Books Like...
'Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity' by Andrew Solomon is a deep exploration of identity and childhood, focusing on the relationships between parents and children who are different from their families in various ways. The book delves into the concept of horizontal identity, where children have characteristics that are distinct from their parents, and covers a wide range of topics including deafness, disabilities, autism, criminality, and transgender issues. Through poignant stories and insightful interviews, Solomon examines how families cope with these differences and the challenges they face in understanding and accepting their children.
The writing style of 'Far from the Tree' is described as brilliant and compassionate, with Solomon weaving together personal narratives, research, and social theories to offer a nuanced perspective on parenting and identity formation. The book is praised for its thought-provoking content, extensive research, and the author's ability to present complex topics in a compelling and accessible manner, leaving readers with a greater understanding of diversity, acceptance, and the complexities of family relationships.
If you liked Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity, here are the top 100 books to read next:
Andrew Solomon's 'The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression' is a comprehensive exploration of depression, delving into its symptoms, etiology, treatment, and history. Solomon intertwines personal anecdotes of his own struggle with depression with in-depth research, offering insights into different cultural contexts and various facets of the illness. The book is structured like a collection of essays, maintaining a tone of honesty and thoughtfulness throughout, making it a compelling read for those interested in understanding depression.
Solomon's writing style in 'The Noonday Demon' is a blend of psychology, pharmacology, history, and personal experiences, providing a thorough and compassionate look at depression. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the biology and demographics of the disorder to the impact of depression on different communities and individuals. Through a mix of research and memoir, Solomon offers a nuanced perspective on depression, balancing scholarly insights with relatable human experiences, making it a valuable reading experience for those seeking to learn more about the illness.
Depression is the flaw in love. To be creatures who love, we must be creatures who can despair at what we lose, and depression is the mechanism of that despair. When it comes, it degrades one’s self a...'Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us' by Robert D. Hare delves into the chilling realm of psychopathy, exploring the dark and complex nature of individuals lacking empathy and conscience. The book provides real-life examples and insightful analysis, shedding light on the behaviors and impact of psychopaths on society. Hare's writing style is engaging and informative, making a heavy subject readable through anecdotes and recommendations for further reading.
The book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding psychopathy, offering valuable insights into the minds of individuals devoid of empathy and moral compass. Hare navigates through the history of his work, discussing the diagnosis, causes, and treatment of psychopaths. With a focus on distinguishing between sociopaths and psychopaths, the book provides a compelling narrative that educates readers on the complexities of the human psyche and the implications of encountering individuals with psychopathic traits.
I could see the dark blood from Halmea’s mouth trickling down the sheet toward the part of her that was under Hud. I didn’t move or blink, but then Hud was standing up grinning at me; he was buckling ...'Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind' by V.S. Ramachandran is a captivating exploration of the complexities of the human brain. Ramachandran's writing style is conversational and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with his thoughts. The book delves into the mysteries of perception, hallucination, and self-deception, showcasing how the brain processes information and constructs our reality. Through a blend of humor and deeper philosophical views, Ramachandran navigates through a maze of information, pushing readers to ponder the questions he poses about the inner workings of the mind.
A man wearing an enormous bejeweled cross dangling on a gold chain sits in my office, telling me about his conversations with God, the "real meaning" of the cosmos and the deeper truth behind all surf...- #4
Save:'In Sheep's Clothing: Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People' by George K. Simon Jr. is a straightforward and insightful guide that places the responsibility for abusive behavior on manipulative individuals. The book delves into the characteristics and tactics of manipulative people, offering practical advice on identifying and confronting them. Despite its dense writing style, readers find the book to be incredibly helpful in understanding manipulative behaviors and learning how to protect oneself from them.
Understanding the true character of manipulative people is the first step in dealing more effectively with them. In order to know what they're really like, we have to view them within an appropriate c... 'Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science' by Atul Gawande is a collection of essays that delve into the complexities and uncertainties of the medical field. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at theynot-so-glamorous aspects of medicine, exploring topics such as ethical dilemmas, the fallibility of physicians, and the challenges faced by surgeons in their day-to-day practice. Gawande's writing style is engaging and accessible, blending personal experiences with thought-provoking insights into the world of modern medicine.
‘Those who believe, as many of us need to at some time in our lives, that doctors know best will not be pleased to read Atul Gawande’s book. But any Briton brought up on the folk-legends of Doctor in ...'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures' by Anne Fadiman is a poignant exploration of the clash of cultures and beliefs that ensued when a young Hmong girl named Lia was diagnosed with severe epilepsy. Through a mix of storytelling, history, and cultural insights, the author delves into the challenges faced by both the Hmong immigrant family and the California doctors involved in Lia's care. Fadiman skillfully presents the complexities of the situation, shedding light on the misunderstandings, communication failures, and deeply rooted cultural differences that impacted the child's medical treatment.
The narrative of 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down' is structured to provide a comprehensive view of the story, alternating between recounting the history of the Hmong people and detailing Lia's journey through the medical and foster care systems. Fadiman's writing style is empathetic, thought-provoking, and deeply researched, offering readers a glimpse into the struggles faced by both the caregivers and the family as they navigate the complexities of Western medicine and traditional Hmong beliefs in the pursuit of healing for Lia.
If Lia Lee had been born in the highlands of northwest Laos, where her parents and twelve of her brothers and sisters were born, her mother would have squatted on the floor of the house that her fathe...'The Orchid Thief: A True Story of Beauty and Obsession' by Susan Orlean delves into the fascinating world of orchid culture and the people obsessed with these rare flowers. It unravels the true story of John Laroche, a peculiar character involved in the theft of rare orchids in Florida, as well as the history of orchid collectors, plant crimes, and the overall obsession within the orchid subculture. The narrative style of the book is described as a blend of investigative reporting and storytelling, offering a deep dive into the world of orchids and the people who are deeply passionate about them.
“Orlean is a superb tour guide through the loony subculture of Florida’s orchid fanciers, and a writer whose sentences can glow like rare blooms, as when she reports that the air above an orchid swamp..."Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family" by Robert Kolker delves into the heartbreaking story of the Galvin family, consisting of twelve children, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Through the eyes of the family members, readers are taken on a journey of trauma, resilience, and the impact of severe mental illness on each individual. Kolker skillfully intertwines the family's personal struggles with the evolution of schizophrenia treatment from the 1950s to the present, providing a poignant exploration of how the Galvin family coped with the challenges they faced.
The narrative of "Hidden Valley Road" is a compassionate and informative look at the Galvin family's experiences with mental illness, shedding light on the complexities of schizophrenia and the family's contributions to research in the field. weaves together personal accounts of the family members with scientific explanations of schizophrenia, offering a moving portrayal of resilience, struggle, and the quest for understanding in the face of devastating circumstances.
Every so often, in the middle of doing yet another thing she’d never imagined doing, Mimi Galvin would pause and take a breath and consider what, exactly, had brought her to that moment. Was it the ca...- #9
Save:'The Mask of Sanity' by Hervey M. Cleckley delves into the study of psychopaths, providing a pioneering look at previously undiagnosed symptoms, behaviors, attitudes, responses, and actions of psychopaths. is considered a classic in the literature of sociopathy and psychopathy, with Cleckley being one of the first to attempt a systematic description of psychopaths. Through case studies from the forties, Cleckley paints a vivid picture of individuals who exhibit a 'mask of sanity' but lead disordered lives, puzzling those around them. The author's writing style is described as conversational, although some find it slow and dated, lacking information on current research technologies.
The first edition of this book was based primarily on experience with adult male psychopaths hospitalized in a closed institution. Though a great many other psychopaths had come to my attention, most ... Oliver Sacks' book, 'The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales', delves into the fascinating world of neurology through a collection of twenty-four stories describing various patients with neurological disorders. The book covers a wide variety of maladies involving perception, such as individuals who cannot locate parts of their body, those who have lost their sense of balance, and patients with phantom limbs, Tourette's syndrome, and unique memory loss. Sacks narrates these clinical tales with a mix of compassion, humor, and intellect, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human brain and the lives of those affected by these conditions.
The writing style of the book varies from clinical and philosophical to compassionate and humorous, providing an engaging and thought-provoking read. Sacks skillfully combines psychological, philosophical, neurological, and psychiatric views in his narratives, offering a deep exploration of the inner workings of the human mind and the experiences of his patients. Despite some opinions criticizing the medical jargon and outdated language, the book is praised for its ability to blend science with storytelling, creating a captivating account of neurological case studies that leave a lasting impact on readers.
The last thing one settles in writing a book,' Pascal observes, 'is what one should put in first.' So, having written, collected and arranged these strange tales, having selected a title and two epigr...
