Lisa Genova meets 23andMe in this exploration of the genetic and emotional ties that bind, as debut author Julie Clark delivers a compelling read about a young boy desperate to find his place in this world, a mother coming to terms with her own past, and the healing power of forgiveness. The powerful forces of science and family collide when geneticist Paige Robson finds her world in upheaval: … world in upheaval: Her eight-year-old son Miles is struggling to fit in at his new school and begins asking questions about his biological father that Paige can’t answer–until fate thrusts the anonymous donor she used into their lives.
Paige’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel as the truth of Miles’s paternity threatens to destroy everything she has grown to cherish. As Paige slowly opens herself up–by befriending an eccentric mother, confronting her own deeply buried vulnerabilities, and trying to make sense of her absent father’s unexpected return–she realizes breakthroughs aren’t only for the lab. But when tragedy strikes, Paige must face the consequences of sharing a secret only she knows.
With grace and humor, Julie Clark shows that while the science is fascinating, solving these intimate mysteries of who we are and where we come from unleashes emotions more complex than the strands of DNA that shape us.
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I loved the characters, I loved the story and really enjoyed all the information on DNA and genetics, which hits every family in some way or another.
Enjoyable read. Well researched. Touched on current issues between ananymous sperm donors and the current trend toward dna testing.
Loved this story! The author develops a great storyline and the genetics information blurbs at the end of each chapter are a plus. I highly recommend this book!
This book was really good. Not predictable, well written and an interesting read. Kept thinking I was reading a biography.
This is a skillfully written book about the family we have and the family we choose. The complications will keep you interested until the last page.
A very contemporary topic handled beautifully, plus all of the scientific information provided. If not familiar with this topic, the story makes it very real
Loved this book! Didn’t want to put it down. Definitely would read more from this author.
A unique marriage of love and science, Julie Clark’s powerful debut The Ones We Choose proves family is what we make it. Poignant and captivating, this is a read-in-one-sitting story!
A novel with a wonderfully smart and strong protagonist, Julie Clark’s debut The Ones We Choose is an impressive and surprising combination of hard science and raw emotion. In this absorbing story of friendship, parenting, and the intensity of the sibling bond, Clark reveals how messy family life can be and how the mess itself might be of great value. An engaging read!
I was so impressed by this intelligent, heart-tugging, and ingeniously crafted debut.
Clark weaves the science of genetics into a timely and gripping story about single mom Paige, her gifted, lonely son Miles, and their circle of family & friends. Without giving too much away, the twists in this book kept me turning pages at all hours (I read it in 2 1/2 days), and I empathized with Paige every step of the way as she fought to protect Miles and preserve their family. Even the most minor characters are drawn so vividly, and the Santa Monica setting feels completely authentic.
I’ve already recommended this one to friends looking for a smart vacation read. Fantastic novel!!