Shortform Books

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.

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