Queerspawn in Love: A Memoir

by Kellen Kaiser

Despite growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area as the daughter of four lesbians, Kellen Kaiser envisioned her life working out, fairy tale–like, with a Prince Charming. When her possible prince did arrive, however, it was not without complications. Home on leave from the Israeli army, the man Kaiser picks doesn’t seem like a sure bet. Starting with some casual sex gone awry, they face a number of obstacles, not the least of which are war in the Middle East, long-distance romance, and differing views on sexuality and their approaching adulthood. But they find themselves most challenged by a more mundane concern: the upkeep of a relationship between two people. Funny and keenly observed, Queerspawn in Love is a story about identity, family, and figuring out, through loving someone else and failing, how to love yourself.

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2016

About the author

Kellen Kaiser grew up in San Francisco, loved and supported by her four lesbian mothers and one younger brother. As a child she represented the gay community frequently as a speaker on panels and in the media. Her story has appeared on CNN, in Marie Claire, in the San Francisco Chronicle and in the Seattle Times. Online, her writing has been featured on XOJane, Role Reboot, Inculture Parent, Next Family and of course, KellenKaiser.com. When not writing, she also helps run her family’s cattle ranch.

Reviews

[Megalion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it's ironic but I can't help but think of this as a rather queer tale of a woman's life and love story.

After all, when one is raised by four lesbians, "normal" simply doesn't exist.

Which for Kellen is a very good thing. Though she doesn't fully recognize this for many years of her adult life.

So many themes in this book: female empowerment, family relationships, lesbian life, polyamory, friendships, heterosexual relationships, the list goes on.

I usually don't read memoirs but have been making more of an effort to pick them up. This one was worth the read.

Thank you to the publisher for this free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lara Lillibridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book—both the writing and the story.

It's multi-layered, as Kellen falls deeper in love with an Israeli soldier, she can't help but examine her feelings about the Israel-Palestine conflict, which she attempts to do from a neutral position, examining both sides of the issue. It's not a rah-rah war book by any means, but instead discusses the need for conversation.

Once Lior returns to the US, it follows a more mainstream relationship arc. It's not meant to be a political book about the conflict, but a story of love and loss. If you are a fan of relationship memoirs, this is well worth your time.

The book isn't focused on Kaiser's childhood, but there is always this undercurrent of small ways that her queerspawn identity and upbringing made her unique. As a fellow queerspawn I totally get this, and I think she shows that aspect subtly and accurately. It's an added layer that makes the story more unique.

[willowdog · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kellen, spawned from a one night stand, has four lesbian mothers. But the work reveals little about her relationship between her and them. It focuses on her relationship between Lori, a male who is in Israel army. She pretty much uses her wild lesbian mothers for publicity, apartments, guidance, etc.

[Madge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book exploring love and loss and finding oneself. Kellen writes a book about growing up in a family of women. She meets the man of her dreams only to realize that she really needs to find her own self love. Her journey takes her to Israel and back and eventually sees her way to home. Want a sequel to join her today.