Far From The Tree: A Review Of Parents, Children And The Search For Identity

“Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity” is an inspiring and enlightening book that explores the complex and often challenging relationship between parents and children. Written by Andrew Solomon, a renowned professor of psychology, this book provides readers with an intimate look into the lives of families facing difficulties due to their children’s differences. Through in-depth interviews, Solomon delves into how different families have responded to their child’s disabilities or exceptional talents, exploring issues such as acceptance, understanding and identity. He also uncovers stories of extraordinary courage, strength and resilience. Whether you are a parent yourself or simply someone who is interested in learning more about parenting, this book will provide insights that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

Table of Contents

Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity Review

Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity is a groundbreaking book by Andrew Solomon that explores the unique relationship between parents and their children. This book offers a fascinating look at how families cope with physical, mental, and social differences. It examines how parents learn to embrace and celebrate the qualities their children have that are far different from their own. With insight, humor, and compassion, this book is sure to be an invaluable resource for any parent.

Key Features
1. Explores how parents learn to embrace and celebrate their children’s differences
2. Offers insight into physical, mental, and social differences
3. Examines how families cope with these differences
4. Filled with humorous anecdotes and compassionate advice
5. Presents a unique perspective on the bond between parents and their children

This incredible work of nonfiction dives deep into the complex emotions that come with parenting a child who is far from the tree. Drawing on interviews from hundreds of families across the world, Far From the Tree provides readers with thoughtful perspectives on topics ranging from deafness to dwarfism to Down Syndrome. From gripping stories of acceptance and love to inspiring tales of resilience in the face of adversity, this book sheds light on the extraordinary power of family ties. Whether you’re a parent looking for support or simply curious about what it means to be part of a family, Far From the Tree is an invaluable resource that will help you find understanding and hope in challenging times.

Product Details

Product Details	Description
Product Name	Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity
Author(s)	Andrew Solomon
Publisher	Scribner Book Company
Publication Date	November 13, 2012
Genre	Nonfiction; Psychology & Counseling; Sociology & Social Issues
Number of Pages	912 pages
Format/Binding	Hardcover Edition

Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity Pros and Cons

1. Far From the Tree: Pros

Insightful and heartfelt: Andrew Solomon’s Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity is an eye-opening exploration of family dynamics. Through engaging interviews with parents and their children, it delves into the challenges families face when a child is “different” in some way.

Unique perspective: This book offers a unique perspective on parenthood that is both illuminating and thought-provoking. It examines how parents handle difficult situations, such as raising a child with disabilities or illnesses, and how they deal with the emotional impact that comes with it.

Comprehensive research: The author conducted an extensive amount of research to ensure accuracy and authenticity in his work. He also interviewed more than 300 families to gain insight into their individual experiences.

Honest accounts: Andrew Solomon has compiled honest accounts from parents who are confronting extraordinary circumstances in their lives. The stories are often heartbreaking yet inspiring at the same time.

2. Far From the Tree: Cons

Lengthy read: At nearly 800 pages, this book can be quite lengthy and daunting to read. It may take some time to digest all of the information presented within its pages.

Heavy subject matter: Due to its focus on difficult topics such as disability and illness, Far From the Tree can be emotionally heavy for some readers. It is important to be prepared for potentially triggering content if you decide to read this book.

Lack of diversity: While Andrew Solomon did interview a diverse group of people for this book, there is still a lack of representation from different backgrounds and cultures.

Who are They for

Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity is an inspiring and eye-opening exploration of how parents can best support their children when faced with unique or difficult challenges. Written by Andrew Solomon, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, this book dives deep into the complexities of family relationships and offers practical advice on how to foster understanding in every kind of family. Through more than 300 interviews with families dealing with everything from Down syndrome to dwarfism, autism, deafness, schizophrenia, and many other conditions and circumstances, Solomon reveals the strength and bond that ties them together despite differences. He also reveals how parents can find acceptance, pride, and joy in embracing their children’s distinctiveness. Far From the Tree encourages us to accept our differences as individuals while ultimately celebrating common humanity. This ground-breaking book is sure to be an inspiring read for any parent who wants to understand their child better and find ways to create an even stronger bond.

My Experience for Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity

When I heard about the book Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity, I knew I had to get it. After reading it, I understood why. This book is a transformative exploration into what it means to be part of a family, with all its joys and sorrows. It’s an intimate look at how parents can understand their children better, and how children can make peace with their parents’ expectations.

The author, Andrew Solomon, dives deep into stories of families whose members are profoundly different from one another–whether it’s due to deafness, dwarfism, Down Syndrome or Asperger’s syndrome. He offers readers an unprecedented insight into how these differences affect relationships between parents and children. What emerges is an inspiring portrait of unconditional love and acceptance that’s both reassuring and uplifting.

One of my favorite parts of the book was learning about the various ways parents have embraced their children and helped them live meaningful lives despite their differences. The stories in this book are so powerful that they made me re-examine my own relationships, not only with my parents but also with people who are different from me.

Ultimately, Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity is an essential read for anyone looking to expand their understanding of family dynamics or simply gain a greater appreciation for diversity.

What I don’t Like

1. Themes of identity and family can be difficult to understand for some readers.
2. Some of the stories are emotionally intense, which may be difficult for some readers to process.
3. The book focuses on a limited range of experiences and is not comprehensive in its coverage of families with diverse backgrounds.
4. The book is more narrative-based than analytical, so it may not satisfy those looking for an academic approach to the subject matter.
5. Some readers may find the stories overly sentimental or sentimentalized.

How to Build a Stronger Family Bond with Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity

Family relationships are often complex and multi-faceted. Building a strong bond between parents and children is essential for any family to grow and thrive together. Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity by Andrew Solomon is an eye-opening exploration of how families can stay connected, even when their identities don’t match up. It provides an insightful look at how parents can adjust their expectations and embrace their differences while still maintaining a strong bond with their children.

This book offers parents practical tools on how to communicate effectively with their children and understand what it means to be part of a family. With real stories about families around the world facing various challenges, readers get a glimpse into how these families have found ways to stay close in spite of all that divides them. The book also delves into how to deal with difficult topics, such as adoption, disability, gender identity and more.

Overall, Far From the Tree provides an inspiring roadmap for those looking to strengthen their family ties while embracing differences—and ultimately finding joy in celebrating them. Through this book, parents will gain invaluable advice on how to create a loving environment where everyone feels heard and respected, no matter what their backgrounds or beliefs may be.

Questions about Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity

What is Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity?

Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity is a groundbreaking book that explores the unique challenges faced by parents of children who are profoundly different from themselves. Through nine compelling stories of families facing tough circumstances—including deafness, dwarfism, Down syndrome, autism, schizophrenia, multiple severe disabilities and more—author Andrew Solomon shows how parents must not only cope with their children’s differences but also find profound meaning in them.

What does Far From the Tree explore?

Far From the Tree explores how families manage divergent identities within their own relationships and how these differences can be embraced rather than rejected. It examines how difficult issues such as disability, imprisonment, and extreme physical difference can affect an entire family and how those experiences can ultimately provide insight into our basic humanity.

What makes Far From the Tree unique?

Far From the Tree stands out because it offers an unprecedented look into the lives of families dealing with extraordinary differences. It tells powerful stories of love and resilience in spite of difficult circumstances. The book also includes interviews with parents and children, providing a rare opportunity to gain insight into the complex emotions involved in raising a child who is vastly different from oneself.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.