The Other F-Word

The Other F-Word by Natasha Friend is a humorous and heartfelt novel about two teenagers, Milo and Hollis, who were conceived via in vitro fertilization. Although they share the same sperm donor they live states apart and have only met once because of the efforts of Hollis’s late mother. Milo has two great moms, but he’s never known what it’s like to have a dad. When Milo’s doctor suggests asking his biological father to undergo genetic testing to shed some light on Milo’s extreme allergies, he realizes this is a golden opportunity to find the man he’s always wondered about. Hollis isn’t so sure but when Milo contacts her to seek her help in locating their donor they form an instant friendship and bond and she begrudgingly agrees. Hollis’s mom Leigh hasn’t been the same since her other mom, Pam, passed away seven years ago. But suddenly, Leigh seems happy—giddy, even—by the thought of reconnecting with Hollis’s half-brother Milo.

I don’t want to give too much away but they eventually find out that they have three other half-siblings and the relationships that they all form are heartwarming. I would recommend this book to anyone, it adds humor to a serious topic and brings to light what modern families truly look like in our current times.