Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Far From the Tree and Corragio e Molto Forte



Last night, my dear friend Moye and I went downtown to hear Andrew Solomon discuss his recent masterpiece Far From the Tree. I know that many of you have read the book or at least heard about it, but if you haven't, here's a short video that will warm you up:

* FAR FROM THE TREE - book trailer * from Nick Davis on Vimeo.

Solomon was one of the most charming and articulate speakers that I've ever heard, and both Moye and I were overwhelmed by the enormity of his accomplishment. We bought the book and afterward stood in line to have him sign our copies. I told him that I was the parent of a child with multiple severe disabilities and then I thanked him for connecting so many, for voicing so much, for his kindness and intelligence. As you can see in the above photo, he wrote me a simple message, but it took my breath away.

My father, for years and years and years, has always whispered those words to me or said them aloud: Corragio e Molto Forte

Courage and much strength.

16 comments:

  1. Wow. Sometimes, the universe does just seem to make a tiny bit of sense. Sometimes. And those moments will indeed take your breath away.

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  2. My copy of Far From The Tree got lost in my last move so I haven't read it. I did read his book on Depression, though, which was also masterful. What an incredible mind.

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  3. It is a lovely message, full of humanity.

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  4. The world is in a constant state of quiet deliverance. What may have seemed impossible is anything but. Thank you for what you share with us. xo

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    1. Marylinn, that sentence about the world is stunning. Thank you for it.

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  5. Goosebumps and a little tear well-up. Thank you for this.

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  6. I AGREE ABOUT THE TATTOO!! So, let's recap: This week, we have both named your book and figured out your tattoo. It is a banner week, and only Wednesday!

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  7. Now I have to go see if he is coming to my neck of the woods! I loved that book and am in complete awe of the work he put in to it, not to mention the compassion he wrote it with. I am so pleased you saw him and I love the message he sent to you. Love.

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  8. I just picked Far From the Tree up at the library as per your recommendation. The video is awesome.

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  9. Wow! That video is INCREDIBLE. I am crying here! I met Andrew Solomon years ago when I helped organize a speaking event for him at the NY Times, where I used to work. This was right after The Noonday Demon came out. He was an articulate, kindhearted guy, from what I saw, and his "Far From the Tree" project looks amazing.

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  10. I wish I would have known he was in town. The book is amazing. I'm so glad you went. And I hadn't seen that video - thank you for posting!

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  11. That little girl that says, "I'm lucky too." That. Oh, boy.I love what he wrote in your book. I love that he wrote the book. I love that the book is going big. I just love everything about it.

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  12. Smiling and crying here. Thanks for sharing the video. I will look for his book on depression as well.

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  13. Hi Elizabeth -- I saw that Andrew had posted a link to this piece on his Facebook page and let him know you are one of my favourite people! I've heard him speak twice and he captivates every time. xo

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