Far from the Tree

Parents, Children and the Search for Identity

By: Andrew Solomon

Narrated by: Andrew Solomon

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, Inc

Critic reviews

"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)

Years of interviews in one book.

I bought this book immediately after watching a TED talk the Author did. If you see the talk, it is easy to gauge the tone of the book and Andrew Solomon's exhaustive research and empathy for the people it is about.
This is not an easy read, children suffering incurable mental and physical illnesses and the exhaustive work of there parents sometimes with no hope of any light at the end of the tunnel is what your in for. Be warned

I was interested in this book, because my 2year old son was born with TAPVR, and was in need of immediate emergency by-pass surgery at birth, to the complete surprise of my wife and I. He is a very happy and healthy boy now and will have a complete and full life the same as any healthy child.
Many of the parents at the hospital we go to for his check ups have children that are no where near as lucky. It is with the realization that these are normal people whom have had a tremendous burden and responsibility placed on them and are doing the best they can with love and strength, There greatest worry is whom will help care for my child when I die?

I would not recommend this book to anyone who is pregnant, it will fill you with unneeded worry about the healthy birth of your child, do not buy this book.

Otherwise it is a great book (indeed it could of been many books) Andrew Solomon is a fantastic writer and thankfully he narrates the book himself, a man of amazing empathy, taking on a subject that society would rather did not exist.

Gripping

Gripping, comprehensive research on parenting a different child. The author's heartfelt narration made me feel intimately connected to his material.

Very interesting and insightful.

If you could sum up Far from the Tree in three words, what would they be?

insightful, eye-opening, and thought provoking

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Anyone who struggles with something that holds them back can relate to the stories of people with disabilities/differences. This really makes helps you put your life in perspective.

What about Andrew Solomon’s performance did you like?

He was a little difficult to understand at times but was otherwise great.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I enjoyed listening to it over time.

Loved it!

What an epic story of love, hope, despair, and the human capability for resilience. I loved every chapter and enjoyed the countless stories. It was difficult at first keeping track of the different people, though I soon learned to just listen and understand what was being said. Once I did that it was easy to enjoy. What a great journey! Thank you Solomon!

Amazing book

I want to buy this as a gift for everyone I know. Really great book.

it was a life experience

I experienced great growth as a person, I won't be or see people the same way again, it's been an eye opening experience, in which self acceptance took part and the understanding of love went deeper wider challenging Me to a better self,ñ. thanks Andrew.

great read

i literally was intrigued by all the interviews and experiences. i learned alot. it definitely opened up my mind to things i don't typically think about. i would listen again

Compelling Book

Amazing book. Despite it substantial length It holds your attention and you welcome the book to continue on. Narration by the author .makes it the best listen possible.

Excellent!

Any additional comments?
The author did a magnificent job all the way through research, writing and reading!

A must-read for everyone; above all, it should be made compulsory reading for all high-school students, worldwide, in order to make this world a better, a more tolerant place!!

exceptional

LONG and so worthy! As a teacher to students with special needs, this had great insight and compassion. GREAT read