For the past three decades, Dr. O'Connell has run the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, which he helped to create. In this book we travel with O'Connell as he navigates the city, offering medical care, socks, soup, empathy, humor, and friendship to some of the city's most endangered citizens.
O'Connell is a fascinating protagonist ... The picture that emerges over the course of the absorbing, inspiring Rough Sleepers is that O'Connell is not only one of the good guys but a good guy who is vigorous, self-critical and even funny ... Kidder describes with modesty and compassion.
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 ... Rough Sleepers is yet another enlightening reminder from Kidder that we should, and can, do better.