Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon: Book Overview

A woman with gray hair and a sweater in a cozy setting reading a book

What does it mean when the apple falls far from the tree? How do families adapt when their children have identities that differ significantly from what they expected? In his book Far From the Tree, Andrew Solomon explores families raising children with horizontal identities—traits that make children fundamentally different from their parents. Through interviews with over 300 families, Solomon examines how parents navigate raising children who are different. Keep reading to discover how parents can move from confusion to acceptance and how both understanding and practical support help exceptional children thrive.

Parenting and Gender Identity: Put Expectations Aside

A father and teenage daughter having a serious conversation illustrates parenting and gender identity

What does it mean when your child’s gender identity differs from their sex at birth? How can parents best respond to a child expressing gender variance or identifying as transgender? In Far From the Tree, Andrew Solomon explores the complexities of parenting and gender identity. He contends that a child’s gender identity requires understanding and acceptance. Solomon emphasizes the importance of creating safe environments where children can express their authentic selves. Read on to dive deeper into how parents can navigate these important conversations.

Parenting a Child With a Disability: Illness vs. Identity

A sketch of a mother and a child wearing glasses illustrates parenting a child with a disability

What does it mean to value a life beyond its capabilities or perceived “normalcy”? How can parents navigate both accepting their child’s identity while seeking appropriate support for their disability? In Far From the Tree, Andrew Solomon explores the complex intersection between illness and identity when parenting a child with a disability. He presents a nuanced view that balances the medical model of disability with the social model that recognizes disability as both a natural variation and a socially constructed experience. Keep reading to discover how parents can embrace their child’s unique identity while advocating for a more inclusive world.

Horizontal Identities: What Sets Us Apart (Andrew Solomon)

A young man in a wheelchair in a park illustrates horizontal identities

How do certain traits become meaningful parts of our identity? Why do some differences from our parents shape how we see ourselves while others don’t? Andrew Solomon explores the distinction between traits we get from our parents (vertical identities) and those that set us apart from them (horizontal identities). This framework helps us understand how families navigate unexpected differences and how people develop a sense of self when they differ significantly from their parents. Keep reading to discover how horizontal identities affect both parents and children and how families can embrace differences rather than trying to “fix” them.

My Child Is Different: How to Parent Exceptional Children

A mother and a teenager (who's wearing a T-shirt with a pride flag on it) illustrates parenting exceptional children

What’s it like to raise a child with a completely different identity from your own? How can parents navigate the complex emotions and practical challenges that come with raising exceptional children? In Far From the Tree, psychologist Andrew Solomon examines “horizontal identities”—traits that exceptional children have that their parents don’t share or expect. He explores how parents face the dual challenges of understanding unfamiliar differences and overcoming the desire for their children to fit conventional definitions of “normal.” If you’ve ever said, “My child is different,” continue reading to find strategies for parenting exceptional children and to see how this

Liberated Relationships: adrienne maree brown on Mutual Freedom

A couple (man and woman) looking at each other lovingly illustrates liberated relationships

What does it mean to have liberated relationships in today’s world? How can pleasure activism transform the way we connect with partners, friends, and family members? In her book Pleasure Activism, adrienne maree brown explores how relationships can become sources of genuine empowerment and joy rather than obligation. Her framework for liberated relationships encourages honest communication, mutual freedom, and the celebration of each person’s needs. Keep reading to discover practical ways to create more fulfilling connections that honor both your desires and those of the people you love.

Is Therapy Bad for Kids? 5 Reasons Why Abigail Shrier Says Yes

A child sitting in a chair wondering if therapy is bad for kids

Can child therapy actually damage family relationships? Is therapy bad for kids, in general? In Bad Therapy, Abigail Shrier argues that while mental health treatments aim to help children, treating them when it isn’t necessary can cause unintended harm. She discusses five ways therapy can damage young people. Below we’ll look at the five negative consequences of therapy for kids, according to Shrier.

3 Ways Therapy Contributes to Overly Emotional Children

An overly emotional child crying over a broken toy

Do you have an overly emotional child? How does therapy cause children to obsess over their emotions? In therapy, children often reflect on and share their emotions, and parents and educators regularly check on how kids feel. However, Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier argues that constantly asking children how they feel teaches them to see their emotions as overly important. Keep reading to learn why therapy negatively impacts a child’s emotional intelligence.

How to Raise Resilient Children: 2 Tips for Parents

A father trying to raise a resilient child by talking to them after a bike accident

Do you want your child to be more independent? How can you be an authoritative parent? In Bad Therapy, Abigail Shrier says modern parenting has become too dependent on experts and interventions. To raise more resilient children, Shrier encourages parents to trust their instincts instead of relying on expert opinions. Read below to learn how to raise resilient children who don’t need to be coddled.

Authoritative Parenting Benefits: Raising Capable Children

An authoritative parent disciplining their child at home

What’s authoritative parenting? What are the upsides of parenting with discipline and rules? Abigail Shrier explains that modern parenting has become overly permissive and therapeutic. She encourages parents to adopt a more authoritative parenting style—an approach that combines love with clear rules, high standards, and consistent discipline. Continue reading to learn the authoritative parenting benefits that both you and your child can experience.