Ever felt like the story of parenthood told in the media just doesn’t quite cover all the feels? Well, I’ve been diving into some of the freshest voices in the literary world, and they’re peeling back the curtain on what it really means to build a family today. In the July 7th issue of The New Yorker, four compelling books caught my eye — and they’re unpacking everything from nature’s mysteries to the intimate struggles of being home, loneliness, and friendship.

So what’s the big deal with these books? And why should you care if you’re on a journey toward parenthood — or thinking about it? Here’s what stuck with me:

1. “Is a River Alive?” by Robert Macfarlane — The Pulse of Nature and New Beginnings

Macfarlane’s exploration of rivers as living entities struck me as a metaphor for the flow and unpredictability of fertility journeys. Just like rivers, the path to parenthood isn’t always linear or predictable. Sometimes it feels like you’re swimming upstream, and sometimes the current carries you forward effortlessly.

2. “I’ll Tell You When I’m Home” by Hala Alyan — The Search for Belonging

This book hits home for anyone who’s ever wrestled with what 'home' means, especially on a personal or family level. Parenthood is often linked to ideas of home — but what if home is still being found? Alyan’s writing reminded me how emotional that search can be, especially for those forging families in new, non-traditional ways.

3. “The Doorman” by Chris Pavone — Secrets, Trust, and Unexpected Turns

Pavone’s thriller about hidden truths and trust in close quarters felt like a metaphor for what many couples face behind closed doors when tackling fertility obstacles or family decisions. Sometimes the biggest surprises and challenges come from the people closest to us — or the decisions we make in private.

4. “Among Friends” by Hal Ebbott — Friendship as Family

Ebbott’s focus on friendship as a form of chosen family is incredibly relevant in today’s world. Whether you’re single, LGBTQ+, or using a donor, support networks often become your strongest foundation. Remember, family-building is about community, too.

But here’s the kicker: reading these stories inspired me to think about how tools like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits are changing the parenting landscape in real-time. The emotional rollercoaster these books describe is exactly the kind of journey MakeAMom supports — helping people feel empowered to try alternative conception methods from the comfort of their own homes, whether it's through their CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm or the BabyMaker kit tailored for those with specific sensitivities.

It’s not just about technology or science; it’s about feeling safe, hopeful, and connected through the process. Those plain packages sent discreetly to your door can become the first step toward a dream many thought was out of reach.

Why Does This Matter to You?

Whether you’re just starting to consider alternative pathways to parenthood or have been on this road for a while, these books — and the realities they explore — echo the emotional highs and lows you might already recognize. They remind us that parenthood isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s okay to seek support in unexpected places.

  • Struggling with the fear of failure or judgment?
  • Wondering how to define family on your own terms?
  • Looking for inspiration or a community that ‘gets it’?

You’re not alone.

What Can You Do Next?

  • Dive into stories that resonate: Find books, blogs, or podcasts that reflect diverse parenting journeys.
  • Explore innovative options: Consider at-home insemination kits if traditional clinic visits aren’t your vibe — companies like MakeAMom offer discreet, reusable, and tailored kits that can make conception more accessible.
  • Build your support network: Friends, chosen family, or online communities can be game-changers.

2025 is shaping up to be a year where the emotional health of parenthood finally takes center stage, alongside the science and tech that make family building possible in new ways. These four books are just a snapshot of that shift — an invitation to rethink what home, family, and hope can look like.

If you’ve got a story about your journey or a favorite read that changed your perspective, please share it in the comments. Let’s keep this conversation alive — because every parent to be deserves to feel seen and supported.

For more info on tools that might help you navigate your family-building path, check out this insightful resource on alternative conception methods.