Getting Simon: Two Gay Doctors' Journey to Fatherhood

by Kenneth B. Morgen

Someone once said that a literary classic is a book that captures the essence of its own time, place, and culture while simultaneously transcending those limits to achieve universality. By that definition is already a classic. It is an absorbing inspirational journey into one man's obsession to create a family. Not just a gay book this is a profoundly human testimony to the strength of the human spirit. Overcoming all odds, Dr. Morgen and his life partner, Sam, show us how love caring and unshakable determination can triumph over prejudice and disappointment.

Genres: LGBT, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Casey McDonagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I happened to pick it up at the library because it was only $.50 and it looked interesting. Turned out, it's not only a copy that's been signed by the author (!!!) but it was also an incredibly emotional memoir-turned-how-to-guide and a very insightful read-all of this coming from someone who is not the biggest non-fiction fan. The author is from Maryland and references it often, also living in Maryland, it was cool to "know" all of the different stuff he was talking about. It's so interesting to read, in 2015 a month and one day after same-sex marriage was legalized in the USA, about the legal struggle, as well as societal judgement, for a gay couple to adopt in the early 90's. At the same time, I feel that it's important to not date the book too much, and understand the hardships that surrogacy and adoption in general, as well as specifically for same-sex couples, that still exist. The book was easy to read, almost as if a friend was sitting down and telling you about his life. I think my favorite part about this book is that the timing/pacing of it aligns so that just when you are emotionally exhausted from all of the denial and pain they go through and are about to give up, something FINALLY comes through. And just when you're about to give up on trusting the birth mom, you finally start to really trust and like her. Overall, this book was something I'm really glad I picked up. I kind of want a sequel now though lol.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I don't want to adopt any children (I like being an Auntie!) I found myself engaged throughout this book. What any adult has to go through in order to adopt or use a surrogate is mind boggling. Kenneth Morgen details the events and every day living that occurs as he and his husband work to adopt a baby through a surrogate.

Definitely worth the read if you are an adult looking to adopt or use a surrogate - lots of useful information and insight into the process.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming look at one couple's journey to parenthood. I bought this book mostly as research material, but I really loved it. At times it evoked happiness and sadness, and everything emotion in between.

One quote from the book is lodged in my head and will probably remain there for a good while - "The road to gay paternity is paved with fear and doubt."

Highly recommend read!

[Toni Umar]

A long book, in general very enjoyable but it does sometimes drag somewhat. However there is much background to fill in. The disappointments are palpable and the guys just keep believing it will happen - and it does! So a lovely happy truelife ending.

[Rachel (Sfogs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got so frustrated with this story, so many people just dropping out on them or just never getting back to them. If people want to adopt or find a surrogate then they want a child. Stop waving the possibility in their faces then walking off! Humans can be so cruel!
I'm so happy for them both, that after all that trouble they finally got their family.

[JIM COOKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. It is extremely well written and reads almost like suspense novel. I had no idea how many challenges this couple faced and had to overcome in order to adopt a child. I imagine because of this book, many other deserving gay couples are now parents. Well done!