A murder that shakes a nation. A movement that changes the world. And a chosen family fighting to make sure their voices are heard.
When Mia Harper is brutally murdered in a hate crime, her chosen family is left shattered and reeling. Rae, Jamie, Alex, and Tyler shared everything with Mia—dreams, laughter, and the pain of being cast out by the families that should have loved them. Now, they must navigate their grief while turning their anger into action.
Their journey takes them from their small city to the steps of the National Mall, where a rally inspired by Mia’s story becomes the catalyst for a nationwide movement. As they face hatred, resistance, and even betrayal, they discover the true cost of their fight—and the unbreakable bond that gives them the strength to keep going.
In the wake of Mia’s death, her birth family reaches out, offering an apology for the rejection that once drove her away. But as the group struggles to forgive, old wounds resurface, threatening the fragile unity that holds them together. The Family We Choose is a gripping and heart-wrenching exploration of love, loss, and what it means to stand together in a world that so often demands conformity.
For fans of The Hate U Give and They Both Die at the End, this novel is a raw, emotional journey that will leave you changed—and inspired to fight for a better tomorrow.
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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
“Family structure” refers to the relationships between individuals living in a household who consider each other family. And, sharing DNA doesn’t always equate a family, either. People who share a strong bond or connection, live through similar situations, or have a close relationship with others can often label themselves as a “family.” Their connections are sometimes stronger than those of genetically related family members because they have chosen to include non-biological people in their lives. The Family We Choose tells the story of five individuals made to feel unwelcome in their homes due to lifestyle choices, and, through good fortune or fate, met each other and formed a family of “misfits.” (authors’ choice of words)
As the story begins, we witness an intense scene unfold. One that many individuals can 100% relate to: Jamie came out to his parents. Like many others across the globe, Jamie’s parents were not pleased with his declaration. His dad thought it was a phase while his mother said he was rebelling and that it needed to stop now. Jamie left home the night he came out, and his parents didn’t care. His mother even said, “Don’t come back until you’re ready to change.” As the world was crumbling around him, Jamie met a wonderful lady (Rae) who would change his life!
The Family We Choose did have its positive attributes. I appreciated how everyone (the misfits) contributed their fair share to chores and household maintenance. I thought we’d seen more of that, watch the group go from acquaintances to family. Have their pasts explored in more detail. We did witness another real-life event unfolding when Rae was served with an eviction notice. Now this is where things started going off the rails for me. No one besides Rae had a job, so why didn’t the other four offer to look for employment instead of holding a fundraiser? It’s the mature and logical approach to their financial situation. Also, the eviction notice stated they had 30 days to vacate the premises. The deadline was quickly thrown out the window. The writers used words like “first time in weeks, hope felt tangible,” and when they were notified that the property owners had moved up the move-out date, the tenants remained in the home. Then, there was the moment Tyler played his guitar in court. That wouldn’t fly in my courthouse, but hey, it might in yours.
I don’t know why the jump from evicted due to lack of funds to evicted due to the sexual preferences of occupants occurred. Yes, I understand the LGBTQ+ community is treated differently and harshly, but that dramatic plot leap didn’t gel with me. When the death of Mia occurred, I loved how it united a nation. The focus on the hate crime was warranted because it affected everyone differently. Her death was emotional, but it prompted others to make the world a safer place; to let everyone feel “We Are All Worthy.
As I mentioned above, timetables seemed irrelevant, but that was not the only bump in the road. Mia’s funeral occurred twice, two chapters back-to-back. Additionally, the writers contradicted themselves in their sizing. One chapter said it was small, but people also came out in droves. In the next chapter, we watch the friends prepare for Mia’s funeral, and the writers note that this one had a small crowd. Very confusing.
Despite the challenges they faced, the five individuals in The Family We Choose demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. They refused to be intimidated by the masked men and were determined not to hide. Instead, they organized rallies and engaged the community. They took back their power! The most significant changes occurred in the epilogue, where readers learn how the chosen family (Tyler, Alex, Rae, and Jamie) and a couple of surprise characters honored Mia’s memory, making a significant impact on the LGBTQ community.
As The Family We Choose powerfully illustrates, hate continues to proliferate. It’s high time for change. The book’s message, “We Are All Worthy,” is a beautiful sentiment that we should all strive to embrace. Love is love. Let’s be kind and accepting of others. It’s time to put an end to hate!
My recommended audience is 12 years and up.
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤
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Meet the Authors!
Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
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