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The Ones We Choose: A Novel

by Julie Clark

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingMentions
10111248,902 (3.69)2
"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 Paige Robson, a genetic scientist whose life's work examines why some fathers can't bond with their children, finds her 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' paternity threatens to destroy everything she has grown to cherish. And when tragedy strikes, Paige must face the consequences of sharing a secret only she knows. 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. 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"--… (more)
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» See also 2 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 11 (next | show all)
Makes epigenetics relatable. ( )
  cathy.lemann | Mar 21, 2023 |
Family Challenges and Keep on Going Back to Try Again

Or is this book about DNA? I was glad there were no preachy ethics. The second book I've read by this author, who has a style that holds your interest with mastery of character, plot, and suspense. I was surprised she did not have a DNA background, - she's just been a smart 5th grade teacher - like me. Readable and feel good ending without total sappiness. ( )
  WiserWisegirl | Dec 2, 2022 |
Family Challenges and Keep on Going Back to Try Again

Or is this book about DNA? I was glad there were no preachy ethics. The second book I've read by this author, who has a style that holds your interest with mastery of character, plot, and suspense. I was surprised she did not have a DNA background, - she's just been a smart 5th grade teacher - like me. Readable and feel good ending without total sappiness. ( )
  WiserWisegirl | Dec 2, 2022 |
A fast read that focused on genetics and the mystery it holds. Paige has a child via a sperm donor. Her son Miles never fits in.
Not knowing who is "real" father is presents many psychological problems for Miles.

Touching upon the problems that may result from sperm donation, and the resulting unknown DNA problems that can result.

A quick, worthwhile read. The book held interest to me. I am the mother of a 39 year old child who who was adopted when she was two.

Five years ago, she developed thyroid cancer, and survived. I never knew that she carried such problematic feelings about her "real" mother. Her statement that she developed cancer because her mother didn't take care of her when she was a baby, and she was malnourished, led me to know that she harbors a lot of questions.

I offered to help her locate her biological mother, she refused. We were able to talk and sort through a lot of her feelings, including the fact that because she does not know her gene pool she will always blame "them" when she has serious health issues. ( )
  Whisper1 | Nov 2, 2021 |
I thought this book was completely predictable. Paige has a child via a sperm donor. She protects her son, Miles, from other children who make fun of him for not having a ‘real dad’. He begs Paige for info on his father.
When Miles meets another boy and his dad who share his love of science, he becomes a new boy, and is much happier. Then tragedy strikes.
The book examines the anonymity of sperm donors and a a result, the genetics that may be unknown to the children of these donors. ( )
  rmarcin | Jul 30, 2021 |
Showing 1-5 of 11 (next | show all)
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Epigraph
Genome
Just as astronomers have mapped the night sky, geneticists have mapped the human genome, the strands of DNA telling your story through every cell in your body. But it's not just your story; the human genome is rich with thousands of years of history, passed down from mothers and fathers to sons and daughters. Those who have come before you live inside you, shaping who you are.
Secrets drift through time, your identity whispering like a feather across your cells. Nearly three billion particles, thirty thousand genes, the microscopic world cracked open as wide as the cosmos, reminding you of who came before and pointing toward who will come next.
Dedication
To Alex and Ben, who remind me every day that I'm braver and stronger than I ever imagined.

And to Sharon, for lighting the way from above.
First words
If loneliness were a color, it would be the deep purple of my eight-year-old's shirt as he walks solitary laps around the school track.
Quotations
People only want to live with lies of their own creation.
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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"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 Paige Robson, a genetic scientist whose life's work examines why some fathers can't bond with their children, finds her 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' paternity threatens to destroy everything she has grown to cherish. And when tragedy strikes, Paige must face the consequences of sharing a secret only she knows. 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. 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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