The Unlikely Village of Eden: A Memoir

by Emma Nadler

Overview

"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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781949481815
Publisher:	Central Recovery Press, LLC
Publication date:	05/09/2023
Pages:	268
Sales rank:	374,650
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Emma Nadler is an author and psychotherapist. In her private practice, she helps people better understand and tolerate emotions, build deeper relationships, and find meaning in life's challenges. She is passionate about transforming her experience as a parent of a child with disabilities into empathy, compassion, and of course, stories. She lives in Minnesota with her wild, sweet family, including Benny, who is arguably the cutest little dog this side of the Mississippi. 

Editorial Reviews

The Unlikely Village of Eden is a wonderful read: lyrical, funny, heartbreaking, heart-healing, and deeply inspiring. With her writing and her life, Emma Nadler has created a testament to the resiliency of parents, children, friendships, marriage, and every other manifestation of human love.”—Martha Beck, New York Times bestselling author of Expecting Adam and Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found my Faith

“Such a gorgeous book. An honest, difficult, and hopeful look at what it means to create a family.”—Jenny Lawson, New York Times bestselling author of Furiously Happy and Broken (in the Best Possible Way)

“A stunning debut memoir by a gifted writer and psychotherapist. Emma Nadler has written 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 and host of the TED podcast Re:Thinking

"The Unlikely Village of Eden is the undeniable proof that community empathy is how we thrive—and Emma and Eden are guiding lights, showing us how we can create a world that is more compassionate. I wept, I laughed, I felt the strength in her vulnerability as she told this story—I cannot recommend it enough."—Rosanna Arquette, award-winning actress

"As a writer, Emma Nadler expertly masters the ability to convey the full range of her experiences as a mother, wife, friend, therapist, advocate, human. The Unlikely Village of Eden leaves the reader with a greater sense of understanding of families with children with disabilities and, just as importantly, reminds us that humans, especially parents, are more than the sum of their parts."—Justin Vernon, founder and lead singer of Grammy-winning band Bon Iver

"The real gift of this engaging memoir is that Nadler's lessons belong to all of us: letting go of perfection, building community, celebrating our children exactly as they are, and surviving the inevitable trials and disappointments of life."—Christie Tate, bestselling author of Group


“As parents we often feel that we are the sole source of our children’s wellbeing, and when things don’t go to ‘plan,’ we inevitably have to contend with the weight of that responsibility. Emma’s immensely authentic memoir shows that the strive for perfectionism is never the answer, and the gifts of community and connection are what matter most. Her story will touch anyone with the privilege to read it.”—Tina Payne Bryson, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of The Whole-Brain Child and Bottom Line for Baby

“Nadler reveals how beyond our wildest dreams, the right people come into our lives at the right time, as an orchestration, a sacred grand gift by G-d. Right when we think we have hit the bottom, G-d sends another messenger to awaken our mind, heart, and soul. Nadler’s story confirmed that we have sensed perhaps in our hearts, that we are loved, guided, and never alone. That what seems like the worst moment is a knock at the door to Eden."—Dr. Lisa Miller, New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain

“Emma Nadler is the perfect voice—unique, funny, fiercely intelligent—to show that when life doesn’t go to plan, community and connection is the answer. Her memoir should be required reading not just for parents, but for people everywhere.”—Mark Daley, foster child advocate and found of One Iowa

From the Publisher