Uprooted: Family Trauma, Unknown Origins, and the Secretive History of Artificial Insemination

by Peter J. Boni

2023 National Indie Excellence Awards Winner

2023 IPPY Gold Medalist in Nonfiction Audiobooks


2022 Best Book Awards Nonfiction Narrative WINNER


Readers' Favorite Book Awards Honorable Mention in Nonfiction Social Issues




How a journey of self-discovery unearthed the scandalous evolution of artificial insemination

By his forties, Peter J. Boni was an accomplished CEO, with a specialty in navigating high-tech companies out of hot water. Just before his fiftieth birthday, Peter’s seventy-five-year-old mother unveiled a bombshell: His deceased father was not biological. Peter was conceived in 1945 via an anonymous sperm donor. The emotional upheaval upon learning that he was “misattributed” rekindled traumas long past and fueled his relentless research to find his genealogy. Over two decades, he gained an encyclopedic knowledge of the scientific, legal, and sociological history of reproductive technology as well as its practices, advances, and consequences. Through twenty-first century DNA analysis, Peter finally quenched his thirst for his origin.

​In Uprooted, Peter J. Boni intimately shares his personal odyssey and acquired expertise to spotlight the free market methods of gamete distribution that conceives dozens, sometimes hundreds, of unknowing half-siblings from a single donor. This thought-provoking book reveals the inner workings—and secrets—of the multibillion-dollar fertility industry, resulting in a richly detailed account of an ethical aspect of reproductive science that, until now, has not been so thoroughly explored. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Memoir, Medical, Health, Self Help, Family

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2022

Reviews

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter J. Boni is the "go to" guy for many reasons: he never gives up, he is driven, he can take companies on the brink of bankruptcy to solvency. He is the son of an Italian man whose family whispers about when he commits suicide. Peter worries that he may have inherited some unwanted gene that would rear its ugly head at some point and send him into the darkness of depression, just like his dad.

Imagine this - as he worries himself to death and as his paternal family looks at him and wonders the same thing - where did this come from? Is he also going to bring shame to the family name with a mental illness? It must be hidden. And then, following his father's death, his mother's health also begins to decline and she has a stroke. While in medical care, she begins to tell all of her visitors a story about her son Peter and how he was conceived via donor sperm - in the 1940's when this was just beginning to happen more and more. She tells everyone - except Peter - the details of how this came to be, where it happened in Boston, and even the address and name of the doctor who did the procedure, and how it's a secret that must never be talked about.

A relative tells Peter about what his mom is saying. She vehemently denies all of it, saying she must have been delirious when talking about such things, being the victim of a stroke. But something doesn't make sense. He doesn't look like his dad, except for his eye color. His dad was a loving father, doting on his son before mental illness reared its ugly head. Peter doesn't share many interests with his father either, although they do many things together.

He won't give up and periodically questions his mother about this "Dr. Sims" and the third floor office on Beacon Street in Boston where the procedure took place 50 years prior. There are too many intimate details to just chalk up to delirium.

On one fateful day, his mother begins to sob and relays the entire story as she remembers it and thus begins Peter's journey to find out whose son he really is - no small feat before Google and DNA testing. His daughter joins him on this journey with dogged determination.

Two decades and untold hours later, some truths begin to unfold, and this is his story.

The book would be a great resource for others beginning their journey to find biological parents as he painstakingly recounts all the places he turned to, the books he read, the scientific journals, and how he waded through piles of old documents and microfiche looking for one drop of his identity.

[Rhick Deuel Esteves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uprooted is more than just a riveting narrative of a man's journey to find his father. Peter Boni captures the sentimentality that a memoir has, the thrill that an investigative tale offers, and the amount of information that a short history book can provide.

Although I appreciate the author's style of narration, which is adding encyclopedic paragraphs in between the details of his personal story, there are several things that I didn't like about the book. Boni shares a lot of unnecessary details about his personal life just for the sake of making the narrative longer. As an example, sometimes it's hard to understand why he needs to mention his career successes. Moreover, even though it offers a rich amount of information about the topic, I find that most paragraphs that feature historical accounts resemble a summary of Google search results. I also tried to do my own research and found out that some parts of the book are paraphrased sentences of some Wikipedia articles. I'm not sure if that is just a weird coincidence or if it's something that demands to be questioned.

Despite these issues, I consider the book as an important material that people should read if they're interested with the reproductive industry or with the history of artificial insemination. Fans of memoir and nonfiction would also enjoy this book since it manages to combine the intimacy of a personal story and the comprehensiveness that we often look for in short history books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jason Frasca · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Overall a blend of a narrative and autobiography of sorts about the main character as he struggles with his own humanity and personal journey. Along that, he learns that he is actually the product of a "semi-adoption", or the product of donor conception. This read chronicles his journey to find his origin and biological father, and secondarily, his true self.

The author demonstrates quite a historical review of artificial insemination and its various forms and evolution, then moves through the play-by-play as he inches closer to finding his true genealogy. This truly embodies the struggles and vulnerabilities of humanity.

What I don't understand is the last chapter or so. It's comes across as a call to action, but to what purpose? Increasing regulation on artificial insemination? Because of this section which seems out of place and detracts from the read overall, I have downgraded to 4 stars. Still worth the read or listen.

[Mary | maryreadstoomuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: memoir, science/medicine
Pub date: Jan 4, 2022
In one sentence: Just before turning 50, Peter Boni found out that he was a product of artificial insemination; this discovery sparked a journey of personal and scientific discovery.

In a world where IVF and other reproductive technologies are commonplace, it's hard to imagine that artificial insemination was ever taboo. But it was! Boni did an excellent job blending history of science with memoir in this book - there's a lot here that was new to me. I appreciated his coverage of the unethical experiments conducted in the name of science, from insemination of an unconscious woman to forced sterilizations, as we cannot forget the harm that science has caused.

One of the most moving parts of the book concerns Boni's search for his sperm donor (likely a medical professional) and biological relatives on his father's side. The advent of home DNA sequencing with 23andme and Ancestry enabled him to find relatives and start relationships with them. The dynamics were fascinating - the experience affected Boni profoundly, but it also affected the family members raised by his donor, and he did a great job exploring this subject.

If you like popular science and/or memoir, this is a good choice on audio!

Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group for providing an ALC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was so interesting! I had no idea about the history of fertility treatments, specifically donors for sterile couples. Learning about Boni's experience being someone who was born thanks to a sperm donor. I really enjoyed this.

[Ralu Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great combination of an autobiography entwined with the history of artificial insemination and the explosion of DNA-analysis companies in the last 15 years. The historical aspects are very well written, exactly what you would expect from an executive summary. Unfortunately the personal story is incredibly bombastic, repetitive, full of self-importance and not the most original pompous metaphors... A 2.5 rounded up for the tenacity of the author, and because I did get to learn about the history of artificial insemination. Waaay too many "go-to guy" references though...

Thank you to the publisher, author and Goodreads for the giveaway win.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting

**I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway**
This was a very interesting book to read. The beginning was slow in my opinion which was disappointing as I was excited to read it. I mostly wanted to read this book to get a more personal insight to the psychological aspect of finding out that the author was conceived by sperm donation. Unfortunately (in my opinion), that was not the case. This book was more focused on the history and research part of it, and was difficult to keep my attention focused on it. The author wrote it in great detail about the history and research, and for that I do agree that while I didn’t personally enjoy the book, I enjoyed the writing.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an incredible journey Peter has taken over the last 25+ years! I only expected a personal story, but the history of artificial insemination (AI) was fascinating and was expertly weaved throughout his narrative. Peter is a phenomenal storyteller, and I couldn’t put this book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat like a work of fiction. I was so sorry that he had to endure the tragedy of his father’s mental illness, and I cried tears of joy when he finally got the answers he had been searching for so long.

I am astonished at the lack of regulation when it comes to AI. I admittedly had never spent much time thinking about it. My only prior experience with it was when my high school friend was told by her mother she was donor conceived. She went buck wild and refused to speak to or listen to her father. We drifted apart, but I ran into her mother some years ago. She was divorced and told me my old friend was in rehab. I’m definitely in favor of telling children young and often what the truth is. I don’t know why parents, especially modern ones, would want to hide their child’s genetic identity from them.

In true CEO and innovator fashion, Peter took adversity and a family secret and turned it into a drive to answer not only his own questions but also explore questions that society needs answers to as well. I highly recommend this book.

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway, and this is my honest review.

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of Uprooted via NetGalley and I was very pleasantly surprised. I have become a very big fan of memoirs in the past year, especially of people that I am unfamiliar with. I was quickly invested in the Peter Boni’s story and his quest to find out about his parentage. The book is also very informative, alongside the author’s personal journey there’s the detailed history of artificial insemination, which I found interesting and very balanced with the rest of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience and I highly recommend it.

[Anais · Rating 2 out of 5]

🚀 the book in 3 sentences
1. living half of your life without knowing your father is your biological father
2. spending the other half tracking your origins and seeking the truth
3. digging deep into the history of artificial insemination

📒 summary + notes
Peter, the author, learns late in his forties that his Dad is not his biological father, and this news comes when his mother is dying and cannot provide clear answers. He spends the rest of his life learning and reading about sperm donors, and looking for the one that is his biological father. Internet was not there in the beginning, DNA science neither. He went through a long journey towards his origins.

🎨 impressions
Honestly, I was quite surprised by the content of this book. I thought it would be more about the psychological side of finding out your father is not really yours, dealing with the genealogical inheritance, health issues, life issues, trust issues. Actually, a lot of the book focused on retracing the history of artificial insemination, on humans and animals, birth control, and this in different parts of the world. It was really interesting nonetheless, but it shifted the content of the book from psychological to cultural and historical.

who should read it?
Anyone who experienced, closely or not, artificial insemination, sperm donors, or even adoption should read this book, I think. It gives a lot of answers and shows how you can live with it.

☘️ how the book changed me
Well, it is not what I expected at all, as I said I hoped for more psychology and I was disappointed, I did not really need a historical lesson about artificial insemination, and I already knew how DNA sequencing works, so it was not really a match for me.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Group Book for sharing a copy of this book with me in exchange for an honest review.

[Georgiana R · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the age of 50 the Author, Peter J Boni, discovers via his 75 year old mother that he was conceived via artificial insemination due to his father being infertile. His parents had a choice of remaining childless or his Mother could undergo conception via anonymous donor. In 1945 they chose the latter. Peter was conceived and raised as if he was born to the two biological parents he’d lived with.

Within this book is a beautiful intertwining of a more personal retelling amidst a great deal of deeply researched scientific data and history of artificial insemination.

I found this Audiobook very difficult to stop listening to; it was absolutely riveting to discover that personally I had always presumed artificial insemination to be an almost modern choice of childless couples, and yet it has been going on for so long and with such fervour that the true date of the inception of this practice is probably unknown.

For 20 plus years Peter seeks to not only share his findings, but to seek his true origins. In the beginning he mainly wanted to fill in his medical history, but what came about was far more than he could have wished for. There’s been a great secrecy regarding artificial insemination and Peter exposes a lot of it, but when he was conceived his parents were told to keep the matter a secret, even from his Mother’s own treating Obstetrician! The data on eugenics is eye opening and stark, and yet told in a manner that is easily understood.

I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in memoirs dealing with medical issues, particularly personal accounts! As an added bonus I found the narrator Josh Bloomberg superb.

One of the best books I’ve listened to all year!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sheree Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and informative story about sperm clinics.

[Jo Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well… I’m jealous!! This is the book that I wish to the bottom of my boots that I, an English (and as it turns out) half Jewish “donor” conceived person had written.

I would like, as Peter has, so exceptionally well, to have traced the history of assisted conception and the attitudes surrounding it right up to the present day.

My focus would have been the UK, of course, as Peter’s was the USA.

Peter’s book is factual and personal, knowledgeable and detailed. Much of the history of assisted conception and attitudes towards it, I already knew because of my own research, but this is the book that really puts it out there for anyone to read. The book traces in intimate detail Peter’s own story: finding out he was “donor” conceived and the herculean efforts he and his family made over many years to discover his ethnic origins and the identity of his biological father. It is also at a deeper level, I think the tale of a man in search of himself.

It’s funny how often in DCP testimony it becomes obvious that it’s only when we know from whom we truly originate that we are able to establish our own authentic identity and I think Peter’s book helps to highlight that.

It’s shocking how historically, fertility has been deemed as solely a woman’s issue… and harsh judgement visited on women accordingly. I’ve read about this elsewhere and it was no easier reading it again in “Uprooted”.

In terms of the personal, I resonated with much of what Peter has to say about his own discovery and the ensuing search for his genetic heritage and his biological father. When you walk in similar shoes, these feelings are innately understood in a “yes, me too,” kind of a way.

So here are a couple of the “me too’s”

On page 7 Peter talks about the moment the secret was shattered. “In that moment my life turned upside down. Everything I knew about myself, about where I came from, about who I was, changed in an instant.”

Yes, me too. It’s as if the world opens up underneath you and you have to cling on to the edge for dear life not to fall into the chasm.

On page 38 Peter talks about the drive to search for his origins once the secret has been uncovered. His friend Mike says “I know you. If it takes you twenty years, you’ll scratch at every post and uncover the source of your biological roots….”

Yes, that was said to…. me too. Like him, I too refuse to have any more family secrets.

I found it interesting in Chapter 13, when Peter was tracing the controversy surrounding assisted third party conception in the UK in the 1950’s, commenting that both the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Chief Rabbi condemned the practice on the same grounds as the Roman Catholic Church who viewed it as adulterous. As always when reading DCP testimony, I find myself wanting to add in my own points. So here goes A couple of years later, Dr Bernard Sandler the Jewish doctor at whose clinic I was created gave evidence to the Feversham Committee stating that in his view assisted conception prevented women from committing adultery. Yes. Really.

In the end, as Peter makes clear, it’s the advent of direct to consumer DNA testing that blew the lid on donor anonymity even though round the world countries like France and Italy still try to hold on to it. The sheer numbers of human beings created via assisted conception astound me. There are, of course many more sperm seller/donor conceived people than there those born via egg selling/donation and surrogacy.

Importantly Peter calls for a Bill of Rights to regulate the world of third and fourth party assisted conception and surrogacy. I would add to Peter’s Bill of Rights that cross border surrogacy should be banned.

At present some countries – such as the USA have no standardised regulations. Others have regulations that are not fit for purpose and or are implemented half heartedly such as here in the UK.

The author says of the USA – and just pause a moment and think about this, “There is more regulation protecting unborn dogs and puppy breeding than there is for the entire reproductive industry.” I don’t know if it’s the same in the UK, but it wouldn’t surprise me.

This book, like Sarah Dingle’s “Brave New Humans, and Danni Shapiro’s “Inheritance” is an extremely important book.

If you know someone who is “donor”/gamete seller conceived or are someone thinking about using assisted reproductive technologies to create a child, I urge you to read it.

[Cynthia Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter J. Boni’s Uprooted is far more than a memoir it’s a powerful act of courage and a vital contribution to one of the most underexplored chapters in modern medical history. With the candor of someone unafraid to look directly into life’s most difficult truths, Boni takes us on a journey that is at once personal and universal: the search for identity, the reckoning with family secrets, and the resilience required to heal from generational trauma.

What makes this book extraordinary is how seamlessly Boni interlaces his own intimate story with a meticulously researched chronicle of reproductive science and its ethical complexities. He sheds light on the hidden practices of anonymous sperm donation, exposing not only the human toll but also the systemic secrecy that shaped thousands of families like his. The balance he strikes between memoir and investigative narrative keeps the pages turning while also broadening our awareness of an industry that has shaped countless lives, often in silence.

This is not simply a book about discovering biological roots. It is about reclaiming truth, confronting shame, and transforming pain into clarity and strength. Boni’s willingness to revisit childhood wounds and face the disruption of identity in midlife is both raw and inspiring. He turns what could have remained a private heartbreak into a resource for others, offering validation, understanding, and a call for greater transparency in the fertility industry.

Uprooted is a gift a testament to persistence, a reminder of how vital our stories are, and a challenge to the medical establishment to do better by the people it serves. It is a must-read not only for donor-conceived individuals and their families, but for anyone interested in the ethics of science, the meaning of family, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Peter J. Boni has done something rare and remarkable: he has taken a profoundly personal discovery and turned it into a book that will leave readers wiser, more empathetic, and deeply moved.

[Gift Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooted is one of those rare books that manages to be deeply personal while also shedding light on an issue that affects countless others. Peter J. Boni’s journey of discovery beginning with the stunning revelation about his origins is told with honesty, courage, and remarkable insight. What starts as a very human story of identity and belonging evolves into a sweeping exploration of the history, science, and ethics of artificial insemination.

Boni’s meticulous research and ability to weave it into a compelling narrative make this book both educational and profoundly moving. He exposes the secrecy of the fertility industry, the emotional toll of hidden truths, and the lasting impact on individuals who, like him, discover their roots through persistence and DNA technology. At the same time, he never loses sight of the human heart at the center of it all.

This book is a gift to anyone curious about family, identity, or the rapidly evolving world of reproductive technology. It is also a courageous act of advocacy calling for more transparency, accountability, and compassion in an industry that touches so many lives.

Peter J. Boni has written not just a memoir, but a landmark contribution to our understanding of family and science. Uprooted is unforgettable, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Keddy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooted is far more than a memoir it’s a courageous investigation into personal truth, hidden histories, and the far-reaching consequences of reproductive technology. Peter J. Boni’s journey begins with a startling revelation late in life, yet what unfolds is not just a story of one man’s search for his roots, but a profound exposé of a fertility industry that has operated in secrecy for decades.

With remarkable vulnerability and intellectual rigor, Boni peels back the layers of his own identity while simultaneously lifting the veil on a system that affects thousands if not millions of lives. His research is meticulous, his storytelling raw yet composed, and his insights on family, ethics, and emotional resilience are deeply moving.

What makes this book truly exceptional is the balance it strikes: equal parts personal memoir and investigative journalism. Boni gives voice to the donor conceived community, addresses long silenced traumas, and challenges readers to confront uncomfortable but necessary questions about biology, anonymity, and the commodification of human life.

Uprooted is not only important it’s essential reading for anyone interested in the intersections of science, identity, and humanity. Peter J. Boni has gifted the world a narrative that is at once intensely personal and universally resonant. A triumph in every sense.

[Lolly Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooted is more than a memoir it's a deeply human story wrapped in an investigative lens that few could deliver as compellingly as Peter J. Boni. From the moment he discovers the truth about his biological origins, Boni brings us along on a courageous and emotionally honest journey that unearths far more than just family secrets. He uncovers the hidden history of artificial insemination, exposing the ethical blind spots and unregulated practices that have shaped generations of lives.

What makes this book exceptional is the balance between vulnerability and intellectual rigor. Boni’s background as a CEO shows in his methodical research, but it’s his heart as a son, a seeker, and ultimately a reconciled human being that makes Uprooted resonate so powerfully. His exploration into identity, trauma, and belonging is universal, even as it unfolds through a very personal lens.

For anyone interested in reproductive technology, family dynamics, or the search for self, this book is essential reading. But more than that, it's a testament to resilience and the power of truth. Boni has done a remarkable service in bringing light to a subject too long shrouded in secrecy. I'm grateful for his courage in telling this story and I’m sure many others will be too.

[Sarah Mamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooted is so much more than a memoir it's a brave, unflinching journey into the heart of identity, family secrets, and the hidden history of reproductive technology. Peter J. Boni delivers a compelling blend of personal discovery and investigative rigor, turning a deeply personal story into a powerful lens on a billion dollar industry that has long operated in the shadows.

What moved me most was the vulnerability and honesty with which Boni confronts life altering truths. His emotional journey is laid bare, yet it’s paired with meticulous research that exposes the ethical gray zones and astonishing realities of artificial insemination. Few authors can balance heart and intellect so seamlessly.

The book not only helped me understand the complexities of donor conception but also opened my eyes to the quiet trauma and legal void many families still face today. Uprooted doesn’t just inform it humanizes, advocates, and empowers.

To Peter J. Boni: thank you for your courage in telling this story. Your persistence, clarity, and humanity shine through every page. This book will stay with me for a long time and I believe it will spark the conversations the world so desperately needs.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***

Can you imagine how it would feel to learn that you were conceived via donor sperm and your dad is not your biological father? Can you imagine learning that when you're almost 50?

Peter Boni walks us through his journey over 20+ years of searching for his origins. The world of artificial insemination (particularly when donor material was used) was kept hidden due to ridiculous notions of adultery, God's will, and societal expectations. Doctors didn't keep records to protect their patients (and the donors) and obviously did not advertise their services. Given all this, it's amazing the author made ANY progress in his research into his origins let alone as much as he did.

While I found the writing mediocre, the story will stick with me. It has left so much to think about. As an IVF parent. As a foster parent. As just a human being who struggles to understand the feelings around all of this. Our origins matter and I am SO glad our society has mostly moved past all this secretiveness. Children (and adults) deserve to know where they came from.

[Anthony Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Uprooted” is more than a memoir it's a courageous deep dive into personal identity, hidden histories, and the unspoken realities of reproductive science. Peter J. Boni delivers a compelling narrative that blends emotional vulnerability with investigative rigor. His story is deeply personal, yet universally resonant for anyone questioning where they come from or how modern science reshapes our most intimate bonds.

What makes this book stand out is its balance Boni masterfully weaves his own journey of discovery with an astonishingly well researched history of artificial insemination and the fertility industry's evolution. The result is both heart wrenching and intellectually enlightening.

Few books manage to be both a page turning personal story and an essential resource on a major social issue. This one does. “Uprooted” is a gift to donor conceived individuals, to families grappling with origin questions, and to anyone concerned about the ethics of the fertility industry. Thank you, Mr. Boni, for your honesty, persistence, and for shedding light where secrecy has long prevailed.

This book will stay with me for a long time.

[elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Uprooted author, Peter J Boni learns that his father is not his biological father before his 50th birthday, he sets off on a quest to find where half of his DNA comes from. Uprooted is a chronological rendition of his search for the truth. I love that he not only tells us about his discoveries, which were quite amazing, but he also relates a comprehensive history of the fertility business. Which he accurately displays as being more about making a profit than helping desperate couples fulfill their dreams of being parents.  I love his honesty and appreciate how he shares his feelings on how he was conceived. I have three children conceived with donor eggs and I really appreciate all his wisdom on how parents like myself should navigate this journey. Always being honest and truthful. Highly recommend to anyone going through ivf or just interested in the subject.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC in return for my honest review.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

This book is around 3.5 stars for me.

As an adoptee I was interested in hearing the experience of other people in their journey to find their genetic origins. Boni's book is part research, part memoir and largely focuses on his experience. I was surprised that for nearly the first third of the book we hear about Boni's tumultuous childhood, the loss of his father, and his time at war. The story about finding his roots and the story behind his conception is almost a small piece of this book. We hear a lot about researching and we hear about the eugenics origins of donor-conceived children as a sort of interlude. The most interesting part of the book to me was Boni finding more about his biological family and the impacts on that in his life, which is really just the last bit at the end.

This book has some interesting points and raises some concerns with the donor-conceiving world.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

This is a fascinating book. The author learned, in mid-life, that his conception was the result of artificial insemination. This was a shock, not only to who he thought his father was, but also pyschologically to suddenly not know what his genetics or health history was. Mr. Boni takes the reader through his own search for his genetic roots and through the history of artificial insemination, the moral and the scientific aspects. Interesting, compassionate writing. This book would be of interest to adults who find, like the author, that their father is a question mark, to adoptees, to science researchers and to genealogists.

Note that the Kindle edition pagination is wonky insofar as the chapter references and the percentage of book completed. It indicates that you have completed the book at 70%. Keep reading -- there's more.

[Vale Anira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter J. Boni’s Uprooted is a deeply personal and courageous exploration of identity, truth, and the hidden world behind modern conception. What begins as a shocking family revelation becomes an extraordinary journey of self discovery one that exposes not just personal wounds, but the ethical and emotional complexities of artificial insemination itself.
Boni’s storytelling feels raw and real. You can sense the ache of a man who’s spent decades piecing together his own origins, and the quiet resilience it takes to face the unknown. His investigative depth spanning history, science, and human emotion turns what could have been a purely personal memoir into a gripping exposé on an industry built on secrecy.
Uprooted isn’t just about finding where you come from it’s about reclaiming your truth in a world that often hides it. Honest, insightful, and powerfully human, this book lingers long after the final page.

[Laura Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boni brings to light a very interesting and what used to be a very taboo subject, artificial insemination. In his 50's the author discovers his father is not his biological father but instead, in the 1940's, his parents turned to artificial insemination to conceive a child through a donor.

Boni's story is very interesting, but even more so is his through research into the topic and history of it all. I found Boni's delivery of the history to be fascinating and page turning. What I could have done without in his narrative was the repeated mention of his home on Cape Cod, sailing his sail boat, or traveling to his different homes throughout the year. To me it seemed very frivolous and did not add anything to his story.

Thank you to publishers and the author for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle Herzing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uprooted by Peter J. Boni takes a personal story of secrets that were not meant to come to light and segues into a deep dive into the history of artificial insemination as well as the social stigma and legal ramifications involved in donor-assisted parenthood. What I found most amazing about this book is that despite the author's own circumstances and genetic discovery actually being discussed for a relatively short portion of the book, the extensive research he conducted into the history of artificial insemination was fascinating. I learned so much about this topic, and gained an appreciation for all that the pioneers, both doctors and prospective parents, went through.

Thank you to Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Xandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Goodreads giveaway winner**

I entered the Goodreads giveaway for this book interested in the topic but mildly apprehensive about how it was going to go and I was pleasantly surprised!

This book is about Peter Boni who discovered at 50 that his father is not his biological father. To further complicate things, this is in 1995, several decades before DNA tests became ubiquitous. The story is not only his family history but his internal turmoil and growth upon learning this information as well as a really fascinating history of artificial insemination and other fertility procedures.

It was well-written and fascinating. I recommend for anyone who likes a good memoir as well as anyone interested in fertility treatments and moral dilemmas.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Uprooted, Author Peter Boni takes us along with him on his journey to discover his roots. Just before his 50th birthday, Boni discovers that he was conceived through artificial insemination. Through extensive research and with the love and support of his family, especially grown daughter, Tracy, who proves herself quite the sleuth, the author makes his way around road blocks and past dead ends to unlock his past. This book is beautifully written and well researched. It is a must read for anyone, especially those interested in the history of artificial insemination, secret adoption, or genealogy in general. It gets five stars from me!!!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance listening copy of this audiobook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Uprooted is a engaging blend of personal journey and secretive history that draw me in despite it being a topic I had never considered learning more about. Peter Boni seamlessly weaves information about the fertility industry throughout his own personal history of discovering his dad was not his biological father as he was conceived through the use of a sperm donor. I found myself eager to learn what happened next and questioning my own opinions on some of the more controversial topics that he provides viewpoints, and historical context, on.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! This was a real-life mystery, generously laced with related history, genealogy, biology, women's rights, sociology, psychology, and oh so many interesting facets to this gentleman's quest to discover his paternity and all the questions that entails. It was immensely captivating and surprisingly emotional for me as I followed his journey as each bit of information was discovered, literally through decades, as his persistence was rewarded, and as DNA technology advanced. I cried from happiness many times. I learned quite a bit. I was not only entertained, but enriched. Thank you to the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this gem!