The Unlikely Village of Eden

“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