Books like The Gift of Fear?

[Anonymous]

I read it years ago and wanted to give it an go again but it’s not available on Libby or Spotify, where I read/listen to audiobooks. So I’m looking for titles similar to that, or in the same vein. Just about human nature, something interesting that affects all of us.

[Anonymous]

I thought Far From the Tree, by Andrew Solomon, was a masterpiece. It's non-fiction about various families where a child in the family is so very different from the parents in various ways. (Like the apple has fallen far from the tree . . . )

The book covers some extraordinary families and life experiences - I found it deep and thought-provoking, even now, 10 years after I read it. And it's straight up interesting. Solomon does a great job of connecting with each family and sharing their stories with profound empathy in all directions.

If I remember correctly, each section can be read on its own, but the true beauty of the book is how he highlights the common threads from families who on the surface seem very different.

One caveat: It's quite long, and the author speaks rather slowly on the audio version, so I remember bumping the speed up to 1.2 or so, which brought it to a more typical pace, at least to my ear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought Far From the Tree, by Andrew Solomon, was a masterpiece. It's non-fiction about various families where a child in the family is so very different from the parents in various ways. (Like the apple has fallen far from the tree . . . )

The book covers some extraordinary families and life experiences - I found it deep and thought-provoking, even now, 10 years after I read it. And it's straight up interesting. Solomon does a great job of connecting with each family and sharing their stories with profound empathy in all directions.

If I remember correctly, each section can be read on its own, but the true beauty of the book is how he highlights the common threads from families who on the surface seem very different.

One caveat: It's quite long, and the author speaks rather slowly on the audio version, so I remember bumping the speed up to 1.2 or so, which brought it to a more typical pace, at least to my ear.

Thanks so much!

Wow! It’s 41 hours long! This is actually perfect because it sounds really interesting and will take me through the week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought Far From the Tree, by Andrew Solomon, was a masterpiece. It's non-fiction about various families where a child in the family is so very different from the parents in various ways. (Like the apple has fallen far from the tree . . . )

The book covers some extraordinary families and life experiences - I found it deep and thought-provoking, even now, 10 years after I read it. And it's straight up interesting. Solomon does a great job of connecting with each family and sharing their stories with profound empathy in all directions.

If I remember correctly, each section can be read on its own, but the true beauty of the book is how he highlights the common threads from families who on the surface seem very different.

One caveat: It's quite long, and the author speaks rather slowly on the audio version, so I remember bumping the speed up to 1.2 or so, which brought it to a more typical pace, at least to my ear.

Thanks so much!

Wow! It’s 41 hours long! This is actually perfect because it sounds really interesting and will take me through the week.

Right?! It's a massive book! I hope you enjoy it - report back.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Far from the Tree. It’s a book that stays with you for a long time. The author’s empathy for all the families just jumps off the page.

[Anonymous]

I can’t really compare any book to Gift of Fear. But I agree Far from the tree is fantastic book that stays with you. That said, I have heard that people with some described conditions were not happy.

[Anonymous]

The Sociopath Next Door
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