This Boy We Made: A Memoir of Motherhood, Genetics, and Facing the Unknown
by Taylor Harris

Finalist for the 2023 Southern Book Prize

A Black mother finds herself confronting the boundaries of her beliefs—about science, medicine, motherhood, and faith—as she seeks the truth about her son. Taylor Harris wakes up one morning to find her lively twenty-two-month-old son, Tophs, listless and weak, prompting her to rush him to the doctor. Despite her own anxiety disorder, she follows her maternal instincts and seeks medical help. The doctors confirm that something is wrong with Tophs, setting Taylor on a journey that will forever change her life.

As the doctors provide answers to some of her questions about her son’s troubling symptoms, more questions arise, and Taylor embarks on a relentless pursuit of a diagnosis. Navigating a healthcare system that often fails Black mothers and children becomes a challenging task, requiring her to invest countless hours and endure both frustration and discrimination. Amidst her tireless efforts, Taylor also faces her own health revelations during an appointment with a geneticist.

This Boy We Made is a poignant and beautifully written exploration of the profound bond between a mother and her child. Through the hardships and unexpected twists that unfold, Taylor gains valuable insights into the meaning of life and the strength required to navigate through unforeseen circumstances.