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The Other Mothers

Two Women’s Journey to Find the Family That Was Always Theirs
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( 354 ratings, 74 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Other Mothers by Jennifer Berney is a compelling memoir that explores the challenges and triumphs of creating a non-traditional family. It delves into the journey of the author and her partner as they navigate the complex process of conception and parenthood as queer women, highlighting themes of identity, love, and community. Berney's personal narrative offers an intimate look at the joys and obstacles faced while expanding the definition of family.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in personal stories about navigating the challenges of creating a family outside traditional norms. It offers an intimate look at the journey of parenthood through the perspective of a same-sex couple and explores themes of resilience, love, and the complexities of modern family life.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A riveting exploration of one lesbian couple's struggles with fertility and how they navigated a patriarchal medical community to build a family together.

An LGBTQ memoir about one couple's struggles to defy the patriarchy and redefine the nuclear family, The Other Mothers dives into the history and social challenges queer couples face when trying to make a family.

Jenn Berney was one of those people who knew she was destined for motherhoodβ€”it wasn't a question of if, but when. So when she and her wife Kelly decided to start building their family, they took the next logical stepβ€”they went to a fertility clinic. But they soon found themselves entrenched in a medical establishment that didn't know what to do with people like them. With no man factoring into their relationship, doctors were at best embarrassed and at worst disparaging of the couple.

Soon Jenn found herself stepping outside of the system determined to disregard her. Looking into the history of fertility and the LGBTQ+ community, she saw echoes of her own struggle. For decades, queer people have defied the patriarchy and redefined the nuclear familyβ€”and Jenn was walking in their footsteps.

Through the ups and downs of her own journey, Jenn reflects on a turbulent past that has led her to this point and a bright future worth fighting for. With clarity, determination, and hope, The Other Mothers gives us a wonderful glimpse into the many ways we can become family.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Jennifer Berney's The Other Mothers is celebrated for its insightful exploration of queer family-making, weaving in the social context of sperm donation and the personal journey towards parenthood. Reviewers praise the memoir's blend of candid humanity, emotional depth, and generous storytelling, highlighting its value as both a heartfelt personal narrative and a significant commentary on the challenges faced by queer families. The book is acknowledged for its emotive depiction of love, identity, and community, leaving readers uplifted by Berney's determination and love.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781728222837

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Sourcebooks, Inc

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 336

About the Author

JENNIFER BERNEY holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The University of Washington and teaches writing at South Puget Sound Community College. She lives in Seattle.

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