The Broken Cord
The Broken Cord
Book Brief
320
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 1980s
1989
Adult
18+ years
1190L
Super Short Summary
In his 1989 autobiography, The Broken Cord, Michael Dorris, a part-Native American, recounts adopting a three-year-old Native American boy named Adam with fetal alcohol syndrome. As Adam grows, they struggle with his severe health issues and cognitive limitations. Michael's journey includes learning about the impact of fetal alcohol syndrome and advocating for better understanding and support.
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Melancholic
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
1,606 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Broken Cord by Michael Dorris is lauded for its poignant and insightful portrayal of fetal alcohol syndrome and its impact on families. Reviewers praise Dorris’s heartfelt narrative and emotional depth, though some criticize repetitive elements and lack of broader societal context. Overall, it’s a profound and educational read that resonates deeply with many.
Who Should Read The Broken Cord?
A reader who would enjoy The Broken Cord by Michael Dorris is someone interested in poignant, real-life stories dealing with adoption, disability, and Native American culture. Comparable to readers of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls or Half Broke Horses by the same author, they appreciate heartfelt narratives that shed light on social issues.
1,606 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Broken Cord was groundbreaking in raising public awareness about fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and its effects on children's development, a topic that had not been widely discussed before its publication in 1989.
Michael Dorris, the author, was an anthropologist and founder of the Native American Studies program at Dartmouth College, bringing a unique perspective to his writing on Native American issues.
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The book won numerous accolades, including the National Book Critics Circle Award, recognizing its significant impact in both literary and social circles.
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320
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 1980s
1989
Adult
18+ years
1190L
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