Far from the Tree
Parents, Children and the Search for Identity
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Narrated by:
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Andrew Solomon
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Written by:
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Andrew Solomon
About this listen
National Book Critics Circle Award, Nonfiction, 2013
From the National Book Award-winning author of the "brave...deeply humane...open-minded, critically informed, and poetic" (The New York Times) The Noonday Demon, comes a game-changer of a book about the impact of extreme personal and cultural difference between parents and children.
A brilliant and utterly original thinker, Andrew Solomon's journey began from his experience of being the gay child of straight parents. He wondered how other families accommodate children who have a variety of differences: families of people who are deaf, who are dwarfs, who have Down syndrome, who have autism, who have schizophrenia, who have multiple severe disabilities, who are prodigies, who commit crimes, who are transgender. Bookended with Solomon's experiences as a son, and then later as a father, this book explores the old adage that says the apple doesn't fall far from the tree; instead some apples fall a couple of orchards away, some on the other side of the world.
In 12 sharply observed and moving chapters, Solomon describes individuals who have been heartbreaking victims of intense prejudice, but also stories of parents who have embraced their childrens' differences and tried to change the world's understanding of their conditions. Solomon's humanity, eloquence, and compassion give a voice to those people who are never heard. A riveting, powerful take on a major social issue, Far from the Tree offers far-reaching conclusions about new families, academia, and the way our culture addresses issues of illness and identity.
©2012 Andrew Solomon (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, IncWhat the critics say
"In Far from the Tree, Andrew Solomon reminds us that nothing is more powerful in a child's development than the love of a parent. This remarkable new book introduces us to mothers and fathers across America - many in circumstances the rest of us can hardly imagine - who are making their children feel special, no matter what challenges come their way." (President Bill Clinton)
"This is one of the most extraordinary books I have read in recent times - brave, compassionate and astonishingly humane. Solomon approaches one of the oldest questions - how much are we defined by nature versus nurture? - and crafts from it a gripping narrative. Through his stories, told with such masterful delicacy and lucidity, we learn how different we all are, and how achingly similar. I could not put this book down." (Siddhartha Mukherjee, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Emperor of All Maladies)
"An informative and moving book that raises profound issues regarding the nature of love, the value of human life, and the future of humanity." (Kirkus)
What listeners say about Far from the Tree
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Emerset Farquharson
- 2019-12-11
A deeply human exploration into making meaning
To call this 40 hour magnum opus a cathedral of humanity would not do it justice. I did not know what book I was getting into, I only knew that I greatly enjoyed the other book by Andrew Solomon, and so I stumbled into this book without an expectation. Every chapter seems to be so wonderful and complete that it is a book within itself. I do not know how this book has affected me I only know that it has, and that it will continue to. That is enough.
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- Anonymous User
- 2023-03-26
WOW SO BLOWN AWAY, LOVE AUTHOR
Every one should read this book. Beautiful and empathetic, well researched and well written. Solomon is a lovely person and I learned so much about every disorder/identity in the book. Anyone thinking about choosing to raise children should read this book, because it really makes you think about your reasons for having kids, what you expect, and how you will cope with unforeseen challenges. The pure love some of these parents have for their children made me cry. Inspiring and heartwarming! ❤️
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- Jacquie dK
- 2020-10-04
profound depth
I am changed forever. Into my soul this book has left an imprint. Grateful to have listened to the writer read his own words.
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- MarianaPontes
- 2021-04-26
Life changing
As a young woman who constantly dwells on the possibility of motherhood, it was absolutely enlightening to hear from so many individuals in all walks of life and their experiences parenting those who are different from them. It should be a mandatory read in high school! Thank you Andrew Solomon for your wonderful research!
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- Amazon Customer
- 2024-02-22
A Profound exploration of parent love, sacrifice and a lesson in empathy
This book was a revelation for me and a chance to view the world through eyes I might not wish for, as a parent. It marked me and showed me that human love and sacrifice can be boundless.
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- Amanda
- 2018-07-13
food for thought
This book opened my mind to consider Lifestyles and situations that I normally would not have even thought of.
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- Karla Kerr
- 2024-05-17
Lessons of Deeper Love and Tolerance
I came to this book hoping to get a glimpse into tolerance and how to know a deeper love.
My perspective has deepened. My heart and spirit have opened to become more tender.
Poetically written, painstakingly and exhaustedly researched. Andrew has taught me to appreciate “sorrow’s richness”. Thank-you Andrew.
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- jj
- 2024-10-04
Terrible narration
Maybe I would have enjoyed this book, the material was somewhat interesting, but too drawn out. The narrator’s voice is so annoying i found it impossible to feel engaged or want to listen to it
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