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He Gets That From Me
As a young mother with a toddler and a live-in boyfriend, Maggie Fisher’s job at a checkout counter in downtown Phoenix doesn’t afford her much financial flexibility. She dreams of going to college and becoming a teacher, options she squandered when she fled her family home as a teenager. When Maggie stumbles onto an ad offering thousands of dollars to women who are willing to gestate other people’s babies, she at first finds the concept laughable. Before long, however, she’s been seduced by all the ways the extra money could improve her life. Once she decides to go for it, it’s only a matter of months before she’s chosen as a gestational carrier by Chip and Donovan Rigsdale, a married couple from New York.
After delivering twin babies and proudly handing them off to the Rigsdales, Maggie finally gets her life on a positive trajectory: she earns her degree, lands a great job, and builds a family of her own. She can’t fathom why, ten years after the fact, the fertility clinic is calling to ask for a follow-up DNA test.
After delivering twin babies and proudly handing them off to the Rigsdales, Maggie finally gets her life on a positive trajectory: she earns her degree, lands a great job, and builds a family of her own. She can’t fathom why, ten years after the fact, the fertility clinic is calling to ask for a follow-up DNA test.
295 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2021
714 people are currently reading
7071 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Friedland
5 books496 followersJacqueline Friedland is the author of award-winning novels Trouble the Water and He Gets That From Me. A graduate of The University of Pennsylvania and NYU Law School, she practiced as an attorney before returning to school to receive her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in New York with her husband and four children. For contact info, tour dates, and book clubs please visit www.jacquelinefriedland.com and Instagram @jackiefriedland
Her new novel, Counting Backwards, will be out on March 11, 2025.
Her new novel, Counting Backwards, will be out on March 11, 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
October 8, 2021
Maggie is the mother of a toddler. She works in retail and has dreams of being a teacher one day.
Maggie reads an ad looking for surrogates offering her financial security and the ability to fulfill her dreams of attending college.
Eventually, Maggie is chosen by Chip and Donovan to be their gestational carrier. She delivers twins, and Maggie’s life is on exactly the track she hoped for- college, degree, job, and a family.
Ten years later, she hears from the fertility clinic about a DNA test.
No spoilers, so I can’t say much more. He Gets That From Me is an emotional character-driven story. I loved these characters and rooted for them all the way. This one will definitely make you think: what makes a family.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Maggie reads an ad looking for surrogates offering her financial security and the ability to fulfill her dreams of attending college.
Eventually, Maggie is chosen by Chip and Donovan to be their gestational carrier. She delivers twins, and Maggie’s life is on exactly the track she hoped for- college, degree, job, and a family.
Ten years later, she hears from the fertility clinic about a DNA test.
No spoilers, so I can’t say much more. He Gets That From Me is an emotional character-driven story. I loved these characters and rooted for them all the way. This one will definitely make you think: what makes a family.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
June 15, 2022
A young women who needs money becomes a surrogate for a gay couple and years later trouble pops up. Friedland writes in a no-frills easy-to-read style about a topical issue reminiscent of Jodi Picoult - whose by-the-template novels I no longer read. My main complaint about the novel is that later in the book the jarring behavior of some of the characters is totally out of character and seems to be thrown in just to stir up the action.
September 14, 2021
Imagine: a surrogate mom helping a gay couple.
Imagine: two dads finally having kids.
Imagine: finding out one of them isn’t yours.
What do you do? And what do you do when you find out one of them IS yours? Hoe far are you prepared to go?
Donovan and Chip desperately want to have kids and when Maggie, the surrogate mom, delivers two healthy boys, Donovan and Chip are over the moon. Maggie always wanted to get back to college and now has the money to do so. But ten years later it becomes clear that Chip is Teddy’s dad but Donovan isn’t Kai’s.
He Gets That From Me is very easy readable, told in dual narrative (Maggie and Donovan), alternating between past and present. It’s engaging and thought provoking. The author gives an insight in Maggie’s and Donovan’s lives, including their own childhood. As a mom, I felt the rollercoaster of emotions, the dads and biological parents, all shocked and doubting. But above all, my heart went out to those two sweet ten-year-olds, who initially knew nothing, so happy with their fathers, while their lives could just fall apart. Two boys, although not biologically related who shared the same womb and were, above all, brothers. This is a story about family, sacrifice, and unconditional love. And I loved the epilogue!
I received an ARC from Sparkpress and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine: two dads finally having kids.
Imagine: finding out one of them isn’t yours.
What do you do? And what do you do when you find out one of them IS yours? Hoe far are you prepared to go?
Donovan and Chip desperately want to have kids and when Maggie, the surrogate mom, delivers two healthy boys, Donovan and Chip are over the moon. Maggie always wanted to get back to college and now has the money to do so. But ten years later it becomes clear that Chip is Teddy’s dad but Donovan isn’t Kai’s.
He Gets That From Me is very easy readable, told in dual narrative (Maggie and Donovan), alternating between past and present. It’s engaging and thought provoking. The author gives an insight in Maggie’s and Donovan’s lives, including their own childhood. As a mom, I felt the rollercoaster of emotions, the dads and biological parents, all shocked and doubting. But above all, my heart went out to those two sweet ten-year-olds, who initially knew nothing, so happy with their fathers, while their lives could just fall apart. Two boys, although not biologically related who shared the same womb and were, above all, brothers. This is a story about family, sacrifice, and unconditional love. And I loved the epilogue!
I received an ARC from Sparkpress and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2022
The ending… ugh. Was a 3 star until that last chapter which was totally unnecessary and added nothing to the story.
November 20, 2021
Maggie, a mother of a toddler, decides to become a surrogate for Donovan and Chip, a loving gay couple living in New York City. The money Maggie would get paid would get her back on track to finish her education and start a career. She also wants to help this young couple achieve their dream of starting a family. Nick, the father of her son, isn’t fully onboard. Maggie delivers twin boys and they go to live in their new home with their beaming fathers. Ten years later, an issue arises which shakes up the lives of all concerned.
Author Jacqueline Friedland has created a thought-provoking story which challenges the reader to consider what truly constitutes a family. And makes you wonder what you would do in this situation. The story is told from both Maggie and Donovan’s point of view. He Gets That From Me is a real tug of the heart with no easy answers. There’s much to discuss which makes this a perfect book club read.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Author Jacqueline Friedland has created a thought-provoking story which challenges the reader to consider what truly constitutes a family. And makes you wonder what you would do in this situation. The story is told from both Maggie and Donovan’s point of view. He Gets That From Me is a real tug of the heart with no easy answers. There’s much to discuss which makes this a perfect book club read.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
September 29, 2021
Maggie is a young mom who dreams of going to college. But her current life--toiling at a grocery store while her boyfriend works as a chef--can't support her dreams. When she sees an ad about becoming a surrogate, and sees how much it could pay, Maggie wonders if this could solve all her problems. Her boyfriend, Nick, is reluctant, but Maggie decides to go for it. She winds up being selected by a loving gay couple, Chip and Donovan, from New York. Maggie delivers their beautiful twin boys, and everyone is happy. But ten years later, she gets a call from the fertility clinic that will change her life.
This is a mesmerizing book that pulls you in from the beginning. It's extremely easy-to-read, and the story basically tells itself. I was immediately attached to Chip and Donovan and their family. The story is told from Donovan's POV and Maggie's. Through Donovan, we learn about their family, their pasts, and how much they love their boys. When they end up having DNA tests done on the twins, it upends things and forces Donovan, especially, to rethink so much of what he took for granted. I wanted to like Maggie more than I did; she didn't come across as a consistent character, which was frustrating for me.
DNA stories are certainly the fad the right now. My biggest issue with this book, was, paradoxically, the part I also liked the most, and that was the inclusion of Donovan and Chip's story. As best I can tell, Friedland is a straight woman, and, as a member of the LGBTQIA community, I'm not sure I felt fully comfortable with her including a gay couple in her story. We have enough problems with our families being accepted without them being told in such a "Lifetime movie" fashion--especially by someone who isn't part of our community. This story could have been told just as easily without including a gay couple. It's probably something that wouldn't occur to most readers, but it just rubbed me the wrong way.
Otherwise, this book does make you think and it makes some good points about the meaning of family. It's a fast read, but I just felt a little off overall when I finished it. 3 stars.
I received a copy of this book from SparkPress and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
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This is a mesmerizing book that pulls you in from the beginning. It's extremely easy-to-read, and the story basically tells itself. I was immediately attached to Chip and Donovan and their family. The story is told from Donovan's POV and Maggie's. Through Donovan, we learn about their family, their pasts, and how much they love their boys. When they end up having DNA tests done on the twins, it upends things and forces Donovan, especially, to rethink so much of what he took for granted. I wanted to like Maggie more than I did; she didn't come across as a consistent character, which was frustrating for me.
DNA stories are certainly the fad the right now. My biggest issue with this book, was, paradoxically, the part I also liked the most, and that was the inclusion of Donovan and Chip's story. As best I can tell, Friedland is a straight woman, and, as a member of the LGBTQIA community, I'm not sure I felt fully comfortable with her including a gay couple in her story. We have enough problems with our families being accepted without them being told in such a "Lifetime movie" fashion--especially by someone who isn't part of our community. This story could have been told just as easily without including a gay couple. It's probably something that wouldn't occur to most readers, but it just rubbed me the wrong way.
Otherwise, this book does make you think and it makes some good points about the meaning of family. It's a fast read, but I just felt a little off overall when I finished it. 3 stars.
I received a copy of this book from SparkPress and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
March 19, 2022
Donovan Gallo-Rigsdale and Chip Rigsdale enter into a contract with Maggie Wingate to carry their fertilized eggs. When she delivers two healthy ‘twins,’ Teddy and Kai, the gay couple, couldn’t be happier.
Ten years later when the results of a DNA test come back, it rips apart not only their family, but the Wingate family, too. The test revealed that there was no genetic connection between Donovan and Kai. Huh? Yes, the procedure was carried out perfectly and the lab is not at fault. There is no possibility of the switched -at- birth scenario.
So what happened?
The egg Donovan fertilized did not attach itself.
He is not the parent of either child.
Can you imagine the turmoil for all involved? Mind-blowing! I didn’t have children and I hurt for both couples. The author takes us into the heads of all the characters, allowing us to see how this news affects them all. The deep dive into what defines a parent besides biology was thoughtful and gripping. I’m still thinking about it after finishing it this weekend.
You’ll have to read to learn about superfetation to find out what happened and what the future looks like for Kai. Is there a legal battle ahead?
Ten years later when the results of a DNA test come back, it rips apart not only their family, but the Wingate family, too. The test revealed that there was no genetic connection between Donovan and Kai. Huh? Yes, the procedure was carried out perfectly and the lab is not at fault. There is no possibility of the switched -at- birth scenario.
So what happened?
The egg Donovan fertilized did not attach itself.
He is not the parent of either child.
Can you imagine the turmoil for all involved? Mind-blowing! I didn’t have children and I hurt for both couples. The author takes us into the heads of all the characters, allowing us to see how this news affects them all. The deep dive into what defines a parent besides biology was thoughtful and gripping. I’m still thinking about it after finishing it this weekend.
You’ll have to read to learn about superfetation to find out what happened and what the future looks like for Kai. Is there a legal battle ahead?
August 11, 2021
Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for ARC. Put this on your September TBR. I don’t want to give the story away but this was a can’t put it down awesome read. Highly recommend. Loved this author’s last book and loved this one.
October 4, 2021
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫 3.5 STARS ROUNDED UP!!! Jacqueline Friedland’s writing makes the pages turn effortlessly. This was a touching story about a woman seeking a better life through surrogacy (it pays a pretty penny), and a homosexual couple that want a family. Fast forward ten years and there’s been a mistake. I won’t say more because I don’t want to give anything away but it gets messy.
I have to say what I didn’t like about this book was any of the characters except maybe Wyatt. And he was a child. Maggie and Nick’s relationship was painful to watch *read*. Maggie was a whiner constantly lamenting about her past and her prior bad choices like not going to college (she later rectified this with the money made from being a surrogate) and her lack of a relationship with her parents for a time. Get. Over. It. Nick on the other hand started out as this sweet guy then becomes someone who suddenly makes an offensive comment about a gay couple having children and then he becomes just this character that comes across as negative ALL the time. They both become explosive character with no redeeming qualities.
Moving on…
Story development….. this is where I have my biggest problem. Was this book about Maggie and her “troubled youth”, a marriage that no longer makes sense oh wait they’re happy again, or about what the blurb would lead you to believe which was about surrogacy gone wrong? Rather than coming across as a multi-layered story, which it was, it felt like the author didn’t know which plot to focus on.
More so, from a moral standpoint, the decency of these characters quickly unraveled. This book started out with Maggie excited about the future and supportive of the two dads she carried babies for, to Maggie woe is me, the bitter Betty who thinks a heterosexual household would be better for the child. Then for the dads, we don’t hear from the perspective of Chip, but with Donovan, he’s this great supportive dad, they both are, then suddenly they’re both acting as if she has no rights to something she wasn’t aware was hers, and are these mud slinging, ungrateful snobs. I. Don’t. Care. About. Your. Land. River. Or was it a Range Rover? Either way…. I don’t care!
There just weren’t any (or enough) likable characters in this book to love it. The premise made it promising, but the story itself didn’t end up being as touching as it started out as. However….. I think there’s enough substance in this book and because Jacqueline Friedland is such a good writer, I would still recommend this book.
I have to say what I didn’t like about this book was any of the characters except maybe Wyatt. And he was a child. Maggie and Nick’s relationship was painful to watch *read*. Maggie was a whiner constantly lamenting about her past and her prior bad choices like not going to college (she later rectified this with the money made from being a surrogate) and her lack of a relationship with her parents for a time. Get. Over. It. Nick on the other hand started out as this sweet guy then becomes someone who suddenly makes an offensive comment about a gay couple having children and then he becomes just this character that comes across as negative ALL the time. They both become explosive character with no redeeming qualities.
Moving on…
Story development….. this is where I have my biggest problem. Was this book about Maggie and her “troubled youth”, a marriage that no longer makes sense oh wait they’re happy again, or about what the blurb would lead you to believe which was about surrogacy gone wrong? Rather than coming across as a multi-layered story, which it was, it felt like the author didn’t know which plot to focus on.
More so, from a moral standpoint, the decency of these characters quickly unraveled. This book started out with Maggie excited about the future and supportive of the two dads she carried babies for, to Maggie woe is me, the bitter Betty who thinks a heterosexual household would be better for the child. Then for the dads, we don’t hear from the perspective of Chip, but with Donovan, he’s this great supportive dad, they both are, then suddenly they’re both acting as if she has no rights to something she wasn’t aware was hers, and are these mud slinging, ungrateful snobs. I. Don’t. Care. About. Your. Land. River. Or was it a Range Rover? Either way…. I don’t care!
There just weren’t any (or enough) likable characters in this book to love it. The premise made it promising, but the story itself didn’t end up being as touching as it started out as. However….. I think there’s enough substance in this book and because Jacqueline Friedland is such a good writer, I would still recommend this book.
August 13, 2021
I'm in the minority on this one. I felt it started off strong, pulled me in fast and I was excited to read it. It initially felt like a Jodie Picoult type story; reading an emotional story line while learning about something new and interesting. Then it became predictable and overly dramatic. I expected drama based on the plot but I felt there was excess drama beyond the main story line. I am still glad I read it and I would look at other books from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 9, 2022
3 Stars
I was really looking forward to this one and while the plot line was good, I found the overall story rather lackluster. There were times it went on tangents that meant nothing to the overall story. It did give thoughts to the potential ramifications of surrogacy along with its gifts.
October 16, 2021
Unique, thought-provoking, page-turning story about parenthood, love, and what it means to be a family. Loved this book!
September 10, 2025
Good story about what makes a family, family. I liked the characters. It was well written for the most part. I found myself skimming through some of the characters descriptions of how they felt, or perceived the situation. A few different POV’s, which seemed beneficial to the story. I really didn’t like the ending.
August 1, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Sparkpress for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told in dual POV, one being Maggie’s perspective and the other being Donavan’s. Initially the story jumps between when Maggie starts the process of becoming a surrogate and the events that unfold ten years later, though the story quickly catches up so that both POVs take place in the same time frame. I loved the joint perspectives and the time jumping, it allows you to understand the characters and connect with them as you learn about everything they’ve been through to get where they are. Every character felt so real to me and it really made me question what I would do if I was in their situation.
I felt so many emotions while reading this, it was such a beautiful story and definitely one that will stick with you even after the last page is turned.
This story is told in dual POV, one being Maggie’s perspective and the other being Donavan’s. Initially the story jumps between when Maggie starts the process of becoming a surrogate and the events that unfold ten years later, though the story quickly catches up so that both POVs take place in the same time frame. I loved the joint perspectives and the time jumping, it allows you to understand the characters and connect with them as you learn about everything they’ve been through to get where they are. Every character felt so real to me and it really made me question what I would do if I was in their situation.
I felt so many emotions while reading this, it was such a beautiful story and definitely one that will stick with you even after the last page is turned.
April 25, 2022
I enjoyed the book and the many facets touched upon by the storyline. I did not identify with Maggie very much, in fact, I'm not too sure I really identified with any of the characters. The Kai that we believed we knew throughout the novel turned out to be a very different Kai in the last chapter and I had a difficult time accepting such a difference in Kai and Teddy's relationship based on the events throughout the entire book. This book has given me an opportunity to ponder my thoughts of adoption and surrogacy. It should be an interesting book club discussion this week.
December 12, 2021
TITLE: He Gets That from Me: A Novel
AUTHOR: Jacqueline Friedland
PUB DATE: 9.14.2021 Now Available
He Gets That from Me, the latest from Jacqueline Friedland is a heart wrenching and heart tugging read about the complexities of the modern family, about succeeding in life for your own family, dreams and ambitions, but also about ethical and moral decisions perfect for a book club or buddy read discussion. Told in two timelines and two point of views, I found this novel hard to put down.
AUTHOR: Jacqueline Friedland
PUB DATE: 9.14.2021 Now Available
He Gets That from Me, the latest from Jacqueline Friedland is a heart wrenching and heart tugging read about the complexities of the modern family, about succeeding in life for your own family, dreams and ambitions, but also about ethical and moral decisions perfect for a book club or buddy read discussion. Told in two timelines and two point of views, I found this novel hard to put down.
October 13, 2021
Five beautiful stars for this book that tackles one of the most thought-provoking questions...what makes a family? Jackie Friedland has once again kept me turning pages (two day read) and wrestling with-- what would I do? Perfect for book clubs and those looking for a well-written, thoughtful read.
February 7, 2023
This was a book club pick.
I hadn't heard of this before it was picked from my book club, but I really enjoyed it. It was character driven and well written - both sides had my sympathies at different times. I was a little frustrated at times with the actions of some of the characters, and I was surprised by the ending, but overall I thought it was a good book.
I hadn't heard of this before it was picked from my book club, but I really enjoyed it. It was character driven and well written - both sides had my sympathies at different times. I was a little frustrated at times with the actions of some of the characters, and I was surprised by the ending, but overall I thought it was a good book.
September 29, 2021
4.5
Genealogy. Parents. Brothers. Technology.
Dual POVs was the only way to tell this heart wrenching story of love for your child. I stayed up late into the night because I had to finish this book where there was no cut and dry “right” answer, where everyone loved this child who was tied to all of them, where you felt immense empathy toward all involved. As someone who has mothered for most of my life, this book hit hard and I find it best to go in blind and let this one pull you in. I imagine it will stay with me for a long time.
Genealogy. Parents. Brothers. Technology.
Dual POVs was the only way to tell this heart wrenching story of love for your child. I stayed up late into the night because I had to finish this book where there was no cut and dry “right” answer, where everyone loved this child who was tied to all of them, where you felt immense empathy toward all involved. As someone who has mothered for most of my life, this book hit hard and I find it best to go in blind and let this one pull you in. I imagine it will stay with me for a long time.
September 20, 2021
I knew I wanted to read this book ever since I heard about it. I like Jacqueline Friedland as a writer and the concept of this one sounded fascinating. I didn't know what to expect just from reading the synopsis, but I was blown away and had a very hard time putting it down!
The situation that is at the forefront of this story is tough and heart-wrenching, full of gray areas. I don't want to say what the actual issue is as to not spoil anything. It's just a big one that will stick with readers for a long time after they finish this novel. I can guarantee that much. The story definitely had a Jodi Picoult feel and is perfect for fans of her novels.
Maggie and Donovan were both compelling narrators and I worried for both of them every time I had to put the book down to attend to something else. (Trust me, if I had the time, I would have read it all in one sitting!) The story was full of emotional highs and lows and it kept me guessing as to what the outcome would be.
Parts of the story take place in New York and other parts take place in Arizona. I got more of a feel for the New York scenes, as Jacqueline really brought the vibe of the city to life. Since I haven't been to Arizona yet, I wasn't able to get a feel for the scenery and atmosphere there and I felt the descriptions were lacking. However, that didn't deter from my enjoyment of this novel since living in Arizona wasn't the main plot point. (If my friend who lives in Arizona reads it, perhaps she can tell me otherwise.) I did like the incorporation of Judaism, especially the part with the Shabbat dinner.
Funny side note: At one point, one of the characters describes their relationship as "fine." I couldn't help but think of Roy Kent from Ted Lasso saying "don't you dare settle for fine."
This novel is definitely one of my top picks for 2021 and I can't stop recommending it!
Movie casting suggestions:
The situation that is at the forefront of this story is tough and heart-wrenching, full of gray areas. I don't want to say what the actual issue is as to not spoil anything. It's just a big one that will stick with readers for a long time after they finish this novel. I can guarantee that much. The story definitely had a Jodi Picoult feel and is perfect for fans of her novels.
Maggie and Donovan were both compelling narrators and I worried for both of them every time I had to put the book down to attend to something else. (Trust me, if I had the time, I would have read it all in one sitting!) The story was full of emotional highs and lows and it kept me guessing as to what the outcome would be.
Parts of the story take place in New York and other parts take place in Arizona. I got more of a feel for the New York scenes, as Jacqueline really brought the vibe of the city to life. Since I haven't been to Arizona yet, I wasn't able to get a feel for the scenery and atmosphere there and I felt the descriptions were lacking. However, that didn't deter from my enjoyment of this novel since living in Arizona wasn't the main plot point. (If my friend who lives in Arizona reads it, perhaps she can tell me otherwise.) I did like the incorporation of Judaism, especially the part with the Shabbat dinner.
Funny side note: At one point, one of the characters describes their relationship as "fine." I couldn't help but think of Roy Kent from Ted Lasso saying "don't you dare settle for fine."
This novel is definitely one of my top picks for 2021 and I can't stop recommending it!
Movie casting suggestions:
Maggie: Ilana Glazer
Nick: Nick Gehlfuss
Donovan: Zachary Quinto
Chip: Randy Harrison
Tess: Sarah Wright
Gina: Jordana Brewster
December 20, 2021
This was overall a very weak and cliched book. The characters and relationships all seemed very two-dimensional, and this felt especially problematic given that one of the perspectives is from a gay man (which the author is not). Also, everything not central to the DNA question is there to try and tie up every loose end . It all feels incredibly forced and irrelevant given that I already didn't care much for any of the characters. There is mental illness thrown in multiple times, and it doesn't feel authentically handled; it's more of this checking-boxes plot device.
There is also WAY too much "I should have done this" "why is he doing this?" "I know you feel ___". These characters spend all their time wondering what everyone else is thinking or feeling without just talking to them. Also, I cannot believe
There is also WAY too much "I should have done this" "why is he doing this?" "I know you feel ___". These characters spend all their time wondering what everyone else is thinking or feeling without just talking to them. Also, I cannot believe
January 20, 2022
A powerful moving novel that explores medical ethics, surrogacy and the rights of biological parents.
Maggie, a young mom, answers an ad to be a surrogate. She would get paid a hefty sum, allowing her the flexibility to go back to school. Her boyfriend isn't all that keen on the idea but he supports her anyway. She is paired up with Donovan and Chip and agrees to carry their future child. Everything goes as planned, it couldn't have been better.
10 years later, a DNA test is performed and the results are shocking.
This book really unlocked a lot of emotions in me. When life was raining down all kinds of nastiness on Donovan, he lashed out at his husband. Meanwhile, I've been dealing with some intense stress, and found myself doing the same thing. Reading about Donovan doing it to Chip made me see what I was doing, acting out like a child and treating my husband poorly 😢
I loved that the the story is told from both Maggie's and Donovan's perspective, now and 10 years in the past during the surrogacy time. The author did an excellent job portraying all of the complicated emotions from all of the characters, exposing their strengths and weaknesses, highlighting their vulnerabilities. These characters came to life for me.
Maggie, a young mom, answers an ad to be a surrogate. She would get paid a hefty sum, allowing her the flexibility to go back to school. Her boyfriend isn't all that keen on the idea but he supports her anyway. She is paired up with Donovan and Chip and agrees to carry their future child. Everything goes as planned, it couldn't have been better.
10 years later, a DNA test is performed and the results are shocking.
This book really unlocked a lot of emotions in me. When life was raining down all kinds of nastiness on Donovan, he lashed out at his husband. Meanwhile, I've been dealing with some intense stress, and found myself doing the same thing. Reading about Donovan doing it to Chip made me see what I was doing, acting out like a child and treating my husband poorly 😢
I loved that the the story is told from both Maggie's and Donovan's perspective, now and 10 years in the past during the surrogacy time. The author did an excellent job portraying all of the complicated emotions from all of the characters, exposing their strengths and weaknesses, highlighting their vulnerabilities. These characters came to life for me.
October 17, 2021
Jacqueline Friedland is an author who takes you deep into the subject matter of her novels, reeling you in emotionally from the very first page, and not letting up until the very last sentence. He Gets That From Me is a heart-tugging book about all of the things that constitute a family, all of the different ways that a family can look like. There are so many complicated feelings in this story, that I was constantly on edge as my own emotions were pulled in so many directions. The story is told from two points of view: Maggie, a young woman who is eager to be a gestational mother for Donovan and Chip; and Donovan one of two dads to his sons Kai and Teddy. Hearing from both of them not only added layers to an already-complex story, but it was also important to be able to hear from both Maggie and Donovan, two people who only wanted was best for their families. Clear your calendar when you start reading this compelling novel, because once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down.
June 4, 2021
Wow this book was just a heart felt story of family, resilience and love. I enjoyed these characters and this story.
There are a lot of issues that this book deals with: self forgiveness, young love, surrogacy, the concept of family, Jewish heritage and gay marriage and parenthood
Like her last novel the author takes topical events and weaves a cast of characters you love.
This book will open both your mind & heart
There are a lot of issues that this book deals with: self forgiveness, young love, surrogacy, the concept of family, Jewish heritage and gay marriage and parenthood
Like her last novel the author takes topical events and weaves a cast of characters you love.
This book will open both your mind & heart
January 30, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
A compulsively readable story about a woman who acts as a gestational carrier for a gay married couple. The arrangement worked out well for all with the birth of twin boys. Fast forward 10 years, and the GC mother, Maggie, is contacted by a DNA company with information about one of the twins. This information threatens her marriage, the marriage of Donovan and Chip,and the overall sense of security of Teddy and Kia, the twin boys. I don’t want to get into too many details so as not to spoil the story, though I will say that there are revelations in the last chapter that will either break your heart or fill it with joy.
The characters are all well portrayed, although it took me awhile to warm up to Maggie, and to be honest I didn’t always find her very likable. Everything always had to be her way, and it wasn’t until she learned some things about her own past that she could finally see things from someone else’s perspective. Donovan and Chip are just an ordinary married couple with ups and downs in their relationship, but they are truly devoted to each other and their sons. The story is told from Donovan’s and Maggie’s POVs in alternating chapters, sometimes seeing the same events through each person’s perspective.
There are a lot of themes that run through this story: what makes a family; nature vs. nurture; what is best for a child…and not a parent; past secrets that can influence the future; mental illness; a child’s view of their parents; gestational carrier laws in different states; just to name a few.
I have to say that one thing that I really liked about this story is that there are Jewish characters and that the story is so matter of fact about them. It is so seldom that there are Jewish main characters in a book that does not have Jewish themes or revolve around Jewish culture. So I did a little happy dance over this.
A definite recommend.
A compulsively readable story about a woman who acts as a gestational carrier for a gay married couple. The arrangement worked out well for all with the birth of twin boys. Fast forward 10 years, and the GC mother, Maggie, is contacted by a DNA company with information about one of the twins. This information threatens her marriage, the marriage of Donovan and Chip,and the overall sense of security of Teddy and Kia, the twin boys. I don’t want to get into too many details so as not to spoil the story, though I will say that there are revelations in the last chapter that will either break your heart or fill it with joy.
The characters are all well portrayed, although it took me awhile to warm up to Maggie, and to be honest I didn’t always find her very likable. Everything always had to be her way, and it wasn’t until she learned some things about her own past that she could finally see things from someone else’s perspective. Donovan and Chip are just an ordinary married couple with ups and downs in their relationship, but they are truly devoted to each other and their sons. The story is told from Donovan’s and Maggie’s POVs in alternating chapters, sometimes seeing the same events through each person’s perspective.
There are a lot of themes that run through this story: what makes a family; nature vs. nurture; what is best for a child…and not a parent; past secrets that can influence the future; mental illness; a child’s view of their parents; gestational carrier laws in different states; just to name a few.
I have to say that one thing that I really liked about this story is that there are Jewish characters and that the story is so matter of fact about them. It is so seldom that there are Jewish main characters in a book that does not have Jewish themes or revolve around Jewish culture. So I did a little happy dance over this.
A definite recommend.
August 8, 2021
This book gives you all the feels. It ripped out my heart and my soul and I just fell in love with it from start to finish. This story about what family really means is one you wont forget even after you finish the last page. The dual POV worked perfectly and the unexpected might be both a blessing and a curse. The characters will make you fall for them hard and you wont be able to help yourself as you feel everything they feel as you turn each page.
September 26, 2021
This book was so compelling, fascinating, moving, and enjoyable from beginning to end! The writing was incredibly powerful and thought-provoking, and the characters were complex and very interesting. The plot is highly original and fast-moving, drawing the reader in from the very beginning - I highly recommend He Gets That From Me to all readers!
December 26, 2021
4.5 stars
This book presented many coming of age topics but most importantly what does it mean to be a family? How do you define it? Do you choose it?
A simple DNA test that does not make sense. The premise of this book is an erroneous mistake at a fertility clinic which leads each character to go down a rabbit hole of “what ifs?” Readers may find this situation a little unbelievable but I personally know adopted twins that were only half siblings? Are you scratching your head yet?
This was a heartbreaking book but I think it rendered all the emotions. I would find it hard to believe anyone that isn’t awed by this work.
A truly great read.
This book presented many coming of age topics but most importantly what does it mean to be a family? How do you define it? Do you choose it?
A simple DNA test that does not make sense. The premise of this book is an erroneous mistake at a fertility clinic which leads each character to go down a rabbit hole of “what ifs?” Readers may find this situation a little unbelievable but I personally know adopted twins that were only half siblings? Are you scratching your head yet?
This was a heartbreaking book but I think it rendered all the emotions. I would find it hard to believe anyone that isn’t awed by this work.
A truly great read.
June 12, 2023
Well this was a doozy of a page turner! Finished in 24 hrs. Quite the shock to the system after Thomas Merton and C. S. Lewis. I think the most interesting part of this book was going down the rabbit hole of the ethics of various reproductive technologies (not sure if surrogacy falls into that category but whatever). 3.5 stars. It mostly made me a bit sad.
December 4, 2025
3.5 I mean like it wasn’t good but I flew through it…legit though I was on flights
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