Far From The Tree: Parents, Children, and the search for Identity by Andrew Solomon
Scribner, US$37.50
November 13, 2012
What is it about?
This is a nonfiction book about parenthood and human difference. Should we accept our children for who they are, or should we help them become their best selves? How do we transcend our prejudices to support those who are responsible to us until they become adults?
Why are we talking about it?
Andrew Solomon is an erudite and thoughtful writer. From the first moment we heard of this book, we thought it had National Book Award/Pulitzer Nominee written all over it. Quotes on the dust jacket from President Clinton and Malcolm Gladwell only reinforce the fact that this is a significant work about parenthood, society and nature vs nurture, combined with the author’s personal story of becoming a parent.
Who wrote it?
Andrew Solomon’s previous book, The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2001, and was nominated for the Pulitzer in 2002. As if this book weren’t enough, he is also currently working on a PhD in psychology at Cambridge University. He’s an activist for LGBT rights and mental health, and he and his husband have three children.
Who will read it?
Anybody who is interested in a careful study of parenting, human difference, and approachable anthropology. Also, people who like to read the biggest nonfiction books of the year.
What do the reviewers say?
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