5 Surprising Insights from July’s Most Talked-About Books on Life, Home, and Connection

Have you ever thought about what makes a place feel like home or what lies beneath the surface of our everyday connections? This past month, The New Yorker reviewed several captivating books that do exactly that—peeling back layers of life’s intricate tapestry to reveal truths we often overlook.

The July 7, 2025 issue highlighted four remarkable reads: Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane, I’ll Tell You When I’m Home by Hala Alyan, The Doorman by Chris Pavone, and Among Friends by Hal Ebbott. While diverse in narrative style and genre, these books collectively explore themes that resonate profoundly with anyone on the journey of building a family or seeking meaningful connections.

What Can These Books Teach Us About Connection and Home?

• The Vitality of Nature and Connection - Is a River Alive? Robert Macfarlane challenges our conventional understanding of what it means for something to be alive. By contemplating a river’s existence, he invites us to reconsider how deeply intertwined humans are with nature. For anyone navigating the emotional and physical tolls of fertility and family-building, this connection to something larger can be profoundly grounding.

• The Quest for Belonging – I’ll Tell You When I’m Home Hala Alyan’s narrative delves into the meaning of home, particularly in the context of displacement and identity. The emotional complexity she uncovers is a powerful reminder that “home” is often not just a physical place but a state of emotional and psychological security—a truth that echoes for couples and individuals working towards creating nurturing environments for their future children.

• Unseen Guardians and Quiet Support – The Doorman Chris Pavone’s thrilling narrative about a doorman’s mysterious role behind the scenes is a metaphor for the unseen helpers in our own stories. In fertility journeys, support often comes from unexpected places—friends, community, or even at-home solutions that quietly make an enormous difference.

• The Power of Friendship – Among Friends Hal Ebbott explores the dynamics that define our closest relationships. This reminds us of the vital role community and friendship play through the ups and downs of family building, offering emotional resilience and hope.

Why Does This Matter for Your Family Journey?

You might be wondering: How does literature like this connect with the very real, very practical steps of growing a family? The answer lies in understanding the holistic nature of family-building—it’s not just biology but also emotional landscapes, the places we inhabit, and the relationships we nurture.

For example, at-home fertility tools provide privacy and control over your environment, making the concept of “home” central to your experience. Companies like MakeAMom embody this ethos, offering discreet, reusable insemination kits tailored to varied needs—from low motility sperm to conditions like vaginismus—enabling hopeful parents to embrace their journey in the comfort and security of their own space.

Bridging Emotional Insight and Practical Solutions

• Embrace the Emotional Journey: Reflect on what home and connection mean to you personally. Are there ways to cultivate these feelings during your fertility journey?

• Consider At-Home Options: If clinic visits aren’t ideal, innovations in at-home insemination (like those offered by MakeAMom) can provide an empowering alternative.

• Build Your Support Network: Just like in Among Friends, lean on trusted relationships to bolster your mental and emotional wellness.

• Stay Curious and Open: Life’s unexpected lessons often come from the most surprising places—whether through a river’s flow or a doorman’s secret watchfulness.

Final Thoughts

July’s literary offerings remind us that family-building is about much more than biology—it’s a profound journey of connection, identity, and belonging. As you navigate your path, consider not just the medical or technical aspects, but also the deeper emotional currents that shape your experience.

Have you discovered surprising sources of strength or insight on your family-building journey? Share your stories and favorite reads with us in the comments!

For those interested in exploring innovative, discreet, and cost-effective at-home insemination options, MakeAMom’s range of kits is a valuable resource designed with diverse needs in mind.

And for a deeper dive into these thought-provoking books, check out the full New Yorker review here.