'The Covenant of Water' author Abraham Verghese

Dr. Abraham Verghese teaches medical students about the importance of bedside manner at Stanford University's School of Medicine. But he has another calling, as author of the New York Times bestselling novel "The Covenant of Water," a multi-generational tale of a family in India experiencing love and tragedy. Verghese talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about uprooting his family to take a writing program at the University of Iowa in order to pursue his dream of being a writer; and about receiving the news that his latest novel would be an Oprah's Book Club pick.

"CBS News Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS News Sunday Morning broadcast times.

[hnc]

I haven't read any of his books, but I plan to remedy that immediately, what a humble and kind man.

[janices]

I am so touched by his saying that his writing is beyond him because I do believe some writers are inspired to write. It's a beautiful thing.

[koron]

I'm not an avid reader. But this is the best book I've ever read.

[theck]

Thank you for featuring him. “Cutting for Stone” a masterpiece… can’t wait to read this new one!

[ebybeehoney]

He's wonderfully humble. I wish more doctors were like him in this interview

[TerlinguaTalkeetna]

I know a few doctors and fewer writers more humble than this man appears to be. Seems his parents grew huge hearts as well as a developed minds in their children.

[Sablebella]

This book will stay in my mind and heart for the rest of my life ❤

[arianebuckeridge]

I adore Abraham Verghese. “Cutting for Stone” is my favorite book of all time. I have read it twice. So rich & beautifully written. I did love “Covenant of Water” as well. It is one of those books you simply don’t want to end. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[sophiafeder]

Such a humble man, but his humanity shines through his written and spoken words. I respect you, Dr. Verghese.

[MsHd]

I admire this man so much!! What a humble servant and inspiration. He's made me try so much harder .

[sharonhoepker]

To everyone reading comments...read it! It is an amazing work.

[shenazkuruvilla]

It's a big hit here in India too. In fact, he stayed with my brother Sanjay and his wife, Anjali in Calicut, Kerala, when he was travelling in Kerala a few yrs ago ... Looking forward to this book.

[biniam]

Imagine being at Stanford and learning bedside manner and learning clinical care from this man, what a pleasure, what a privilege. I will be that person!

[leighdickens]

Two of my favourite books. Thank you so much Dr Verghese

[patriciaranney]

I have read covenant of water and cutting for stone…..beautifully written books. Doctor and author is a powerful combination. So good to see this interview of an exceptional man.

[sharkamov]

I'm just into the final part of this absolutely _unique_ book, and let me tell you I've been a 'constant reader' from I was a young child, and now, nearing 70, I can truly say that *''The Covenant of Water''* is the best book I've ever come across! . . .
Having had a penchant for the Indian subcontinent and it's rich and diverse culture, and having had the opportunity to visit the country, I felt 'right at home' from the first pages of the book.

As a lifelong atheist, midway into this epic novel, I was at one particular point struck by a very powerful thought, :
*_''This must be the way a religious believer feels, when reading from the words of his- or her holy scriptures, like the Christian Bible or the Islamic Quoran!''_* – both, of which – in _my_ eyes – also are works of fiction.

[dorisharrison]

This is why so many people like myself admire you. You and Oprah were front and center of my everyday life. As a single immigrant mother. My children are some of your success stories. Oprah was my mother in our home, and when she presented me with the covenant of water. This book is it. One of my daughters graduated from Bernard College with her bachelor 2011. Brooklyn College 2014 masters. Columbia University masters in 2019 and now at Columbia University doing her doctorate in Education. she did all this and is still doing it while battling Lupus. Thank you for reminding me of my journey through struggles, and I always say to my children. Don't postpone your dreams. Keep them alive. I am who I am because of you.

[mililaniman]

Dr. Verghese seems like a fascinating person. The Covenant of Water also seems like an insightful book too. I hope to read it.

[VTownGregory]

It's a great book. I have 150 pages to go. I really cried over the boy + tree scene, and I'm not a crier. I didn't know he was at Stanford, not far from me. California has such talent living here!

[edwinavanasselt]

Love, love his books. Thank you for filling my heart with history, principles, love and beauty. Sending you Love and Light. Blessings and Peace. 👼💙🙏🥰✨️🍀🦋🕊