Andrew Solomon
In Far from the Tree,
Andrew Solomon tackles the age-old idea that parents seek to replicate
themselves in their offspring, and he examines what happens in families that instead
have children who are exceptional in a wide range of ways, from deafness to
Down syndrome, from conception in rape to indulgence in criminal activity. Genetic
research is turning the nature versus nurture debate on its head, and this book
is in the middle of this debate. Solomon considers the overlap between identity
and illness, and the roles that individuals, families, and society play in creating
an artificial distinction between the two.
Far
from the Tree, which took over ten years to research and
write, is remarkably timely—gay rights are being debated around the world, we’re
still reeling from the recent shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, and diagnosis
standards for both autism and transgenderism are being re-defined among mental
health professionals. This book addresses the lives of families dealing with
each of these situations and more, and explores the role of compassion in
acceptance and family functioning. Solomon deftly weaves in a multitude of
voices, including his own, ultimately seeking to break through the barriers
that isolate us within our differences. He encourages us to look across and
beyond these differences to realize that they should unite us instead of
tearing us apart, and allow us to accept ourselves and one another. Don’t be
intimidated by the size of this book; Solomon’s narrative is engaging,
enriching, and relevant to each of us.
- Jenny Glozman
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