speaker or for smaller, more private events, such as leadership retreats. In all of his talks, Ken uses a variety of audio-visuals, such as film clips, and so the host would need to have the necessary equipment and someone to operate it. His messages can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the venue. Since most of his speaking topics are from the books Ken has written, you can get a greater feel for his talks by first getting the book from Amazon.com, which carries both his in-print and out-of-print books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 22, 2014
Worst sentence: "The trader shrugged his shoulders agnostically." (p. 12) Usually, I finish reading books that I start--even if they aren't exactly well-written. But this one I simply couldn't. It is a Christian polemic masquerading as a 'real book' on the life of Albert Schweitzer--a man I've admired since childhood, and a man who would cringe at this book.
July 2, 2014
This book nearly got 1 or 2 stars. As a work this book is terribly disappointing on several levels.
First of which, Dr. Schweitzer was a subject of one of the few books I read as a child. With his immense intellect and in his willingness to serve humanity; the good doctor became somewhat of a person I looked up to while impressionable. His explorations into Africa and philosophy about God made an impression back in grade school. It was great anticipation that I found this book and read it. Sadly however, I think my grade school report was more comprehensive than this volume.
In a nutshell, and I hate giving the book away, this entire work is summed up in, Dr. Schweitzer started a hospital in Africa, played Bach, and traveled to Europe. Someone please throw water on my face and wake me up. The author missed his chance on many occasions here to build drama, let us know what the good doctor was thinking and why he did what he did. Isn't that the essence of a biography? There is none of that deep exploration into the life of this genius and gift to humanity found anywhere in these pages. Maybe the true essence of a biography is found in pre-writing research, hence why Gire missed the mark.
The only reason I did give this three stars is because the last chapter detailing the last part of his life was structured clearly and the author showed his talent. In a forward interview with the Author, Gire explains that he wrote this like a movie and hopes that it would be optioned and someday made into a film. Yeah, I don't think that's going to occur anytime soon; and if it does become a movie, It's one that we all should pass on.
This book is not worth the investment and probably not worth checking out of the library. I read it and I feel ripped off!
First of which, Dr. Schweitzer was a subject of one of the few books I read as a child. With his immense intellect and in his willingness to serve humanity; the good doctor became somewhat of a person I looked up to while impressionable. His explorations into Africa and philosophy about God made an impression back in grade school. It was great anticipation that I found this book and read it. Sadly however, I think my grade school report was more comprehensive than this volume.
In a nutshell, and I hate giving the book away, this entire work is summed up in, Dr. Schweitzer started a hospital in Africa, played Bach, and traveled to Europe. Someone please throw water on my face and wake me up. The author missed his chance on many occasions here to build drama, let us know what the good doctor was thinking and why he did what he did. Isn't that the essence of a biography? There is none of that deep exploration into the life of this genius and gift to humanity found anywhere in these pages. Maybe the true essence of a biography is found in pre-writing research, hence why Gire missed the mark.
The only reason I did give this three stars is because the last chapter detailing the last part of his life was structured clearly and the author showed his talent. In a forward interview with the Author, Gire explains that he wrote this like a movie and hopes that it would be optioned and someday made into a film. Yeah, I don't think that's going to occur anytime soon; and if it does become a movie, It's one that we all should pass on.
This book is not worth the investment and probably not worth checking out of the library. I read it and I feel ripped off!
Read
January 2, 2015Incredible life that was lived to the fullest and for the service of others. His work made a profound and lasting positive impact, specifically on the people of west Gabon. Well worth reading.
December 3, 2016
Read this for book club. While the life of Albert Schweitzer is incredibly inspiring, I wish this book had more depth and nuance. A very easy introduction to Schweitzer's life and work.
July 23, 2015
Schweitzer is one of my greatest personal heroes, so I started reading this book ready to love it. It was a disappointment. The subject matter was truly inspiring, the writing was flat, sometimes embarrassing. To make things worse, I listened on audio CDs, and the narrator was sub par as well.His attempts at different voices was cringe worthy. I still love Albert Schweitzer and did learn a couple of things I hadn't known before. In short, this book gets thumbs up for information, and thumbs down for writing. (I'm still trying to visual how someone "shrugged agnostically.")
October 8, 2018
I found this book interesting. Dr. Albert Schweitzer was an amazing man who worked very hard. He was brilliant and could have settled for a life of wealth and comfort, but he chose to go to Africa to start a medical center for the very poor. His faith was shown in the book, demonstrating his love for others. After reading about Dr. Schweitzer in other sources, I realize this book is only a brief summary of his life. I recommend this book as an introduction to Dr. Schweitzer's work. By the way, the author Ken Gire is an excellent author and I highly recommend his other books.
October 25, 2015
Africa as poor man at gate, make my life the sermon, philosophy theology medicine, no dogma in religion of love, fear of poison or fix own food, all life valuable, reverence for life, civilization and ethics, philosophy of civilization, most valuable knowledge how to deal with disappointments, leopard men witch doctors anti-christian, great secret of success is to go thru life and not get used up, keep eyes open for little task.
October 3, 2016
When I was a little girl everyone talked about Albert Schweitzer. He was famous and our church partnered with him in his mission and received letters from him. When I saw this short book I loaded it and enjoyed the background on his journey through many trials, musical success, war and joy in helping other in his medical mission. A very uplifting story.
June 10, 2013
A distinguished leader, who combined brilliance with humility. I'd like to learn more about him. Ken Gire's biography is light reading, and at times skims along the surface of what might have been very difficult circumstances. I like the appendix with quotes and the list of his writings.
October 15, 2014
I'm loving this!
November 16, 2014
Okay read
This book is just okay. I enjoy biographies but this was more "documentation" than story. still he did lead an interesting life.
This book is just okay. I enjoy biographies but this was more "documentation" than story. still he did lead an interesting life.
Read
February 20, 2016Remarkable story about a remarkable man. I am glad that i read this to learn why this man did what he did and why. Great read.
October 6, 2024
A simple outline of some events in Schweitzer’s life.
Albert Schweitzer and his accomplishments are impressive, and he rightly serves as an inspiration to millions.
This is a (very) simple book about him. The prose is generally simple. The narration follows a simple structure of describing episodes (rather than ideas). And it inserts dialogue into the history to make it more vivid to readers. The characters are also simple and largely two dimensional. For example, Schweitzer’s wife, Helene, walks in and out of scenes, but we get very little sense of her, apart from the fact that she did some nursing work and had a baby. Surely her role in her husband’s life involved more than that…?
This reads like a book intended for children (?) But because it doesn’t make that clear, its hard for readers to know whether they are reading a potentially disappointingly over-simple adult book, or a well-simplified children’s book.
One way that the book tries to engage readers is by inserting dialogue into the text. Some readers will like that, others may find it raises questions in their mind about historical accuracy. For example, in one scene a worker is asked to accept half pay because there is no money. The worker replies ‘My dignity would not allow me to serve you for so small a sum’ (Kindle 35%). Was that really the worker’s attitude? Did he really refuse because of dignity, or was it because he just couldn’t live on half pay?
Towards the end of his life Schweitzer said that he wanted to be remembered as a philosopher. But the book tells us very little about his philosophy. We know that he campaigned for peace and that he believed in a ‘reverence for life.’ The book tells us that he didn’t like people squashing invasive bugs, and even his daughter was told not to destroy flowers by picking them (73%). But wasn’t there more to his philosophy than that…?
Overall, this is a difficult book to comment on. It is effective in conveying the outline of Schweitzer’s life, but it does so in a very simple way. If quick and simple overview of events is what a reader is looking for, then this is a good book. If readers are looking for a more sophisticated account of Schweitzer’s ideas and thoughts, then this is going to be a disappointing read.
Albert Schweitzer and his accomplishments are impressive, and he rightly serves as an inspiration to millions.
This is a (very) simple book about him. The prose is generally simple. The narration follows a simple structure of describing episodes (rather than ideas). And it inserts dialogue into the history to make it more vivid to readers. The characters are also simple and largely two dimensional. For example, Schweitzer’s wife, Helene, walks in and out of scenes, but we get very little sense of her, apart from the fact that she did some nursing work and had a baby. Surely her role in her husband’s life involved more than that…?
This reads like a book intended for children (?) But because it doesn’t make that clear, its hard for readers to know whether they are reading a potentially disappointingly over-simple adult book, or a well-simplified children’s book.
One way that the book tries to engage readers is by inserting dialogue into the text. Some readers will like that, others may find it raises questions in their mind about historical accuracy. For example, in one scene a worker is asked to accept half pay because there is no money. The worker replies ‘My dignity would not allow me to serve you for so small a sum’ (Kindle 35%). Was that really the worker’s attitude? Did he really refuse because of dignity, or was it because he just couldn’t live on half pay?
Towards the end of his life Schweitzer said that he wanted to be remembered as a philosopher. But the book tells us very little about his philosophy. We know that he campaigned for peace and that he believed in a ‘reverence for life.’ The book tells us that he didn’t like people squashing invasive bugs, and even his daughter was told not to destroy flowers by picking them (73%). But wasn’t there more to his philosophy than that…?
Overall, this is a difficult book to comment on. It is effective in conveying the outline of Schweitzer’s life, but it does so in a very simple way. If quick and simple overview of events is what a reader is looking for, then this is a good book. If readers are looking for a more sophisticated account of Schweitzer’s ideas and thoughts, then this is going to be a disappointing read.
February 17, 2021
The life of Dr. Albert Schwitzer was remarkable - he was a theologian, writer, gifted musician, doctor, leader, and most notably, started an African hospital that grew to serve thousands of people and a model for others. His commitment to God's calling is incredible and inspiring. The challenges he faced, immense. His work ethic - beyond belief.
The actual life of Dr. Slbert Schwizer was incredible to consider however the way this biography is written was not. The writer (Ken Gire) constantly jumped timelines and tenses which made for a jarring read. This book also left out the 'heart' of Schwizers faith - something I was hoping to hear more about as well as insights into his thoughts and relationships. This book is really just a 'timeline' of his life, rather than an insightful retelling. While I learned much about Dr. Schwizers achievements, I didn't learn much about him as a man or his enduring faith and trust in Christ along the journey. The 'heart' was left out of this book and so a personal connection to the story was hard to develop.
The actual life of Dr. Slbert Schwizer was incredible to consider however the way this biography is written was not. The writer (Ken Gire) constantly jumped timelines and tenses which made for a jarring read. This book also left out the 'heart' of Schwizers faith - something I was hoping to hear more about as well as insights into his thoughts and relationships. This book is really just a 'timeline' of his life, rather than an insightful retelling. While I learned much about Dr. Schwizers achievements, I didn't learn much about him as a man or his enduring faith and trust in Christ along the journey. The 'heart' was left out of this book and so a personal connection to the story was hard to develop.
February 24, 2024
An inspiring story of a privileged Christian missionary doctor in Africa; his lessons, his sacrifices, and his witness. Would have enjoyed a more novel form, but it was a meaningful read nonetheless.
As soon as Man does not take his existence for granted, but beholds it as something unfathomably mysterious, thought begins.
Reverence for life.
Never say there is nothing beautiful in the world anymore. There is always something to make you WONDER in the shape of a tree, the trembling of a leaf.
What are we to do??
We are to care for them, and treat them with dignity.
“Do good for the pure love of doing good.” Be fully and boldly human: strive for true humanity—true to inner nature, deed in tune with character. Do not abandon the ideal of personality, even when it runs counter to developing circumstances. Remain MEN.
“The great secret of success is to go through life as a man who never gets used up.”
As soon as Man does not take his existence for granted, but beholds it as something unfathomably mysterious, thought begins.
Reverence for life.
Never say there is nothing beautiful in the world anymore. There is always something to make you WONDER in the shape of a tree, the trembling of a leaf.
What are we to do??
We are to care for them, and treat them with dignity.
“Do good for the pure love of doing good.” Be fully and boldly human: strive for true humanity—true to inner nature, deed in tune with character. Do not abandon the ideal of personality, even when it runs counter to developing circumstances. Remain MEN.
“The great secret of success is to go through life as a man who never gets used up.”
September 26, 2017
Albert Schweitzer was truly an amazing man. Besides becoming a medical doctor he earned two more doctorates. He was a very renown organist and musical scholar. He published many several books. He lectured around the world. But he is most known for his career as a medical missionary in Africa.
His commitment to the people of Africa was remarkable.
Ken Gire always writes very well and this is no exception. My only disappointment is that I would like to more about his theology.
(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})
His commitment to the people of Africa was remarkable.
Ken Gire always writes very well and this is no exception. My only disappointment is that I would like to more about his theology.
(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})
January 18, 2020
The author starts with the disclaimer that much of the dialogue is conjecture, and it shows. Rather than showing the reader facts, he tries to insert as many as possible into conversations, leaving them laborious and unrealistic. Living in Africa myself, I was expecting a more colorful and accurate description of Gabon life beyond “palm leaves above” and African insects always being called “music of the night.” Descriptions are repetitive, which is noticeable considering the short length of the book.
As an overview of Albert Schweitzer’s life, I suppose it does it’s job. But it left me not knowing him, just knowing his movements. I will certainly read a more thorough account of his life if given the opportunity.
As an overview of Albert Schweitzer’s life, I suppose it does it’s job. But it left me not knowing him, just knowing his movements. I will certainly read a more thorough account of his life if given the opportunity.
May 7, 2018
I came across this book in my Friend's house in D.C. I know about Schweitzer, but wanted to re-read.
It is extremely easy to read. Schweitzer left his academic career and went to become a Doctor, to serve people. The touching story of how Unitarians supported him at the last end was most impactful in his biography.
Schweitzer had to close his hospital because of debt. God [if one believes], showered him a blessing at the last minute from Unitarians in America. The Current Generation has forgotten Schweitzer and many excellent men who went before us.
"Reverence for Life"
--Deus Vult
Gottfried
It is extremely easy to read. Schweitzer left his academic career and went to become a Doctor, to serve people. The touching story of how Unitarians supported him at the last end was most impactful in his biography.
Schweitzer had to close his hospital because of debt. God [if one believes], showered him a blessing at the last minute from Unitarians in America. The Current Generation has forgotten Schweitzer and many excellent men who went before us.
"Reverence for Life"
--Deus Vult
Gottfried
May 2, 2018
I rarely give a biography 2-stars, but this is a rule-breaker. I think it was a good, brief introduction to Albert Schweitzer. However, it was a very superficial look at his life. There were so many times I wanted more, more information, more insight, more.... I feel like this was a long version of an encyclopedia entry. The author states that he used a little license with quotes in the book to make it more interesting, but I think it really detracted from the overall goal. This book was disappointing to say the least.
February 1, 2020
Albert Schweitzer is a man of incredible depth and complexity, but this book read like a YA biography, glossing over the top of the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s life and works. I don’t really enjoy biographies that attribute inner thoughts and feelings and imagined conversations to the subject, and this was rife with those elements. I also thought quotes from Schweitzer’s writings were important, but not incorporated very well. All of this is a matter of personal taste, and overall this is fine for a brief overview of Schweitzer’s life. At 150 or so pages, it’s a quick read.
April 19, 2019
A doctor I work with recommended this book to me saying that Schweitzer’s life inspired him to become a doctor himself.
I had never heard of Albert Schweitzer and I’m glad that this book gave an introduction. I think this book by Ken Gire is a an easy reading written simplistically to inform you of Albert Schweitzer’s life and mission. I will now go and look for the books Schweitzer wrote because the small excerpts interspersed throughout this book touched me deeply.
I had never heard of Albert Schweitzer and I’m glad that this book gave an introduction. I think this book by Ken Gire is a an easy reading written simplistically to inform you of Albert Schweitzer’s life and mission. I will now go and look for the books Schweitzer wrote because the small excerpts interspersed throughout this book touched me deeply.
March 26, 2018
Great subject matter, pretty poor execution. That about sums this up for me.
I’m really glad that this book was so short and that if focused so much on Schweitzer’s time in Africa rather than everything else because I’m not sure I would have ever finished otherwise. Schweitzer had an amazing life, but if you’re looking for a bio to read about him, this shouldn’t be your top choice.
I’m really glad that this book was so short and that if focused so much on Schweitzer’s time in Africa rather than everything else because I’m not sure I would have ever finished otherwise. Schweitzer had an amazing life, but if you’re looking for a bio to read about him, this shouldn’t be your top choice.
March 9, 2019
I wasn’t familiar with Dr. Schweitzer prior to reading this book. I enjoyed learning the basics of his life and acts of service. The work he did in Gabon is remarkable and I can understand why his legacy is so important. The author’s writing style was a little weak, but I didn’t find it distracting.
March 11, 2021
Well researched. Written like a christian textbook- the life of Albert Schweitzer. Perhaps he was indeed a saint, unfortunately he didn't come to life in this book. Still very inspiring, thought provoking.
October 7, 2021
An easy to read biography of what is great
The author writes in an easy calm style to convey substance of what is a great man. Recommended for a weekend read of the great things that can be accomplished.
The author writes in an easy calm style to convey substance of what is a great man. Recommended for a weekend read of the great things that can be accomplished.
July 19, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I can't believe I never heard of Albert Scheitzer before coming across this book. What an inspirational and God-filled life he lead.
I liked the narrative style of the book, much less dry than other biographies I've read (*cough* Bonhoeffer *cough*). Highly recommended.
I can't believe I never heard of Albert Scheitzer before coming across this book. What an inspirational and God-filled life he lead.
I liked the narrative style of the book, much less dry than other biographies I've read (*cough* Bonhoeffer *cough*). Highly recommended.
May 12, 2017
Schweitzer believed in the sanctity of life, was a doctor, played piano in concerts, believed in God, and loved the African people.
August 15, 2017
The white saviour complex is alive and well here.
February 13, 2019
This is a short book that will motivate you to give more of yourself to helping others!
July 20, 2020
Good mini-bio on the life of Albert Schweitzer. His work in the arts alongside his sacrifice going to Africa for many years are very inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews