A life changing book.

This book is incredible. It is thoughtful, eye opening, mind blowing, heart filling, heart breaking and stunning. It is such an important piece of work that everyone in society should read. At least those of us who work with lots of different people and families. Thank you!

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A must read

Excellent book, obviously based on many years of in-depth personal research. A real eye opener and very educational. A hard read at times both in terms of some of the language but more so because of the devastatingly sad lives that so many have suffered due to their ‘disability’. Opened my eyes to my own ignorant prejudices.

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Life changing listening for any parent, grandparent or perhaps any thoughtful human being.

I chose this audible because I liked the challenge of a marathon listen, and was interested in the joys and challenges of parenting children in so many unique circumstances listed in the book’s chapters, many of which touch my family. This book was beautifully set out l, clear and cohesive and far exceeded my expectations. In many ways it confirmed and enhanced my knowledge and understanding of the various conditions and I was humbled by the realistic, honest and raw emotions, described so touchingly, of the parents and children. I was not surprised but deeply saddened by the discrimination most families experienced but the resilience of those affected was awe inspiring.
The section on trans gender has been truly life changing. I have a 13 year old granddaughter who has for some years been expressing the wish to be known as a boy. Whilst thinking I was being supportive of ‘her’, and reassuring’her’ that nothing could change the live and pride I feel, I now realise that I was just paying lip service and not respecting his right to be heard. After long and sometimes painful conversations with him, I can now confidently think of him as my grandson and use the right pronouns, and not worry so much about his future but be open to whatever it may bring. This has encouraged other family members to do the same, and his joy in being acknowledged is so wonderful to behold.
As I said, life changing.
But this audible was so much more than just that. It was so enlightened and informative, and so easy to listen to that I couldn’t wait to find the time to hear more. There was nothing that I didn’t like about it.
I am now going to purchase the book, to delve into the various chapters again and again.
The authors sharing of his own experiences was a book all on its own, never over intrusive but enhanced of the overall pleasure of my learning curve.

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Amazing. Must read for any parent.

Highly recommend this book. Will continue to think about this book for years to come.

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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

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

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

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

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

Singularly compassionate

Andrew Solomon's book is one of the most incredible books I've ever read. The compassion and emotive detail with which he writes allows any reader to identify with and a relate to the extreme and foreign experiences of some of these parent-child relationships.

I listened to an interview he gave in a New Yorker podcast some years ago, which compelled me to buy his book. I am so glad that he chose to narrate this himself- although it takes a little getting used to.

This book improves with each chapter and starts off strong.

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