Chrysta Bilton’s “Normal Family” is a deeply personal memoir exploring the author’s unconventional upbringing. Conceived via sperm donation in the 1980s, Bilton grapples with a complex family dynamic shaped by her single, gay mother’s struggles with addiction and the eventual shocking discovery of dozens of half-siblings. This compelling narrative delves into themes of identity, family secrets, and the search for belonging, challenging conventional notions of “normal.” A poignant and honest exploration of truth, love, and the messy realities of modern families, lauded by critics for its raw vulnerability and insightful perspective. Perfect for readers of memoir and anyone questioning what truly defines family.
Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met My 35 Siblings
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Description
This riveting, nuanced memoir about unforgettable individuals thrown together by chance and DNA tells a story of nature, nurture, and coming to terms with one’s true inheritance.
What is a normal family, and how do you go about making one? Chrysta Biltons magnetic, larger-than-life mother, Debra, yearned to have a child, but as a single gay woman in 1980s California, she had few options. Until one day, while getting her hair done in a Beverly Hills salon, she met a man and instantly knew he was the one shed been looking for. Beautiful, athletic, artistic, and from a well-to-do family, Jeffrey Harrison appeared to be Debras ideal sperm donor.
A verbal agreement, a couple of thousand in cash, and a few squirts of a turkey baster later, and Chrysta was conceived. Over the years, Jeffrey would make regular appearances at the family home, which grew to include Chrystas baby sister. But how much did Debra really know about the man shed chosen to father her daughters? And as a single mother torn between ferocious independence and abject dependenceon other women, alcohol, drugs, and the adrenaline of get-rich-quick schemeswhat secrets of her own was she keeping?
It wasnt until Chrysta was a young adult that she discovered just how much her parents had hidden from their daughtersand each otherincluding a shocking revelation with far-reaching consequences not only for Debra, Chrysta, and her sister, but for dozens and possibly hundreds of unsuspecting families across the country. After a lifetime of longing for a normal family, can Chrysta face the reality of her own, in all its complexity? Bringing us into the fold of a deeply dysfunctional yet fiercely loving clan that is anything but normal, this emotional roller coaster of a memoir will make you cry, laugh, and rethink the meaning of family.
Named a ‘Best Book of the Summer’ by LA Times, People, USA Today, Vanity Fair, The Hollywood Reporter, Amazon, Apple, Cup of Jo, Kirkus, Parade, & Today
Embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery and familial complexities with Chrysta Bilton's poignant memoir, "Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met My 35 Siblings." This isn't just another autobiography; it's a raw, unflinching exploration of identity, inheritance, and the ever-elusive definition of "normal" in the context of family. Bilton's story begins with her unconventional conception, a product of her mother Debra's determination to have a child as a single gay woman in 1980s Beverly Hills. Enter Jeffrey Harrison, the seemingly perfect sperm donor: handsome, athletic, artistic, and hailing from a privileged background. A handshake agreement and a turkey baster later, Chrysta was brought into the world, followed by her sister. Jeffrey remained a recurring figure in their lives, but the secrets and complexities lurking beneath the surface would soon shatter the illusion of a stable upbringing. As Chrysta grows up, she grapples with her mother's fierce independence intertwined with addiction and a penchant for risky ventures. Debra's own hidden truths cast a shadow over the family, fueling Chrysta's yearning for a sense of normalcy. This desire intensifies as she uncovers shocking revelations about her parents' past, exposing a web of deceit that extends far beyond their immediate family. The book takes a dramatic turn when Chrysta discovers that Jeffrey Harrison wasn't just a sperm donor; he was far more prolific than anyone imagined. She finds herself connected to dozens of half-siblings scattered across the country, each grappling with the same questions of identity, lineage, and belonging. This revelation forces Chrysta to confront the reality of her own fractured family and redefine what "normal" truly means. "Normal Family" is a masterfully written memoir that delves into the depths of human relationships, exploring themes of nature versus nurture, the impact of addiction, and the search for belonging in a world that often feels isolating. Bilton's honest and vulnerable voice resonates deeply, inviting readers to question their own preconceived notions about family and to embrace the beautiful messiness of life. Critically acclaimed and named a 'Best Book of the Summer' by numerous publications including the LA Times, People, USA Today, and Vanity Fair, "Normal Family" is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to define their place in the world. It's a story of resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love, even in the most unconventional of circumstances. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and ultimately inspired by this unforgettable memoir that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Chrysta Bilton is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, and other prominent publications. Her insightful storytelling and willingness to confront difficult topics have earned her widespread recognition. "Normal Family" is her debut memoir and a testament to her talent as a writer and her courage as a human being.
Additional information
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Binding | |
| Condition | |
| ISBN-10 | 0316536539 |
| ISBN-13 | 9780316536530 |
| Language | |
| Pages | 288 |
| Publisher | |
| Year published | |
| Weight | 259 |
