Solving for Why

A Surgeon's Journey to Discover the Transformative Power of Purpose

By: Mark Shrime

Narrated by: Mark Shrime

From Mercy Ships surgeon Dr. Mark G. Shrime comes an inspiring memoir about finding the answer to life's biggest question—"Why?"—and about following that answer through remarkable, unlikely places on the road to fulfillment, purpose, and joy.

SOLVING FOR WHY chronicles one man's journey to find the answer to the biggest of all life's questions: "Why?" Following a traumatic car accident, Dr. Shrime—the child of Lebanese immigrants fleeing a civil war, who later became a successful practicing surgeon in Boston—found himself compelled to change the course of his life, determined to find meaning and satisfaction even if it meant diverting from America’s idea of “success.” Featuring stories, insights, and research from his own exceptional life and work, SOLVING FOR WHY is the story of Dr. Shrime's search for—and discovery of—lifelong fulfillment.

Now a global surgeon operating on a hospital ship docked off the coast of West Africa and one of the few global experts on surgery in low- and middle-income countries, Dr. Shrime seeks to impart the wisdom of the lessons he’s learned over the course of his search for a life of true contentment. In the tradition of Dr. Paul Farmer's To Repair the World, Dr. Atul Gawande's Better, and Dr. Michele Harper's The Beauty in Breaking, SOLVING FOR WHY combines personal stories with deep, thoughtful research into the challenges of working in modern medicine in the 21st century and the commodification of work in America.

A story of discovery and transformation, SOLVING FOR WHY seeks to help readers answer the “why” of their own lives and ultimately find joy outside the status quo.

Critic reviews

"Dr. Mark Shrime is one of the most remarkable humans I’ve ever met. I knew he’d write a wonderful book—I just didn’t expect to dog ear every page and underline so many wonderful thoughts that he puts so well onto the page. His curiosity pushes him to learn more about himself, the world, and why we are here and what we should be doing to live up to our potential. I loved this book and believe it will be widely read and remembered. And I’m so mad I didn’t think of this title first!"—Dana Perino, New York Times bestselling author of EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY

Incredibly well written

An incredibly well written and thought provoking book that provokes the reader to examine their own life.

Enjoyed it - more like a personal memoir

I wasn't sure how much of this book might be advice for others vs the author's own journey. It turned out to be mostly the author's journey with his advice to follow what drives you. I enjoyed the book - the author both writes and narrates well. The only confusing thing for me was timeline - it bounced back and forth a couple time from past/present/past (or at least I thought it did) and it would have been helpful to know the author's age at each point. I also identify a lot with the author's fear/loss avoidance inclination rather than risky life decisions (though he made many risky decisions imho). Still, this was an enjoyable listen for me and I learned some things about the medical/surgical profession.

Very good book

Listen to it at 1.5 times speed and you will be fine.
I am glad the author found his why. His use of the word “privilege “ is incorrect as his apparent blindness to who he considers the other.
Also, he should realize the “privileged” he dismisses, are the ones who pay for his mercy ship…Michael Dell gives 18 million to Mercy ships in 2022.

A true humanitarian’s memoir

One man’s road to finding the reason and meaning in his personal life. It’s a nice memoir by an absolutely amazing person. I guess I was expecting to come away with more clarity on the conclusions the author came to after certain choices. Deeply respect what they do on the mercy ships, this is a calling, and he found his. Hope we all gather small bits of wisdom along the way to make the next chapter as meaningful.

Thought provoking

This is a very honest account of the author’s inner as well as outwardly observable life journeys. Really makes you think about just what life is all about.