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.
Wow. Sometimes, the universe does just seem to make a tiny bit of sense. Sometimes. And those moments will indeed take your breath away.
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely message, full of humanity.
ReplyDeleteThe 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
ReplyDeleteMarylinn, that sentence about the world is stunning. Thank you for it.
DeleteAaaahhh. Beautiful. There's your tattoo.
ReplyDeleteGoosebumps and a little tear well-up. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteNow 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.
ReplyDeleteI just picked Far From the Tree up at the library as per your recommendation. The video is awesome.
ReplyDeleteWow! 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThat 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.
ReplyDeleteSmiling and crying here. Thanks for sharing the video. I will look for his book on depression as well.
ReplyDeleteNice, Dr. Aquino - thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi 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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