Announcing Our Book Corner
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When I first started reading "Far From the Tree" by Andrew Solomon, it seemed I might not finish – both because of the sheer size of the book and my objection to his initial ideas. Solomon takes on society's notion of differences by focusing on what is the same rather than what is different. My resistance rose when Solomon suggested that as some children grow up, they grow stronger through their identification with those who are similar rather than by remaining children of their parents. I know how important family is, and this idea ran counter to my thinking until I realized the truth in Solomon's words.
I see culture, in the vibrancy of Vancouver's West End and the community of the downtown East Side. I see people starkly different from their parents finding their identity with others who are alike. Through hundreds of interviews, Solomon uncovers the rich cultures of many groups, such as children of rape, prodigies, transgender people, and persons living with schizophrenia just to name some of the unique identities he identifies in his book. This book redefines multiculturalism and Solomon's empathetic approach to each group drew me in and allowed me to feel at one with people I may previously have thought I had little in common with other than our shared humanity. Solomon combines power and empathy in a sensitive portrayal of the cultural groups he discusses in this book, "Far From the Tree."
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