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char_a_lot_te's review
5.0
I read the young adult version.
Regardless, beautiful piece about differences and love but isn't afraid to be honest either. I learnt quite a bit
Regardless, beautiful piece about differences and love but isn't afraid to be honest either. I learnt quite a bit
hepalmer's review against another edition
5.0
This is an absolutely extraordinary book. Absolutely loved it. A difficult read at times - about difference, diversity, different types of ability. But mostly about families, love, hardship, joy. Learnt a lot about different communities - the social scientist geek in me loved it. The mother in me is grateful for my own family. Highly recommended. Will be re-reading.
bluestarfish's review against another edition
4.0
I brought this book up in conversation several times when I was reading it with a whole variety of people as it is such an interesting subject for research and lent itself to discussion on a whole manner of things. The amount of research gone into this book (interviewing hundreds of families over a decade) is impressive and Andrew Solomon's skill at interviewing people and getting them to share their family's, or their own, story allows for the most interesting parts of the book. Each chapter focuses on a different difference some of which I knew more about and others where I learnt a lot. (I was astounded to learn that the Holland story was written by a real person and not just an internet thing!) Love is amazing. I was also really depressed at times reading this about the lack of support some families and individuals face: hard work being made even harder. But people are amazing. I didn't always agree with everything Andrew Solomon was saying, nor would I expect to in such a massive tome covering so many different subjects, but kudos for raising as many questions as he did and providing a fascinating read.
mmhatton06's review
3.0
too long of book do have entered into goodreads, but read like a novel. I wanted something anecdotal and this was perfect. good book for anyone that knows someone who is different.
hollmarie's review
4.0
I'm not sorry I read this book, even though it gave me new worry lines. Each chapter taught me new things, forced me to consider new perspectives, and gave me new insight - whether I wanted it or not. It also made me uncomfortable. I do think that issues of class and poverty are missing in some of these discussions, but I suppose the book doesn't intend to be comprehensive. It paints a compelling picture of parenthood, expectations, illness and disability, and one I won't soon forget.
sevenworlds's review
5.0
I am undoubtedly a more understanding, resilient, and better person for having read this book. Yes, it took months to read (carrying around and holding up an almost 1,000 page book was a deterrent, and things went much more quickly once I switched to the e-book), and the narrative was a little disjointed at times, but these are trifles. This book was quite an undertaking and I think Solomon achieved what he set out to do, and much more.
Although it is stunningly heartbreaking, the stories of almost every family in the book inspire a precious hope, and they have enriched my life. No book has brought me even a fraction of the enlightenment and done more to tamper down my reflexive, uninformed, judgement as this one has. Highly recommended, not just for any parent, but for any human.
Although it is stunningly heartbreaking, the stories of almost every family in the book inspire a precious hope, and they have enriched my life. No book has brought me even a fraction of the enlightenment and done more to tamper down my reflexive, uninformed, judgement as this one has. Highly recommended, not just for any parent, but for any human.
marabuckeye's review
5.0
This book will expand one’s humanity. The author has spent no short of a decade following roughly 500 people who live extraordinary lives. He tells their evolving stories and holds space for them. It never feels as though the author judges a decision or life, his job is simply to give us readers the opportunity to see it in all its depth.
A life can be extraordinary for many reasons, but likely no one will experience all the sections in first person. This book gives an extensive experience of what a life lived through crime, autism, rape, Down Syndrome, prodigies, Dwarfs, schizophrenia, and transgender are truly like. I so appreciate the courage of all those who shared their stories.
A life can be extraordinary for many reasons, but likely no one will experience all the sections in first person. This book gives an extensive experience of what a life lived through crime, autism, rape, Down Syndrome, prodigies, Dwarfs, schizophrenia, and transgender are truly like. I so appreciate the courage of all those who shared their stories.