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The Ones We Choose centers around Paige Robson, a genetic scientist focused on discovering the genetic basis for paternal empathy. Her personal life is complicated by her upbringing. Paige has always felt the absence of her father, leading her to research genetics, possibly in an attempt to understand why her father left and how much of our personality is determined by genetics.

This was really interesting because it got into a lot of ethical issues about using a donor for pregnancy and how this can effect the children and parents after the fact. Very strong writing and topic even though a little bit hard to believe in spots.

Paige is very relatable as she struggles with how to handle the questions her son (conceived via an anonymous sperm donor) has about his dad while she tries to reconcile her feelings towards her own father and how their strained relationship has affected her life. The intricacies of her story are so relevant with today‘s genetic advances and readily available DNA tests, but the twist that brings the donor into their lives is a bit farfetched.

3.5/5

It took me a while to get into this one. It wasn‘t a long read but it seemed to drag for me. I still think it brought up some interesting discussion topics and I think it would be great for a book club to read.
Do I regret reading it? No
Will I remember it? Probably certain aspects
Would I recommend it? To certain people, maybe.

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...

"This is what they don‘t tell you at the sperm bank, as you sit in a small office with your genetic counselor, thinking you can pick a donor and then forget about him. That someday, you might find yourself hiding inside a tent at a camping warehouse, trying to explain to your son why you dropped him into a fatherless life. ... [E]ven when you know who your dad is, there are still thousands of ways he can fail you." #JulieClark #NetGalley