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"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.
“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 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