The Ones We Choose

The Ones We Choose is a wonderfully crafted blend of science and soul … the perfect addition to your summer reading list.The great love of Paige Robson’s life is her son, Miles, whom she conceived using an anonymous sperm donor. An earnest, intense geneticist, Paige has difficulty with the intimacy of adult relationships: forsaken at a young age by her unreliable father, she battles against anyone getting too close to her—even her good-natured lover Liam—because she’s afraid of getting hurt. She also worries about interference with her relationship with her son. Even so, Paige’s life is fulfilling: she enjoys her home life and her (deliberately ironic) career researching the biological underpinnings of paternal attachment.When other children in Miles’s school begin teasing him for not having a father, he struggles with his lack of knowledge, lashing out against Paige for the manner of his conception. As she seeks to expand her knowledge of the donor—Miles’s biological father—Paige uncovers an astonishing coincidence: not only is it possible she knows the donor, but he may be harboring a terrible secret.I got a kick out of the premise of this novel, which was beautifully enhanced by explanations of underlying genetic principles at the beginning of each chapter. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t get want to get bogged down in technical language you won’t miss a crucial plot point by skipping these portions, but if you love the opportunity to soak up some education from your pleasure reading, these sections are for you. They’re engaging, easily understood, and highly enjoyable to read.Now on to the emotional components of the story: before writing this, I took the time to read some of the other reviews posted of this novel and noticed how many people personally identified with Paige. She is fascinating: she’s such a well-drawn, complete personality, and her story is so compelling. I don’t want to say too much here about the assumptions and choices Paige makes because there are some surprising twists in the novel that kept me stuck to the page. As in all great character-driven fiction, I found myself completely immersed in the mind of the protagonist. Paige’s love for her son is the glue that holds the story together; with every page, you sense the longing she has for her little boy to be okay. I could relate to that so much. Clark’s prose is elegant and enticing; she weaves the story together in a way that feels effortless, but as a writer I know how difficult it is to captivate readers in this way. It’s suspenseful too: trust me, you will be desperate to reach the end of the book to find out what happens.

AUGUST 2020 (2018 Published) : 4 STARS. The powerful forces of science and family collide when geneticist Paige Robson finds her world in upheaval. Her 8 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. Fate thrusts the anonymous donor she used into their lives.First book by this author for me was The Last Flight (2020) which I gave 4 stars and then bought this book immediately and jumped-in. I hear this book has been picked-up for a movie. I really liked the scientific genetic info at the end of each chapter that's presented in a simplified way; easy to understand. I enjoyed the emotional journey with Paige & Miles. The info about DNA and inheritance continuing to form our future was very enlightening. My father's been gone for 34 years yet I think I understand him better now after reading this book thanks to you, Julie Clark. Thank you ! Funny side note, my father's last name was Clark! Coincidence ? maybe not. Can't wait to see the movie.

This book was better than I thought it woud be. It is deep and well written!

It’s hard to believe that this was the author’s first novel. It’s very well structured and paced, and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters are well developed, although I would have liked for Aaron to appear in more of the story’s events. I found everyone’s behaviors and choices to be realistic, which added a lot of sense and sensibility to the story. I encourage you to read this if you enjoy books that explore human relationships and the choices we might make in order to maintain and hold close those people.

Great book, interesting story and characters were enjoyable. Enjoyed the scientific facts as well as the storyline. Keep up the good work Julie!!!!

The book was filled with to much genetic/science. I would have enjoyed it more if all of that was left out. If I wanted to read a nonfiction science book, I would have done that. I loved all the other books i read of this author.

I am still reeling from the effects of reading this book in one day. Incredibly insightful and intensely painful, because I can relate to so much of what was going on in Paige's life. I know I learned something as a result of reading this book, as difficult as it was at times.In case you see this, I want to thank you, Julie. It's the third of your books that I've read. I hope that you write many more.

Fascinating story about a woman, Paige, who choose to use a donor to start her family. Her son Miles is the main person in her life along with her career as a genetics. Miles who is eight now is starting to show interest in who is donor father is. The adventure begins for both Paige and Miles. I recommend the book 100%.

This was a well written book, I enjoyed the read.

Absolutely loved this book! The story is interweaves with science and keep you entertained until the last page. Read it!!

The Ones We Choose is a very engaging and interesting read. The story line is unique and full of many great plot twists. I can’t believe this is Julie’s debut novel! I hope she writes more!!!

Wonderful and engaging story.