The Unlikely Village of Eden: A Memoir

"A truly poignant read that shines a light on the humanity in neurodivergence, the heart of parenting, and the soul of psychotherapy."--Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again

A profoundly thought-provoking, funny, and hopeful memoir about adapting when life doesn't go to plan, redefining family, and creating your own path.

One afternoon, Emma Nadler gets a call from her daughter's doctor that changes her life forever. Faced with the realities of raising a child with a rare genetic condition, Nadler must confront her preconceptions of motherhood and her perfectionistic beliefs.With a generous wit and a wide-open mind, Nadler--who also happens to be a psychotherapist--offers a rare window into the unconventional ways she and her family adapt to their improbable path. Every relationship in her life--with herself, her husband, children, friends, and even clients--is reimagined as she navigates the heartbreak and hilarity of her daily life.As she and her husband join the 53 million caregivers in the United States, Nadler wrestles to belong in a society that devalues both caregivers and people with disabilities. She challenges the scripts that mothers should be martyrs, or that self-sacrifice is a necessary component of love. Nadler illustrates the complexity, grief, and joy of living an unexpected life, all with the wisdom of a therapist, the heart of a loving parent, and the ingenuity of a queer woman who refuses to be shackled by cultural expectations.

The Unlikely Village of Eden is an insightful and wholehearted look at the long-ignored realities so many families live with daily. Nadler is a trusted guide who confronts both hope and despair as she gives readers the gift of what it looks like to redefine love, success, family, and community.