Fertility

by Denise Gelberg

It seems a perfect match: Sarah Abadhi, an infertile workaholic attorney with no hope or expectation of marriage and babies, and Rick Smith, a driven PICU doctor who’s allergic to commitment. After meeting on a high-profile malpractice case, they spend five perfect months together, but things are brought to a screeching halt when Sarah inexplicably becomes pregnant. After they part company, the unexpected pregnancy drives them to cultivate the barren landscapes of their interior lives.

Set in contemporary New York City, Fertility will appeal to readers who enjoy curling up with a complex love story — one where the two protagonists have to dig deep within themselves to overcome the hand they’ve been dealt. An excellent choice for women’s book groups.

Genres: Fiction, Romance

358 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2012

About the author

Denise Gelberg pivoted to writing fiction after a long career in teaching and research. Her first book, The "Business" of Reforming American Schools (SUNY Press) was based on her doctoral work at Cornell. As a meticulous researcher, the prospect of creating an entire world out of whole cloth seemed to verge on the impossible. But that's exactly what she did in her debut novel, FERTILITY, which tells the story of a sterile, workaholic attorney whose life is changed by a medical malpractice case. Her second novel, ENGAGEMENT, provides a window into the complexities of the Iraq War as seen through the eyes of a quixotic young second lieutenant and his far more dubious wife.

Call it a holdover from her researching days, Gelberg continues to do the legwork needed to get the facts right. Whether the story revolves around medical malpractice or military operations, her protagonists' trials mirror those of contemporary life.

Her latest book, Lucky Girl: A Novel, is based on the role luck plays in an individual's life, particularly how misfortune can sometimes lead a person down a better path.

Denise Gelberg is available to visit bookclubs, either virtually or in-person, if the distance from her Central NYS home isn't too great.

Readers can visit Denise Gelberg's Facebook page or her webpage - http://denisegelberg.forpr.net/. She can be followed on Twitter or contacted at denisegelberg@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Susan Sarabasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 6 stars I would.
So well written. Interesting, engaging and gripping. Not your average story either.
Much of it takes place in a NYC hospital where the main characters either work or serve as counsel.
Incredible research must have been done about neonatals, pediatrics, orthopedics and nursing.
But it’s really about people and their interactions, not their work.
The Yiddish phrases are a bonus.

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, surprisingly, really liked this book. Once again, another terrible cover for a good book. My wife couldn't believe I was going to read this when she saw it - really the cover looks like something that was done in the 90s on a computer for a beginners graphics class. All that aside, the book itself really hit home for me. I think one of the primary reasons is that I connected with the situation. I have a new son and can't imagine my life without him and my wife. I would do anything for her and as such I'm in much the same situation. The book also started out with an incident that really drew me into the book. While this isn't the standard type of book I read, it was still an enjoyable book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compulsive read. It was hard to put this book down, and I found myself thinking, “just one more chapter.” But Gelberg does not let the reader rest, she spins onward with her tale like a caffeine junky. In about 300 pages she packs a lifetime of changes. Her life-affirming story seems especially timely in this time of political upheaval, for her characters are changeable and many wishes are fulfilled, albeit with greatly disturbing triggers. The last time I had this much difficulty putting a book down was when I read The Marathon Man by William Goldman. Fertility is a different kind of book, part mystery (in terms of culpability), part romance; all breathless.

[Daniel Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was my 2nd grade teacher, but what I got was a book that really brought characters to life, and very clearly tells many stories about predominantly the protagonists. It brushes with danger many times, and I won't give spoilers.

[Sharon Mier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise Gelberg's novel, Fertility, moved me in a profound way. There were moments that made my heart race just like a great movie or work of art. But what kept me turning the pages (reading the entire book in one weekend), was the way in which layer upon layer of meanings, connections, and moments of happenstance brought her characters together. Whether one believes in a predetermined fate, or just the sheer randomness of people's interconnectedness, the trajectory of her story readily captures the serendipitous nature of life's great sorrows and great joys.
The title, Fertility, speaks to the deep understanding Ms. Gelberg seems to have of the inner workings of what it takes to survive lives that unfold. One has a sense of personally knowing the characters and equally understanding them more fully through the layers of family histories, which Ms. Gelberg weaves seamlessly into her story. I heartily recommend this lovely book!
srm

[Cheryl Altman · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, full disclosure....Denise is my cousin, so I am thrilled to ponder that we may share some DNA! Her brilliance was never a question, but who knew she could create a work of fiction which draws characters who are so deeply real, that we want to follow their lives beyond the final page? After all, they have become our beloved friends. Set in the present, this "slice of life" becomes the reader's own. We look through the eyes, hearts, and minds of soulful, intelligent, individuals (who are also colleagues, friends and family members), as they navigate life; and we come to know them intimately. Through their traumas and blessings we come to see their integrity and connectedness. In so doing, we come to know our own!

[Elsa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting story about two bright, young professionals who have been as damaged by the modern world as they have been successful. Gelberg's painstaking attention to detail and rich character development make this book nearly impossible to put down as the characters come to life. Time and time again the characters enable good to come of the hardships and tragedy they experience. We are allowed to see how small mistakes or missteps can alter the course of a life forever. This is a story that will stay with you long after reading the last page.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fertility: A Novel is quite a page turner! After downloading Gelberg's ebook to my iPhone, I read it every chance I got, even in my kayak when I stopped for lunch! I loved that Yiddish words were infused throughout the novel. I felt like I really got to know and care about the characters. The relationships and the excitement of the events were totally engrossing. Gelberg is a top-notch storyteller!

[Bernice Gelberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Fertility : A Novel and am still thinking about the characters. They have become part of me because they are so well drawn and compelling. Ms. Gelberg is a gifted writer who immediately pulls the reader into the story by setting the scene and keeping the plot moving. I was never bored. This first novel is well researched in the fields of medicine and law. It gives us hope that people can do the right thing in difficult circumstances and miracles do happen. I eagerly anticipate the prequel or sequel and of course the film adaptation.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this book... I read it in a day. I enjoyed the story immensely. I liked the characters. But sometimes how they interacted with each other just didn't seem natural. And story lines wrapped up a little too easily before moving on to the next one. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, but those are the issues that are keeping me from giving this book five stars. This book is a wonderful love story between smart, capable people, and it's also full of suspense. I absolutely recommend this book. A few little flaws (IMO), but who doesn't have those.

[Nancy Holtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was one of the lucky ones to receive this book as a First Read preview. I really enjoyed it. I am one who insists on good character development in a story and this book did not disappoint. I connected to the main characters and felt that I understood them. I did feel that this was more a tale of survival, both emotionally and physically than it was about fertility, although that did play an important role in the lives of the characters. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the importance of facing obstacles in life and coming out on the other side a better person.

[Joan Cappione · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed Fertility, A Novel by Denise Gelberg. This author has developed a convincing tale about two very different people who's lives parallel each other in many various ways. Gelberg's well developed characters kept me intrigued and wanting for more. Her sense of family roots and the importance they play in the lives of each generation was uplifting and refreshing. I long to know about the lives of these characters and hope the book will someday have a sequel!

[K Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a strong, exciting story. The characters are wonderful, and very sympathetic. Many women have had issues with fertility, and everyone has had set-backs and even tragedies in their lives. This book is so carefully researched, but is almost conversational in the reading. You can't put it down until you've finished it. I think that people of all ages will enjoy this book and send it on to friends! I'm looking forward to Denise Gelberg's next novel!!

[Jam]

Great Summer Read!

Our book club read Fertility for our May meeting. The book stimulated much discussion (something that does not always happen). We focused on the development of the characters who are very realistic. The book showed the author had done much research not only in the area of medicine but also in the action parts of the book. I am anxious for the arrival of her second novel!

[Misha Estrada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book. I like that the characters are complex. They aren't perfect and they aren't your typical "anti-heroes". A very sweet story. Definitely worth reading. Received book for free from Goodreads.

[Krissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Denise Gelberg grabs yours attention right from the start. Full review shortly

I recieved this book through goodreads first reads.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It ended too soon!