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Your Heart, My Hands: An Immigrant's Remarkable Journey to Become One of America's Preeminent Cardiac Surgeons
An encouraging and inspiring true story on how a boy from India overcame a difficult childhood and devastating hand injuries and became one of the most preeminent cardiac surgeons in the U.S.
A pioneer in the evolution of treatments for heart disease, America's number one cause of death in men and women, Dr. Arun Singh has witnessed life and death from a vantage point nearly unmatched in medical history, while performing over 15,000 open heart surgeries. Revered by colleagues and patients, under the hot lights of the O.R. this award-winning surgeon has spent thousands of hours performing life-saving operations, while witnessing the miraculous, the joyous, and the devastating. He has held the life-giving heart in his hand and has been praised for his tireless devotion to preserving the lives this organ sustains.
Dr. Singh's decorated career is an odyssey of remarkable determination. To illuminate the power of perseverance, Dr. Singh recounts how the same two hands that have so expertly worked to extend life were once crushed and his future nearly shattered. In YOUR HEART, MY HANDS he recalls the fortitude that saw him through a complicated boyhood in India, struggles with dyslexia, and finding his way as an immigrant, to become one of America's most highly-regarded and preeminent surgeons.
Reflecting on over 40 years of practice, Dr. Singh shares intimate O.R. secrets, riveting patient accounts, and the life lessons he learned treating his most memorable patients. This book will inspire, enlighten, and captivate readers.
A pioneer in the evolution of treatments for heart disease, America's number one cause of death in men and women, Dr. Arun Singh has witnessed life and death from a vantage point nearly unmatched in medical history, while performing over 15,000 open heart surgeries. Revered by colleagues and patients, under the hot lights of the O.R. this award-winning surgeon has spent thousands of hours performing life-saving operations, while witnessing the miraculous, the joyous, and the devastating. He has held the life-giving heart in his hand and has been praised for his tireless devotion to preserving the lives this organ sustains.
Dr. Singh's decorated career is an odyssey of remarkable determination. To illuminate the power of perseverance, Dr. Singh recounts how the same two hands that have so expertly worked to extend life were once crushed and his future nearly shattered. In YOUR HEART, MY HANDS he recalls the fortitude that saw him through a complicated boyhood in India, struggles with dyslexia, and finding his way as an immigrant, to become one of America's most highly-regarded and preeminent surgeons.
Reflecting on over 40 years of practice, Dr. Singh shares intimate O.R. secrets, riveting patient accounts, and the life lessons he learned treating his most memorable patients. This book will inspire, enlighten, and captivate readers.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
26 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 29, 2020
Коли я почала працювати в медичній журналістиці, мені дуже цікаво було зазирати за двері операційних, де відбувається магія (з моєї точки зору так воно і є). Тож історії, розказані лікарями, читала не лише з цікавості, а й з напівпрофесійної точки зору.
Тепер я читаю подібні книги також за покликом не лише читацького інтересу, а й професії, як дотична до видання такої літератури людина. Читаю їх досить багато, а от розказати й головне — щиро порекомендувати хочу оцю-от, із майже романтичною назвою "Твоє серце в моїх руках". Однак романтики в книзі мало. У ній багато праці — тяжкої щоденної впертої праці, яка зрештою привела іммігранта з Індії до визнання як одного з найкращих дитячих кардіохірургів США.
Нині такою історією мало кого здивуєш: світ потроху втрачає кордони. Але те, про що розповідає Арун Сінгх, відбувалося в 60-ті роки минулого століття. Тоді індус в американській операційній був дивовижею, серйозно його мало хто сприймав. А до неї, тієї операційної, ще ж добратися потрібно! І це було складно, особливо коли врахувати, що в тебе на старті були покалічені руки, вроджена дислексія й лише 9 доларів у кишені, коли ти вийшов із літака в країні великих можливостей...
Ця автобіографічна історія мене зачепила за живе. Бо вона не схожа на більшість книг про успішних людей, герої яких набувають ознак ледь не ідолів для наївних читачів, котрі мають зробити прості висновки: він зміг, і я точно зможу, от тільки встану з дивана.
Ця історія дуже відверта й дуже щира. Вона про те, як важливо не здаватися, коли тобі чогось дуже й по-справжньому хочеться. І про те, наскільки важливо бути хоробрим, відважним, сміливим, відчайдушним — не можу підібрати епітета, аби висловити захоплення тим, що зміг зробити цей індійський хлопчина, в якого на позір зовсім не було шансів стати кардіохірургом. Ще вона про те, як щастить деяким дітям на матерів. Робити все, аби порятувати дитину й допомогти їй віднайти своє місце у світі, — це нібито банально для батьківства, але разом із тим дуже складно. Особливо якщо зважати на бажання дитини, а не свої...
А ще ця книга — про життя. Наповнене сенсом, прагненнями, бажаннями, любов’ю, а також сумнівами, страхами, розчаруваннями. Про життя, яке надихає. Мене, принаймні, точно надихнуло... Раджу!
Тепер я читаю подібні книги також за покликом не лише читацького інтересу, а й професії, як дотична до видання такої літератури людина. Читаю їх досить багато, а от розказати й головне — щиро порекомендувати хочу оцю-от, із майже романтичною назвою "Твоє серце в моїх руках". Однак романтики в книзі мало. У ній багато праці — тяжкої щоденної впертої праці, яка зрештою привела іммігранта з Індії до визнання як одного з найкращих дитячих кардіохірургів США.
Нині такою історією мало кого здивуєш: світ потроху втрачає кордони. Але те, про що розповідає Арун Сінгх, відбувалося в 60-ті роки минулого століття. Тоді індус в американській операційній був дивовижею, серйозно його мало хто сприймав. А до неї, тієї операційної, ще ж добратися потрібно! І це було складно, особливо коли врахувати, що в тебе на старті були покалічені руки, вроджена дислексія й лише 9 доларів у кишені, коли ти вийшов із літака в країні великих можливостей...
Ця автобіографічна історія мене зачепила за живе. Бо вона не схожа на більшість книг про успішних людей, герої яких набувають ознак ледь не ідолів для наївних читачів, котрі мають зробити прості висновки: він зміг, і я точно зможу, от тільки встану з дивана.
Ця історія дуже відверта й дуже щира. Вона про те, як важливо не здаватися, коли тобі чогось дуже й по-справжньому хочеться. І про те, наскільки важливо бути хоробрим, відважним, сміливим, відчайдушним — не можу підібрати епітета, аби висловити захоплення тим, що зміг зробити цей індійський хлопчина, в якого на позір зовсім не було шансів стати кардіохірургом. Ще вона про те, як щастить деяким дітям на матерів. Робити все, аби порятувати дитину й допомогти їй віднайти своє місце у світі, — це нібито банально для батьківства, але разом із тим дуже складно. Особливо якщо зважати на бажання дитини, а не свої...
А ще ця книга — про життя. Наповнене сенсом, прагненнями, бажаннями, любов’ю, а також сумнівами, страхами, розчаруваннями. Про життя, яке надихає. Мене, принаймні, точно надихнуло... Раджу!
January 17, 2021
A very solid 3 stars. The highlight of the book is Dr. Singh himself less so than the way he tells his story. A leading expert in the field of thoracic surgery (I suppose) he projects an image of genuine humility and, above all else, an awareness of other people. So despite his standing and accomplishments he's simply likable.
The book has an unintentional (I think) YA-ish way of telling Dr. Singh's journey from his days as a mischievous rascal in India to prominent heart surgeon in America (and more specifically Providence, RI). The elements of a life story are there as you'd expect but they're not really fleshed out as well as they could have been. I can't characterize his style as superficial but I think the stories felt just a wee bit too thin and maybe not as fluid as they could have been.
At around the 75% mark the author truly begins to tell some of the stories from the operating theater. Dr. Singh indicates that he's on record as having performed over 15,000 heart surgeries in a 41 year career. With all of that experience I was a bit disappointed that the few cases he detailed weren't as gripping or detailed as they could have been. I think it's fair to say that most of us are drawn to books by medical doctors for the amazing stories they tell about their patients. This seemed like a missed opportunity.
Despite my nitpicks I'd recommend this book to almost anyone. The chapters are short, the events of his life are notable and his narrative voice is pleasing in a warm and humble way.
The book has an unintentional (I think) YA-ish way of telling Dr. Singh's journey from his days as a mischievous rascal in India to prominent heart surgeon in America (and more specifically Providence, RI). The elements of a life story are there as you'd expect but they're not really fleshed out as well as they could have been. I can't characterize his style as superficial but I think the stories felt just a wee bit too thin and maybe not as fluid as they could have been.
At around the 75% mark the author truly begins to tell some of the stories from the operating theater. Dr. Singh indicates that he's on record as having performed over 15,000 heart surgeries in a 41 year career. With all of that experience I was a bit disappointed that the few cases he detailed weren't as gripping or detailed as they could have been. I think it's fair to say that most of us are drawn to books by medical doctors for the amazing stories they tell about their patients. This seemed like a missed opportunity.
Despite my nitpicks I'd recommend this book to almost anyone. The chapters are short, the events of his life are notable and his narrative voice is pleasing in a warm and humble way.
March 5, 2019
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Center Street via NetGalley
I have always loved reading about other people, their stories and how they've navigated their paths. This book was a wonderful one to read. It centered around Arun and his remarkable journey from troublesome boy in India, to respected and very successful cardiac surgeon in America. This was written in an easy to follow style and with Hanc, Singh has been able to articulate what it is to be an Indian immigrant chasing his surgical dreams in America. It highlighted the skills and compassion it takes not only to be a respected and successful surgeon but a humble and courteous man.
I marveled at his determination and discipline to transform his life and become successful on his chosen path. Facing many challenges along the way it was a reminder that the biggest challenge we face in life is oneself. With focus; putting your mind, heart and soul into your deepest desire, along with hard work and perseverance you will be successful. Whether the destination was your original goal or not, you'll go far as you've demonstrated your passion and desire to achieve. Singh is the perfect example of working hard to achieve your dreams and changing your circumstance.
I have always loved reading about other people, their stories and how they've navigated their paths. This book was a wonderful one to read. It centered around Arun and his remarkable journey from troublesome boy in India, to respected and very successful cardiac surgeon in America. This was written in an easy to follow style and with Hanc, Singh has been able to articulate what it is to be an Indian immigrant chasing his surgical dreams in America. It highlighted the skills and compassion it takes not only to be a respected and successful surgeon but a humble and courteous man.
I marveled at his determination and discipline to transform his life and become successful on his chosen path. Facing many challenges along the way it was a reminder that the biggest challenge we face in life is oneself. With focus; putting your mind, heart and soul into your deepest desire, along with hard work and perseverance you will be successful. Whether the destination was your original goal or not, you'll go far as you've demonstrated your passion and desire to achieve. Singh is the perfect example of working hard to achieve your dreams and changing your circumstance.
June 5, 2021
A charming and engaging memoir, Your Heart, My Hands describes the author's circuitous path to his long career as a cardiac surgeon. I particularly enjoyed the story of Arun's childhood in India, a rich and complex cultural and family life, without any skirting of the stark reality of surrounding poverty in India.
His boyhood was unusual to say the least, with a daunting sequence of physical accidents which might have been expected to preclude an adult career in surgery, with comical, make-do but apparently effective rehab thanks to his innovative mother. It was also fascinating that Arun also had a significant learning disability (dyslexia), unacknowledged but compensated for by sheer will, fortitude and self-devised coping strategies. The reminiscences of Arun's eventual immigration to the US, managed by the skin of his teeth and with pennies in his pocket, were entertaining but also poignant, touching on racism in the US, what it felt like to leave his home, to take enormous chances on faith. Having worked as a hospital nurse in the 1980s, the descriptions of hospital staffing and the treatment of foreign medical residents really resonated. The comparisons of the medical systems in US vs. India in that time, and the behind-the -scenes unfolding of cardiac surgery as a developing field, were also compelling. Last but not least, the many tales of patients for whom Arun provided care were tender, human vignettes, not shying from his own human self-doubt, and conveyed that the people on the receiving end of his skills, were most important for the author, over an exceptional and long career.
His boyhood was unusual to say the least, with a daunting sequence of physical accidents which might have been expected to preclude an adult career in surgery, with comical, make-do but apparently effective rehab thanks to his innovative mother. It was also fascinating that Arun also had a significant learning disability (dyslexia), unacknowledged but compensated for by sheer will, fortitude and self-devised coping strategies. The reminiscences of Arun's eventual immigration to the US, managed by the skin of his teeth and with pennies in his pocket, were entertaining but also poignant, touching on racism in the US, what it felt like to leave his home, to take enormous chances on faith. Having worked as a hospital nurse in the 1980s, the descriptions of hospital staffing and the treatment of foreign medical residents really resonated. The comparisons of the medical systems in US vs. India in that time, and the behind-the -scenes unfolding of cardiac surgery as a developing field, were also compelling. Last but not least, the many tales of patients for whom Arun provided care were tender, human vignettes, not shying from his own human self-doubt, and conveyed that the people on the receiving end of his skills, were most important for the author, over an exceptional and long career.
October 5, 2020
Dr. Singh is an absolute legend. This is the story of an immigrant who undoubtedly made the USA a better place despite odds and greatly advances the field of cardiac surgery. His compassion for his patients is profound, and this is evident in his detailed accounts of patient stories throughout the book.
July 17, 2019
This was a very interesting book about a Surgeon who came to this country as a young doctor facing challenges of being accepted. I loved his stories about his family, medical stories and his perseverance. I especially loved his bond with his Mom and cried when he got the call to call home.
June 3, 2019
A story of struggle and resilience by a preeminent US cardiac surgeon born in rural India
June 2, 2019
Format: Hardcover
What a great book! It’s a must read that you will not want to put down once you start it. Dr Singh opens up the life of a cardiac surgeon in a way no surgeon I’m familiar with has ever done before. I’m a retired MD in Rhode Island and I’ve known Arun for many years having started my career the same year Arun did and having shared cases with him.
While he is always the same with his patients and his colleagues: calm, genuinely caring, professional and respectful, in this book he opens himself up to share the struggles he has had with teenage follies, consequent injury to his hands and arms, and dyslexia.
He also writes as well of the subtle and not so subtle prejudice he experiences as an Indian physician immigrant to the US and a bright and ambitious young man of color and the lack of expected professional support related to that prejudice at critical times in his personal and professional life.
Throughout the book he shows his deep love for his family and his recognition that his love for them and his near absolute commitment to his career of saving lives an bring pain as well as joy.
His work ethic is amazing! The average cardiac surgeon in the US performs about 130 cardiac surgeries a year, Arun has averaged 365! One might wonder why he does more surgeries than any number of prominent vascular surgeons in many big cities. The answer is the absolute confidence RI cardiologists have in his skill and commitment and his ability to match or exceed the skills of cardiac surgeons in Boston or New Haven.
OK he is great! However, I would differ on one count with Arun and that is the issue of when a surgeon should retire. In the UK it’s 65. Sure, as in football or even hockey lately there are outstanding sports players still great long after the average age time should catch up. However, Dr DeBakey mentioned in a previous review still went into cardiac surgeries to assist in his 90’s because no one had the nerve to tell him he really shouldn’t be in there! So I kind of have to agree with the Chief of Surgery who told Arun when he turned 70: its time to enjoy life now. And as a matter of fact that’s just what I see Arun doing!
James P Crowley MD, Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Brown University.
February 25, 2019
Rags to riches stories are always a sure hit considering how many people are lost and looking to get back on track in life. Along that story line we have Dr. Arun Singh's book Your Heart, My Hands which is coming out shortly. Dr. Singh a long time cardiothoracic surgeon with self-declared 15000+ heart surgeries chronicles his journey from a small town in India to becoming a preeminent surgeon in the US. Born in a lower middle class family ( It's an assumption based on the facts presented) with all the qualities of a mischievous child who is always getting in trouble like many kids of that age do with no clear direction in life finally buckles down after some life altering events and self-reflection and eventually gets an opportunity to come to the US to do surgical internship and eventually becoming a successful surgeon. Along the way, he had to face his share of racism as was very common during that time but how with hard work and little luck he overcame it all and went on to have a long and successful career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. But alas, old age and some institutional level politics forced him to retire.
Overall, I think this is a good motivational biography yet thought provoking.
P.S: This book has been provided to me via NetGalley for my unbiased opinion.
Overall, I think this is a good motivational biography yet thought provoking.
P.S: This book has been provided to me via NetGalley for my unbiased opinion.
April 14, 2020
So, you had a bad day, the lyrics read , remember that song? It wasnt that bad, believe me. This memoir takes us vividly through the adult life of Dr. Arun Singh, a simple man from India. Simple, in socioeconomics but not in intelligence. With two hand accidents that left him partially impaired, he acquires a love for medicine. After medical school, he had an opportunity to come to the US for work and further practice. He came, arrived in NYC and then to Worcester, Ma, hungry and with 5.00 dollars to get him from the Worcester train station to his first hospital. That was the beginning. He worked and worked even more, inordinate amounts of hours. Then had an opportunity to work in NYC with a reknown hospital. It was there he met his wife, fell in love and married, had two sons. Becoming a prominent heart surgeon was his claim to fame, yes, with injured hands. This riveting memoir had me hesitating to put it down, regretting every complaint I ever had with my priviledged white life. I loved every minute of this tale. He is retired and lives in Providence, RI.
June 7, 2019
Your Heart, My Hands is the personal and professional story of cardiac surgeon, Dr. Arun Singh. In 1967, Singh arrived from India with only five dollars in his pocket and a desire to heal others. Readers are treated to an inside view of his childhood in India, fraught with injury and illness, as well as poverty on a remarkable level. Singh shows how it is possible to take what might be an impediment, such as his own dyslexia or his imperfectly healed arm injuries, and turn it into a strength. Dr. Singh details many instances where his internal resolve was tested, where racism threatened to derail his career, and how important it was to look ahead to the future during times of indecision. Dr. Singh was not always treated well by the bureaucrats of his chosen profession, but through it all, the doctor never lost sight of his passion to treat and to help others. I highly recommend Your Heart, My Hands to readers who like medical nonfiction and biographies.
October 1, 2019
Exceptional story for anyone with a heart!
Although I am somewhat biased, having worked at RI Hospital and distantly acquainted with Dr Singh, I can honestly say that I would have enjoyed the book thoroughly anyway. As a medical person, I enjoyed the story of another medical professional’s journey through life. Dr Singh’s story is well written, enthralling, and opens up the field of medicine and surgery to the masses. Youth can learn much from the book about how to come of age gracefully and how not to come of age; adults can understand the health care system, dilemmas, pitfalls, challenges, and successes. Elderly can grasp the significance of their aging bodies, the consequences of their lifestyle from their youth on. Hospital administrators are privy to the heartache as one leaves their beloved profession. Bravo, Dr Singh, for a job well done for many many years! And thank you for opening up your heart to us in this fascinating book.
Although I am somewhat biased, having worked at RI Hospital and distantly acquainted with Dr Singh, I can honestly say that I would have enjoyed the book thoroughly anyway. As a medical person, I enjoyed the story of another medical professional’s journey through life. Dr Singh’s story is well written, enthralling, and opens up the field of medicine and surgery to the masses. Youth can learn much from the book about how to come of age gracefully and how not to come of age; adults can understand the health care system, dilemmas, pitfalls, challenges, and successes. Elderly can grasp the significance of their aging bodies, the consequences of their lifestyle from their youth on. Hospital administrators are privy to the heartache as one leaves their beloved profession. Bravo, Dr Singh, for a job well done for many many years! And thank you for opening up your heart to us in this fascinating book.
March 1, 2022
A remarkable story!
On the date that I finished reading this book I had the great opportunity to meet the author at a speaking event. He was just this personable as this woman made him out to be enjoyed asking him questions about particular events in the book that I thoroughly enjoyed such as the miracle on Eddy Street in the 99-year-old man. I had the great opportunity to visit Bangalore India more than 15 years ago so his tails of growing up in this mom's really came to life and I could see from my own personal memory the beggars and the streets and the animals that's where ever present everywhere a true tour de force and something that should be read by everyone looking for her bit of humanity and inspiration.
On the date that I finished reading this book I had the great opportunity to meet the author at a speaking event. He was just this personable as this woman made him out to be enjoyed asking him questions about particular events in the book that I thoroughly enjoyed such as the miracle on Eddy Street in the 99-year-old man. I had the great opportunity to visit Bangalore India more than 15 years ago so his tails of growing up in this mom's really came to life and I could see from my own personal memory the beggars and the streets and the animals that's where ever present everywhere a true tour de force and something that should be read by everyone looking for her bit of humanity and inspiration.
August 15, 2019
Every medical professional in RI is aware of the legendary Dr. Singh. This book tells his own amazing story. He has saved so many lives, I am glad he touched upon hospital administrators who are primarily concerned of the bottom line. This is the sad truth with today's healthcare system. Thank you Dr. Singh!
December 30, 2019
Absolutely great narrative of a great surgeon
A riveting account of this man's surgical career told in his own words and style. A fascinating read and a pleasure due to the fact that Dr Singh operated on me in 2013 to correct a leaking mitrial valve (to which I will be always eternally grateful for)
A riveting account of this man's surgical career told in his own words and style. A fascinating read and a pleasure due to the fact that Dr Singh operated on me in 2013 to correct a leaking mitrial valve (to which I will be always eternally grateful for)
November 4, 2021
I had the absolute pleasure to be taught by Dr. Singh himself. He is an absolute amazing person that shows compassion for medicine and what it really means to be a cardiac surgeon. This book takes you through his unbelievable journey to becoming one of the most well known cardiac surgeons, not only in RI, but throughout the world.
August 10, 2019
I loved it, but I might be biased since he performed my surgery years ago. It was an easy, quick read. The rough road he traveled was often heartbreaking and Dr. Singh’s determination was inspirational.
May 25, 2022
Really wonderful story, but it felt like it was more of a narration than story telling. I would have loved to hear more about his patients and better descriptions of the situations in India. However, his story is incredible and the number of lives he saved is astounding.
June 23, 2022
Interesting read! I had the good fortune of knowing Dr. Singh personally! Knowing the story of where he came from makes him even more of an inspiration! His dedication to his patients, can never be matched!
June 26, 2019
Fantastic read! Throughly enjoyed reading about this amazing man.
Want to read
February 5, 2020I want to read this as I just edited an auction story for publication on the sale of his antique and folk art collection. He sounds like an amazing person with an amazing story.
March 4, 2021
Inspiring to see what Dr. Singh accomplished during his amazing career as a top heart surgeon. The support of his mother and wife can show others it takes a village sometimes.
June 6, 2022
Amazing story. Reads like a novel.
June 3, 2023
This was an excellent book about an excellent doctor! He operated on my father in 2005, and it has been fascinating to learn his amazing life story! What an incredible journey!
February 19, 2024
A straight forward chronological biography. The struggles and obstacles are part of every immigrants story. The insights toward the end, made me wish there had been more throughout the book.
February 2, 2025
From dyslexia and crushed hands rises greatness. Against the odds, Arun Singh followed his dream. It definitely wasn’t an easy path to take but he had so much to give.
June 25, 2020
Review is intended for personal use -- summary of thoughts / takeaways to help decide whether to potentially re-read again later.
Potential for impact: medium to high
Enjoyableness of reading: high
Likelihood of re-reading: high to very high
This was not the book I was expecting. First of all, this was recommended by Amazon's search engine (I've never heard of Dr. Singh), so I really had no idea what to expect. Thank you Amazon search engine, you did well.
Your Heart is a story about a poor, dyslexic Indian guy (with disfigured hands I might add) who ends up coming over to the states and becoming arguably the world’s premier cardiac surgeon. People talk about 10,000 hours to build expertise… this guy did 15,000 heart surgeries, about 20,000 surgeries in total. The bulk of his professional work was in Rhode Island, so he ended up being a minor celebrity in his small town of Providence. As a doctor? Unheard of in the days before youtube.
More than that though… he came from India. Kind of like my Dad. And for that reason, this book is a must read for all Indian-americans born in the US. There’s enough overlap wrt cultural context that just being able to seeing another family as crazy as ours is worth re-reading every once in a while.
It’s also worth re-reading often because it’s so motivating and does such a great job of explaining the daily grind of how hard Arun continually worked. This book was exactly what I needed when I finished it, honestly.
Pretty much for his entire adult life, it seems like Arun legitimately did the best he could, generally pulling 13 hour days except for the days he was on call (then he worked more, he estimates 110 hours a week, the math matches up). As someone trying to do a similar thing myself, it was kind of cool to see what's required to succeed at that world class level. Arun’s a likable guy too – to a Western viewpoint, he's to be pitied because basically had no life and just worked a lot, but from an Indian perspective, he's a hero because he put work first, he acted humbly for the most part, and because he was so serious about his work, he seemed to get along with everyone even though he knew that some people didn't take him seriously because he was a foreigner.
There’s also a key undercurrent of racism throughout the book – like my father, Arun was one of the first Indians to come to this country, it seemed like no one knew what to do with him. Personally the first time I encountered sustained racism against my brown-ness was in Australia… didn’t face it here until Trump started getting support politically. Didn’t even realize racism applied to Indians before that! But of course there would be something, even if I was too sheltered before my 30s to see it… despite my parents literally telling me numerous personal examples, I actively disbelieved. Easy to remember so many discussions where I would tell them (with conviction) “racism doesn’t really exist anymore.” And that would be that.
How different would life be if I chose to live in the actual world rather than the world I imagined it to be? Too late to adjust a childhood but potentially something to consider going forward.
Either way, this was a great book, with much more emphasis on Arun’s ability to overcome struggles than on his exceptional achievements, which I found really refreshing. As such I hope to refer to this every time I lose the motivation to grind. Thanks for writing this Arun.
Potential for impact: medium to high
Enjoyableness of reading: high
Likelihood of re-reading: high to very high
This was not the book I was expecting. First of all, this was recommended by Amazon's search engine (I've never heard of Dr. Singh), so I really had no idea what to expect. Thank you Amazon search engine, you did well.
Your Heart is a story about a poor, dyslexic Indian guy (with disfigured hands I might add) who ends up coming over to the states and becoming arguably the world’s premier cardiac surgeon. People talk about 10,000 hours to build expertise… this guy did 15,000 heart surgeries, about 20,000 surgeries in total. The bulk of his professional work was in Rhode Island, so he ended up being a minor celebrity in his small town of Providence. As a doctor? Unheard of in the days before youtube.
More than that though… he came from India. Kind of like my Dad. And for that reason, this book is a must read for all Indian-americans born in the US. There’s enough overlap wrt cultural context that just being able to seeing another family as crazy as ours is worth re-reading every once in a while.
It’s also worth re-reading often because it’s so motivating and does such a great job of explaining the daily grind of how hard Arun continually worked. This book was exactly what I needed when I finished it, honestly.
Pretty much for his entire adult life, it seems like Arun legitimately did the best he could, generally pulling 13 hour days except for the days he was on call (then he worked more, he estimates 110 hours a week, the math matches up). As someone trying to do a similar thing myself, it was kind of cool to see what's required to succeed at that world class level. Arun’s a likable guy too – to a Western viewpoint, he's to be pitied because basically had no life and just worked a lot, but from an Indian perspective, he's a hero because he put work first, he acted humbly for the most part, and because he was so serious about his work, he seemed to get along with everyone even though he knew that some people didn't take him seriously because he was a foreigner.
There’s also a key undercurrent of racism throughout the book – like my father, Arun was one of the first Indians to come to this country, it seemed like no one knew what to do with him. Personally the first time I encountered sustained racism against my brown-ness was in Australia… didn’t face it here until Trump started getting support politically. Didn’t even realize racism applied to Indians before that! But of course there would be something, even if I was too sheltered before my 30s to see it… despite my parents literally telling me numerous personal examples, I actively disbelieved. Easy to remember so many discussions where I would tell them (with conviction) “racism doesn’t really exist anymore.” And that would be that.
How different would life be if I chose to live in the actual world rather than the world I imagined it to be? Too late to adjust a childhood but potentially something to consider going forward.
Either way, this was a great book, with much more emphasis on Arun’s ability to overcome struggles than on his exceptional achievements, which I found really refreshing. As such I hope to refer to this every time I lose the motivation to grind. Thanks for writing this Arun.
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