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Chosen Family: A Donor-Conceived Woman’s Journey to Redefining Family
Chosen Family is both a memoir and a challenge against societal views on family. It is the story of how one woman reimagined and redefined what makes a family by watching her own mother take the leap into solo motherhood through the use of a donor and how her community rallied around her. It is the story of navigating growing up in a single parent household, self-discovery, connecting with biological family members, and discovering that the happiness and closeness of a family depends not on shared DNA but on love and intentionality. Chosen Family gives you permission to define your family through a broader lens as Kiara reminds us: there is no one size fits all family.
- GenresMemoir
208 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 7, 2022
I just devoured Schuh's debut work - inhaled it. I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed it - fully prepared for a polite, abridged review. But I genuinely found it compelling and well-written.
Debut books, especially when autobiographical, are enormously tricky enterprises and I champion anyone with the will and cajones to even attempt one. Schuh threaded the needle beautifully - personal, vulnerable, perhaps even exhibitionist but without detrimental self-absorption, acridity, or shallowness which usually sinks a memoir.
Schuh has produced a work that is deeply informative without succumbing to the dully academic. She approaches the topic of donor conception, fertility, non-traditional families, and even personal finance with the perfect mixture of both detachment and, conversely, when necessary, personal, emotional reckoning.
The content is inherently compelling and the composition is well balanced and paced. It takes the subjects of identity, mysteries of origin, nature v nurture, and the very notion of how we interrelate with one another head on. This is not simply a reflection, but a journey of discovery that is just as physical as it is emotional and metaphorical. The revelations were stunning, and I would be incredulous if I did not know for a fact they were also true.
What truly sets this work apart is its tone. It is abundantly and unapologetically warm. While there is certainly conflict, mostly internal, it is diffused with love, joie de vivre, and gratitude. Her optimism and humor shine through and having read the work I feel some of that outlook has found itself in my heart.
I applaud Kiara and am grateful to have cultivated relationships with the types of people who are willing to put in the work to contribute to the literary world.
Debut books, especially when autobiographical, are enormously tricky enterprises and I champion anyone with the will and cajones to even attempt one. Schuh threaded the needle beautifully - personal, vulnerable, perhaps even exhibitionist but without detrimental self-absorption, acridity, or shallowness which usually sinks a memoir.
Schuh has produced a work that is deeply informative without succumbing to the dully academic. She approaches the topic of donor conception, fertility, non-traditional families, and even personal finance with the perfect mixture of both detachment and, conversely, when necessary, personal, emotional reckoning.
The content is inherently compelling and the composition is well balanced and paced. It takes the subjects of identity, mysteries of origin, nature v nurture, and the very notion of how we interrelate with one another head on. This is not simply a reflection, but a journey of discovery that is just as physical as it is emotional and metaphorical. The revelations were stunning, and I would be incredulous if I did not know for a fact they were also true.
What truly sets this work apart is its tone. It is abundantly and unapologetically warm. While there is certainly conflict, mostly internal, it is diffused with love, joie de vivre, and gratitude. Her optimism and humor shine through and having read the work I feel some of that outlook has found itself in my heart.
I applaud Kiara and am grateful to have cultivated relationships with the types of people who are willing to put in the work to contribute to the literary world.
February 26, 2026
For anyone considering single motherhood by choice, Chosen Family by Kiara Schuh is an especially meaningful read because it centers the child’s perspective. So much of the literature on donor conception focuses on the parent’s journey; this book thoughtfully explores what it feels like to grow up donor-conceived.
I appreciated how candidly Schuh shares insight into her upbringing and how her mother raised her and her brother. The book highlights how intentional parenting, openness about donor conception, and a strong support system shaped their sense of identity. Her reflections make it clear that the quality of the “village” surrounding a child can profoundly influence how they understand their origins and move through the world.
I was particularly moved by her journey to connect with other siblings conceived from the same donor and eventually meeting the donor himself. Those moments felt nuanced and human, not overly idealized, but thoughtful and honest especially as she noted some of the found siblings didn’t want to connect.
This book gave me a great deal to consider as I contemplate pursuing donor conception myself. It reinforced that while genetics are part of the story, the emotional environment, transparency, and strength of family relationships matter just as much, if not more.
I appreciated how candidly Schuh shares insight into her upbringing and how her mother raised her and her brother. The book highlights how intentional parenting, openness about donor conception, and a strong support system shaped their sense of identity. Her reflections make it clear that the quality of the “village” surrounding a child can profoundly influence how they understand their origins and move through the world.
I was particularly moved by her journey to connect with other siblings conceived from the same donor and eventually meeting the donor himself. Those moments felt nuanced and human, not overly idealized, but thoughtful and honest especially as she noted some of the found siblings didn’t want to connect.
This book gave me a great deal to consider as I contemplate pursuing donor conception myself. It reinforced that while genetics are part of the story, the emotional environment, transparency, and strength of family relationships matter just as much, if not more.
August 1, 2023
Such a lovely read! I found this book via a podcast Kiara did and very glad to have read it. Kiara's tone translates so well into words on paper. As someone considering conceiving via donor it is inspiring to hear Kiara and her Choosen Family's journey.
My only wish is that the quality of the cover material matched the quality of the written pages. I am hopeful those who read it in the furture will enjoy both. And thank you for sharing your story regardless!
My only wish is that the quality of the cover material matched the quality of the written pages. I am hopeful those who read it in the furture will enjoy both. And thank you for sharing your story regardless!
May 26, 2023
The life of a woman who was conceived via an anonymous IVF donor. Like a friend telling you about their life. You care about them but you wish they'd hone in on the juicy bits. We were told a lot and showed some but there could have been more showing in my opinion. Gave me warm feelings - heartfelt.
March 10, 2025
Chosen Family is a lovely story of a woman who was donor-conceived. This is an emerging topic with fertility advancements and the author's perspective as the child of a Single Mother by Choice is particularly impactful (as there are just not that many books about this). Ms. Schuh brings empathy and positivity to her and her family's story. If you are considering donor assisted conception I think this book would be very beneficial to read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews