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  • Far From The Tree

  • A Dozen Kinds of Love
  • By: Andrew Solomon
  • Narrated by: Andrew Solomon
  • Length: 40 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (94 ratings)
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Far From The Tree cover art

Far From The Tree

By: Andrew Solomon
Narrated by: Andrew Solomon
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Summary

From the National Book Award–winning author of The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression comes a monumental new work, a decade in the writing, about family.

In Far from the Tree, Andrew Solomon tells the stories of parents who not only learn to deal with their exceptional children but also find profound meaning in doing so.

Solomon’s startling proposition is that diversity is what unites us all. He writes about families coping with deafness, dwarfism, Down syndrome, autism, schizophrenia, multiple severe disabilities, with children who are prodigies, who are conceived in rape, who become criminals, who are transgender. While each of these characteristics is potentially isolating, the experience of difference within families is universal, as are the triumphs of love Solomon documents in every chapter.

All parenting turns on a crucial question: to what extent parents should accept their children for who they are, and to what extent they should help them become their best selves. Drawing on forty thousand pages of interview transcripts with more than three hundred families, Solomon mines the eloquence of ordinary people facing extreme challenges. Whether considering prenatal screening for genetic disorders, cochlear implants for the deaf, or gender reassignment surgery for transgender people, Solomon narrates a universal struggle toward compassion.

Many families grow closer through caring for a challenging child; most discover supportive communities of others similarly affected; some are inspired to become advocates and activists, celebrating the very conditions they once feared. Woven into their courageous and affirming stories is Solomon’s journey to accepting his own identity, which culminated in his midlife decision, influenced by this research, to become a parent.

Elegantly reported by a spectacularly original thinker, Far from the Tree explores themes of generosity, acceptance, and tolerance—all rooted in the insight that love can transcend every prejudice. This crucial and revelatory book expands our definition of what it is to be human.

©2012 Andrew Solomon (P)2014 Audible, Ltd

What listeners say about Far From The Tree

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Emotive

Would you listen to Far From The Tree again? Why?

Yes absolutely. It's a great reminder of what it is to be human!

What did you like best about this story?

I'm only half way through the book but the accounts of the individuals and their families living with 'difference' brings me to tears every time I listen. They are often extraordinary and inspiring and always incredibly emotive.
I feel my eyes are more open to the triumphs and difficulties of people all around me. If a book can lend itself to the fostering of empathy, then this is such a book.

Have you listened to any of Andrew Solomon’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This is the first.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

All of it. I'm not directly connected to any of the challenging scenarios he is describing but so far I've been drawn deeply into each of them.

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10 people found this helpful

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Please Read!

For anyone considering learning about mental health and disabilities from the standpoint of the family and of the individuals living with such conditions this book offers a compassionate and informative introduction.
I would recommended it to all university students and also to those living with or volunteering with these populations.
One of the best books I have ever listened to:

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6 people found this helpful

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Fantastic and thought provoking

I highly recommend this audio book which brings together sides of human life we may not understand or know about.
I was fascinated from beginning to end and my respect and liking of Andrew Solomon and his courageous insights increased as you delved deeper into the book.
I found my self addicted and would look forward to my next listen. It is a moving tribute to life and humanity.
Thank you.

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4 people found this helpful

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An epic triumph

This a far reaching, ambitious exploration of parents, children and all our searches for identity including the author, who is honest about his own journey. Brilliant and well worth the commitment of 40hrs listening.

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3 people found this helpful

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Outstanding

Solomon takes the reader/ listener on a fascinating journey into the fraught lives of parents dealing with unexpected difficulties and the children facing those difficulties. The clarity of the authors thinking is spellbinding and his insights are memorable. I often found myself in tears at not only the sadness of some of the situations but at the amazing resilience and love shown by those struggling to make sense of their lives. It is a wonderful book, rich in experience, hugely broad in scope and movingly sensitive. Unreservedly recommended.

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3 people found this helpful

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  • SS
  • 22-12-21

A masterpiece on identity and compassion

Deeply moving, painstakingly researched, profoundly informative, searingly honest. I couldn’t recommend this book more highly. The compassion, interest and self-reflection that Solomon shows in the people he writes about is inspiring.

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2 people found this helpful

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very moving

The book brings together a nice sum of interviews and stories mixed with information. It has a very human approach, while discussing very sensitive issues.

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Everyone should read this book

This book has taught me such a lot and has
given me a huge insight.

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2 people found this helpful

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Very powerful

So many stories. Very moving at times, and always thoughtful. He reads in a very unique voice.

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1 person found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Good but why not get a good reading voice?!!

I tried but fell asleep on attempt one and deleted after 15 mins of attempt 2.

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1 person found this helpful