text: Booktopia - Far from the Tree, Parents, children and the search for identity by Andrew Solomon, 9780099460992. Buy this book online.
  Sometimes your child – the most familiar person of all – is radically different from you. The saying goes that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. But what happens when it does?
  'Andrew Solomon's investigation of many of the most intense challenges that parenthood can bring compels us all to re-examine how we understand human difference. Perhaps the greatest gift of this monumental book, full of facts and full of feelings, is that it constantly makes one think, and think again.' Philip Gourevitch
  'Reading Far from the Tree is a mind-opening experience.' Eric Kandel
  Elegantly reported by a spectacularly original thinker, Far From The Tree explores themes of generosity, acceptance and tolerance – and shows how love for one's children can transcend every prejudice. This crucial and revelatory book expands our definition of what it is to be human.
  'A brave and ambitious work, bringing together science, culture and a powerful empathy. Solomon tells us that we have more in common with each other – even with those who seem anything but normal – than we would ever have imagined.' Malcolm Gladwell
  I heard the author interviewed and it was so engaging I bought the book. It hasn't disappointed. The author looks closely at many conditions and circumstances that will challenge parents. It is honest and delves deeply into areas that we often don't discuss. I have found some chapters have not engaged me as much as others but that is probably a reflection of my interests rather than the authors efforts. Despite that I highly recommend the book and have already lent it to a friend.
  This book will change the way you relate to yourself, the world and others. It is disturbing and yet profoundly uplifting. Solomon presents humanity in all its shades, colours and tempers. Here we have the best and the worst of us articulated.
  "The tales Solomon returns with, of profound disability and extreme differences overcome, make it a bible of empathy and inclusion" -- Cressida Connolly * Spectator * "Andrew Solomon's Far From The Tree is a prodigious, illuminating book about the challenge of being a parent - especially when children are out of the ordinary" -- Tim Adams * Observer * "Life-affirming, thought provoking and highly readable, the book was compiled over 10 years of interviews and I found it deeply moving" -- Kate Kellaway * Observer * "Many accounts are desperately moving, but Solomon goes far beyond cheap pity... The book is an exquisite written study of parental love - as well as "a how-to manual for receptivity"" -- Kerry Hudson * Herald * "[A] magnificent study of disability and identity differences" -- Susannah Meadows * New York Times * "This wise book is a careful and surprising study of difference between parent and child and how it shapes our lives" -- Stephen Grosz * Sunday Telegraph * "For anyone struggling with decisions over parenting, it's an affirming reminder that there is no such thing as "normal"" -- Femke Colborne * Big Issue in the North * "Parents - especially mothers - are the heroes of this book, many of them describing with extraordinary absence of self-pity how they have coped with almost unimaginable adversity" -- Dominic Lawson * Sunday Times * "Solomon really makes you think... Uniquely brilliant" -- William Leith * Evening Standard * "Beautiful" * The Times *