In 2019, Nordland, who reported for The New York Times since 2009, penned a reflective piece on his cancer diagnosis. This later evolved into his memoir, "Waiting for the Monsoon," published in 2024. He started his journalism career in the 1970s, working internationally and often documenting wars and crises. Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, including moving back to the U.S. due to his illness, Nordland remained an indomitable spirit dedicated to storytelling and highlighting the plight of the vulnerable, leaving an indelible mark on the world of journalism.