The Only True Genius in the Family
Book Club Picks

Book Club Picks: Only True Genius

This story combines art and imagery with career and family. The relationships between fathers and daughters, mothers and daughters, and artists are so complex and yet so simple.

Claire is a food photographer that questions her talent and life when her father, a world renowned photographer, passes away. Even though they didn't really have a relationship while he was living, could Claire learn from him after his death? Bailey, Claire's daughter, is a painter and was very close to her grandfather. She is starting to make a name for herself but is struggling with her relationship with her mother. Harrison, Claire's husband and Bailey's father, is the rock that stabilizes the family.

Their interactions and honest feelings make this story an excellent read.

Book Club Picks: Only True Genius Opinion

This book was truly amazing. The stories about the lives of Claire, Bailey, Harrison and the famous Paul Switzer are written so magnificently and with so much depth. As I was reading this, I wanted to take pictures, paint and cook all at the same time. I wanted to indulge my creative side. It was inspiring without meaning to be.

From the mother/ daughter perspective, it was a story of finding oneself as a grown woman, wife, mother and artist at the same time allowing your child to create and be their own person. The ability of a mother to be supportive and not overpowering or jealous was a struggle for Claire that was well-written in the story.

The creative differences and similarities between the artists in this story were described so well that I almost thought this was a work of non-fiction.

Book clubs will find many topics of discussion with this book including: familial relationships, disappointments, jealousy, struggles, artistic inspirations and so much more.

Book Club Picks: Only True Genius Discussion Questions

1. In the book, picture stalking is compared to the act of a bird building its' nest. The birds don't stress about it, they just do it, they don't pick random twigs and materials, their actions are very deliberate. Do you think that this stalking technique can be applied to our everyday lives?
2. Claire was in the midst of a "meltdown" that would transform her mindset. Have you ever experienced anything like that?
3. So many types of relationships were discussed in this book. Compare them to each other and to your own personal relationships.

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