Brotherhood: Dharma, Destiny, and the American Dream
This “double memoir” tracks the lives of two prominent physicians and brothers. Deepak and Sanjiv Chopra were born and raised in India, then came to America for postgraduate medical training. They became U.S. citizens, distinguished doctors, and influential figures. Big brother Deepak is an endocrinologist. His association with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Transcendental Meditation is well chronicled. He finds his way to integrative medicine, advocates the mind-body connection, and embraces traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). Sanjiv is a gastroenterologist and faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Both men reflect on their Indian heritage, karma, dharma, and pursuit of the American dream. Brotherhood contains anecdotes about their childhood, immigration, families, and careers. Sanjiv blissfully recalls his introduction to America: watching television, eating at a diner, and catching falling snowflakes. But he especially remembers and savors the “generosity and openness of the American people.” Brotherhood is an uplifting account of sibling affection and success, and of the promise and infinite possibilities of America. --Tony Miksanek