Tracy Kidder's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Tracy Kidder is an American writer and author known for his compelling narratives that delve into the lives of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. He was born on November 12th, 1945 in New York City and raised in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Kidder attended Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After graduating, he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Kidder's experience in the military had a profound impact on him and greatly influenced his writing. He began his writing career as a journalist, working for the Atlantic Monthly and the Washington Post. It was during this time that Kidder honed his skills as a storyteller, delving into the lives of people from all walks of life and giving a voice to those whose stories might otherwise go untold.

In 1981, Kidder published his first book, "The Soul of a New Machine", which won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. The book chronicles the efforts of a group of engineers at Data General as they design and build a new computer. Kidder's ability to make the technical aspects of the story accessible to the reader while also capturing the human drama behind the creation of the machine made the book a critical and commercial success.

Following the success of "The Soul of a New Machine", Kidder continued to write extensively, producing a body of work that includes both non-fiction and fiction. His books often focus on the lives of individuals who are facing difficult circumstances and the ways in which they find resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

One of Kidder's most celebrated works is "Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World". The book follows the remarkable story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician and anthropologist who has dedicated his life to providing healthcare to some of the world's most impoverished communities. Kidder's portrayal of Farmer's tireless efforts to bring medical care to those in need is both inspiring and thought-provoking, shining a light on the disparities in healthcare around the world.

Another notable work by Kidder is "Strength in What Remains", which tells the story of Deo, a young man who survives the genocide in Burundi and seeks refuge in the United States. Kidder masterfully weaves together Deo's harrowing journey with his efforts to build a new life in New York City, offering a poignant exploration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering.

Kidder's writing is lauded for its richly detailed storytelling and empathetic portrayal of his subjects. He has a knack for drawing readers in with vivid descriptions and compelling narratives that bring his characters to life. Kidder's ability to find the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary and make it resonate with readers has earned him a devoted following and numerous accolades throughout his career.

In addition to his work as a writer, Kidder is also a dedicated teacher and lecturer. He has taught writing at the University of Iowa, the University of Massachusetts, and Harvard University. Kidder's commitment to mentoring and guiding aspiring writers has had a lasting impact on the literary community, inspiring a new generation of storytellers to embrace the power of narrative and empathy in their work.

Tracy Kidder's contributions to literature have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, solidifying his place as one of America's most respected and influential writers. His ability to capture the essence of the human experience with grace and compassion has made his work timeless and universally resonant. With his keen insight and masterful storytelling, Kidder continues to remind us of the extraordinary stories that can be found in the lives of ordinary people.