Reviews (8)

EXCELLENT book to read before you adopt/or in the process!
This book is a MUST to read!! You will REALLY see where your money goes after reading it! I was quite amazed. However, compared to the other reviewers, I ended up using Alaska Adoption Agency. (Excellent company by the way!) We did a 2 trip region. (Khabarovsk) Was a great overall experience. For more info on adoption, I used to go to www.adoptionforums.comGreat source for MORE updated info on what's going on with the adoptions these days!

Adopting in Russia: Your rights and the law
This is a must have book for adoption in Russia. It is well supportive of independent adoption. It covers the process of adoption in Russia in detail. The book also has a large section of Russian law, translated and explained, that is very helpful to adoptive parents. An excellent travel tool for Russian adoption.

A must have for parents considering a Russian Adoption
For anyone who is interested in an indepth understanding of Russian Law and how it related to international Russian adoption, this is the book to read!Well written, well thought out, easy to use and very informative! Irina O'Rear has written an outstanding book that explains in detail how the law works in Russia and how it applies to adoption.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption agencies    3. Directories    4. Family & Relationships / Adoption    5. Law    6. Law / Practical Guides    7. Law and legislation    8. Popular works    9. Russia (Federation)    10. Family & Relationships    11. Intercountry adoption    12. International    13. Practical Guides    14. United States   

Reviews (6)

A Must Read
As aparent that adopted a child who is a miniority (not African American, but Asian) I have gained a lot of insight from an adoptee's perspective. I would recommend this book to an parent considering or currently raiaisng a child of a different race.

Perspective of Adult adoptees is very helpful
This book is important for adoptees, adoptive parents and grandparents, as well as others who are loving and parenting across racial lines.While this is not a "how to" book, it is clear from the adoptees' stories what they believe their adoptive parents did well and what they wish their adoptive parents had done differently.It stresses the difficult issues but also reflects that transracial adoption can and does work. It helps parents to understand the importance of nurturing a relationship between the adoptive family and the adoptees' ethnic communities.

Finally I am not alone
I really enjoyed this book and it let me see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Becaue I am adopted in a white home and Birracial the times have been hard however, with this book I feel like I am not the only one in that kind of situation.This book has helped me discover the true me, and also helped me to realize that if I am not true to myself I am only hurting myself. I wish there were more books like this on the market, and I would recommend it to anyone who is adopted or raising a minority child in a white home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Interracial adoption    4. Parenting - General    5. Social Science    6. Social Work    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Child welfare    10. Family & relationships    11. Multicultural studies    12. Social Science / Social Work    13. USA   

Reviews (45)

Adoption Healing...a path to healing and living
The author has brought the myths of adoption into the light. Exposing them so we have a better understanding of adoption and why there is a need for healing. He has given the memebers of the triad understanding on all sides. The exercises are easy to understand and do work. The book is a path to recovery and to living again. Thank you

The Truth Hurts but now there is hope..
I am a birthmother who read this book expecting to find more about the adoptee's experience...from an adoptees point of view. Instead, Joe speaks to the pain that most all of us experienced including birthmothers, in the closed Adoption system. Letting go of old myths, shame, embarrassment and denial about what was like a crazy experiment gone awry, is not easy. He has given us exercises ,wisdom and rituals that help us face our deepest sadness and take back our power. I knew while reading this book that this author gets it. He understands and validates the unique pain that a birthparent, especially birthmothers feel. This is one book that every collection of adoption books should include.. no matter how one is involved in the adoption experience.

Adoption Means Loss
This book deals with truth -- not the way people would prefer to hear it, but the truth. There is loss for all concerned. My pain of loss of 'mommy' felt validated by its words. I'm sure the feelings of doubt, fear, anxiety and loss that so many adoptees and birth parents feel will be validated, but the writer doesn't stop there. He gives you exercises to help deal with those feelings. Since so many people are affected by adoption I would like to see this become required reading in schools, certainly by teachers at all levels, and prospective adoptive parents. I strongly suggest that everyone read it. It will help you to understand yourself, your sister or brother, your child, your partner or spouse and your friend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adopted children    2. Adoptees    3. Adoption    4. Family & Relationships / Adoption    5. General    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help   

Reviews (11)

A great place to start!
Wow, this book is packed with information!It is an excellent starting point for anyone considering adopting.

Fantastic
This book will forever be intimately associated with the happiest and most important part of my life.

good resource like it says on the cover!
For all those touched by adoption. Dispels the myths.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Adoption agencies    4. Child Care/Parenting    5. Directories    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Intercountry adoption    9. Parenting - General    10. United States    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (41)

Must-Read
This book is a must-read for people planning to adopt, and those who have adopted and are still adjusting. There are a lot of feelings and fears that most people won't talk about during the adoption process, but they are there and they are real, and this author explores them.

This book is not for those that expect Adoptive Moms to be perfection
This is one of the books I tell any perspective adoptive Mom to read....the entire adoption process is at times frustrating and mind boggling.There are plenty of other great books that explain adoption ethics, respect for birthfamilies, the emotional loss of the adoptee, and how to make sure that you are supportive of the needs of the adopted child.
Refreshingly honest!
Yeah for Jana! She is plowing new ground for adoptive parents by bringing secret thoughts to light. Instead of feeling defeated and ashamed when problems come, which they do for all parents, negative parental emotions will be neutralized. They will see once and for all that they are normal and not alone. Thank you, Jana, for having the guts to write this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Parent And Child    7. Parenting - Motherhood   

Reviews (4)

Written by a true pro in the adoption field!
The author's adoption expertise is vast--that is why she can make adoption truths and realities easy to understand. I highly recommend this book!

Very thorough book and easy to read
We were considering adoption, and knew absolutely nothing about it before reading this book.It gives an excellent, neutral explanation of everything you need to know about adoption.It doesn't sugar coat anything.
A good book to help you make an adoption decision.
I began reading this book last fall.It was exactly what I was looking for.A high level overview of the different types of adoption, along with lots of practical advice on what to expect when adopting.The format was easy to read and easy to follow.I feel that this book gave a very honest, straightforward view of all types of adoption, so that the reader could decide what they are most comfortable with.Now that we have decided on an adoption path, we are on to other resources, but Adoption For Dummies was really helpful while we were trying to decide what path to take. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Human Services    8. Parenting - General    9. United States    10. Advice on parenting    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting    12. Marriage, family & other relationships    13. USA   

Reviews (1)

Adoption from a Christain's View Point
At first glance, Kay Strom seemed to have written just another common place book on the adoption process.But upon further reading, I was very impressed by the thought provoking manner in which she encourages each individual considering or going through the adoption process to seek the Lord's guidance for each step taken.She does not "sugar coat" adoption like it's the TV sitcom "THE BRADY BUNCH," but weaves in accounts ofactual families as they made their way through adoption.Though not a technical reference book like THE ADOPTION RESOURCE BOOK by Lois Gilman (by the way, is an invaluable adoption tool), Kay Strom makes you stop and evaluate your motivations before you jump into adoption.I highly recommend this book to any Christain since she does not "push" any particular "religious affiliation" when she encourages one to seek the Lord for His guidance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Christianity    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Religious aspects    5. Sociology    6. United States   

Reviews (15)

Excellent

So not what I needed to hear!!!
I read this book shortly after dh and I decided to look into adoption.The author goes on and on about getting through your grief over infertility and it made me even more depressed about my situation!! She goes through different stages that a couple has to grieve before they are ready to move on and adopt such as the grief of never sharing a pregnancy with your spouse, the grief of never having a biological child etc. etc. etc.To me, adoption is not about grieving over what I am going to miss out on, it is about embracing life's path and looking at what I do get to experience such as the joy of finding out there is a child for us, and the excitment of sharing the adoption experience with my dh.IF sucks, I will be the first one to admit that!!! But life is what you make of it and I don't think that I need to grieve all these different steps before I am ready to embrace adoption.

Pop psychology
I could barely read this book. I guess I'm just not that torn up about being infertile. It reads too much like a self-help book to suit me - lots of hand wringing about things we have no control over, lots of personal stories of hand wringing. The author apologizes a few times for the first 3 chapters, justifying my decision to skip them after skimming the first.
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Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Infertility    4. Psychological aspects    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - Marriage & Family    8. United States    9. Child welfare   

Reviews (5)

Instructive, and soothing
Although an adoptive parent for 10 years, I found many new bits of information and sensible comments in this book, compiled by an author and PhD. in family issues who is herself an adoptee.
Very Good Book
This book offered more insight than anything else I have read concerning adoption.I am a birth mother and glad someone put everyone's thoughts into one book

A "Must" Read
I am just finishing "Adoption Wisdom".It is probably the best I've read.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Human Services    5. Psychological aspects    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. United States   

Reviews (7)

An encouraging look at a mother's journey
I can relate to McCabe on a number of levels.Far from expecting a dry "here's the adoption process" sort of missive, I was quite glad to hear McCabe's emotional thoughts as she pursued bringing her daughter home from China.
A Way with Words
Nany McCabe has a way with words; she created such a powerful, moving story.From the beginning I got the sense that she was an interesting and intelligent person, but what I loved is how she grew emotionally. Through the book, she began recognizing the love and the limitations of love that bound her and her family.This book helped me analyze parent and adult children dynamics as well as reflect on adoptive parent and child relationships.As a daughter and an upcoming adoptive mother, I felt a sense of recognition and hope.

Moving and inspiring
The reader who wasn't interested in McCabe's personal life doesn't seem to understand that a memoir is by definition a narrative composed from personal experience.Meeting Sophie is not just about "the adoption process." Instead, it eloquently and poignantly demonstrates how becoming a parent--however one accomplishes it--affects all aspects of a life, making other challenges seem larger and at the same time easier to face.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. China    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Intercountry adoption    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Single mothers    9. United States    10. Biography: general    11. Child welfare    12. Parenthood    13. USA   

Reviews (24)

Whose Child?
Once I started reading Whose Child?, I could not put the book down.I am an adoptee who has searched, found and reunited, like Kasey, only to find more obstacles to overcome. It helped me to know that I wasn't alone.From her childhood abuse and through her search for her birthparents, and a rocky reunion, she is a shining example of a true survivor. I commend Kasey for sharing her personal story as it gives much insight into the world of the closed adoption system and the damage that secrets and lies can do. To all members of the triad, and anyone who has been touched by adoption, this is a must read.Thanks Kasey!!P.S.I also recommend "Adoption Forum" by Kasey.Very insightful information on all positions of the triad members.

The best story about overcoming adversity I have ever read!
This book is not just about adoption. It is about overcoming incredible abuses, making a success of your life, and learning to love and let go. I am not adopted and I could not put the book down. I heard they are thinking of making a movie of this story. I can't wait. I am also an incest survivor and I hope I can meet Kasey some day and tell her how her book changed my life. I Could not put this one down!
I read this book in one afternoon. It is so easy to read and it defies you to put in down, so I didn't. Her story is both heartbreaking and wonderful. Her spirit shines through as she takes responsibility for her actions and places the blame for other's actions where it belongs. She is now a school psychologist and I wish she worked at my adoptive kid's school because I know she would have immense wisdom and hope to share. Thank you Kasey for sharing your incredible story with us. You are truly a miracle.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Biography & Autobiography / Women    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Family & Relationships / Adoption    5. Family/Marriage    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Women    8. Autobiography    9. Biography: general    10. Hamner, Kasey    11. Literature: Texts   

Editorial Review

The byzantine process of applying for adoption can leave even the best and the brightest feeling like an idiot. Fear not. Chris Adamec, coauthor of the Read more

Reviews (10)

Good, Quick, and Concise
This was a good and quick read over the generalities of the adoption process. It discussed the many faces of adoption (domestic/international; open/closed; the "nontraditional" adopter), the process (choosing an agency/private attorney), the homestudy, where to find the resources (some unexpected) to fund your adoption, the adoption laws within each state (including adoptive parent and birthparent rights), how to "meet" the birthmother, and what happens after bringing the child home (getting ready for his/her/their arrival, adoption "rituals" as they grow, explaining adoption to your child, behavioral problems that may be encountered). As I said, this is a good "general" book. I also found it focused more on domestic versus international adoption as a large portion discussed feelings that may be experienced by the birthmother (which will apply to int'l as well) , finding a birthmother, choosing open/closed adoption, and if an open adoption just how much contact is warranted, and what happens if she changes her mind. Even with this part of the book (as we are doing international adoption), the information was very concise and worth the time and money.

Buy the Second Edition, published in 2005!
Adoption has changed a lot since I wrote the first edition of Complete Idiot's Guide to Adoption in 1997. Which is why if you want to adopt a child, you need to buy the second edition, published in 2005. ISBN: 159257274X
A good starting point...
If you are just thinking of adopting and have no idea where to begin, this is a great book. It gives details about many different types of adoption. It could really help you decide whether to go through government agencies, private agencies or international. If you have already narrowed your scope, then it is better to get a book specific to the type of adoption that you are pursuing, otherwise there will be many chapters of this book that you will skip. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. United States    6. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (11)

Excellent resource...
This book has three distinct sections.
adoption resource
A great book for friends and family of individuals adopting internationally. A quick and easy read that stresses the importance of using appropriate adoption language.

Cross Cultural Adoption
I really enjoyed this book. Its a quick read and very helpful. I bought 3 more copies to give to friends. I hope this helps. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Intercountry adoption    6. Interracial adoption    7. United States    8. Advice on parenting    9. Family & Relationships / Adoption    10. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Editorial Review

Best known for his syndicated sexual advice column, "Savage Love," Dan Savage shares his own story in Read more

Reviews (120)

Honest account
This is such a cute, humorous and honest story; a very entertaining and easy read.

Made Me Weep
This is an incredibly honest recounting of how the author and his boyfriend adopted a child.It was fascinating to read about "open adoption", at the time of the book only legal in three states, Washington, Oregon and New Mexico. This system is where the birth mother is allowed to choose the adopting couple and continues to visit the child after giving birth.Worried that no young mother would choose a gay couple, they still go through with the grueling application and review process and are rewarded by being the first couple in their orientation group to be picked.The mother is truly a fascinatingly real character and Savage does a wonderful job portraying her.The scene at the hospital when they finally take the baby is heart wrenching and the author beautifully explains how experiencing the mother's grief completely validates the open adoption approach.This simple book encompasses so much about the human condition it becomes a spiritual beacon of tolerance and compassion.

A Defense of the Book
I felt I had to respond after one person failed miserably in reading comprehension.First, in the beginning of the book Savage made the point and he and Terry had discussed infidelity and were committed enough to their relationship that that would not be enough to break them up.As to the claims about the birthmother being mentally ill, they took care to show that she wasn't.She was able to care for herself, make logical decisions and was sane enough to know that her chosen lifestyle made it impossible to be a good mother to her son, hence choosing adoption.And they didn't relocate to get away from her.They lived in Seattle and used an agency there.She was currently living in Portland, but since she regularly moved from city to city, it wasn't an issue.In fact, those who bother to read the whole thing will discover a chapter in which they flew to L.A. to meet with her after the birth and to allow the birthfather to see the baby.(And according to the legal agreement they signed, they can't keep her from seeing the kid a certain number of times a year, and Savage himself deplored the fact that some adoptive parents don't follow the signed agreements.)A lot of the other complaints seem based on the fact that the reviewer could not tell sarcastic humor from genuine sentiment.Savage is not a hearts&roses style writer.He's a hardcore cynic and likes making shocking jokes, like his fake birthmother letter in which he jests about having drug addicted friends babysit.For every time he made a joke about a baby as an expensive hobby, he also mentioned looking forward to being able to teach him to walk and talk and later watching his Little League games.Plenty of other writers have made similar jokes about their children - Erma Bombeck said she wanted to trade hers in for dogs, Bill Cosby has written about wanting to send his to jail for being annoying.It has nothing to do with how they actually parent - they're just trying for a laugh.Plus, if he really thought it was just a lark, would he and his boyfriend have gone through so much to adopt?
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Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Alternative Family    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Literary    7. Parenting - General    8. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    9. Advice on parenting    10. Biography & Autobiography / Editors, Journalists, Publishers   

Reviews (2)

Don't waste your time/money - get a lawyer
I purchased this book to help file forms on a stepparent adoption.I submitted the form that was included on the CD "Petition to Terminate Parental Rights of the Alleged Father".To my dismay, they told me that I was using an "outdated" template, as the Civil Code 7409(a) that was referenced was repealed 10 years ago.I sought help from an attorney who told me that this is now under Family Code Section 7611.I do not trust the forms now, as I fear there may be other mistakes that I do not know of, as I am not an attorney.
An easy and at times fun way to save thousands on adopting
This book is wonderful for anyone who wants to adopt their spouse's child and has the consent of the other bio-parent (or other stipulation such as the death of the bio-parent, etc.). It not only provides needed forms, butalso has word-by-word examples of the documents you will need to typeyourself (for me, that was actually fun!) Additionally, if you live in LosAngeles as I did during the process, it gives you special instructions forfiling in L.A. county - very helpful! I had to pay only a $700 assessmentfee and 2 or 3 small filing fees and the whole process, from filing theinitial petition to the final hearing (which is especially enjoyable) wascompleted in under 4 months! And the experience brought me even closer toour 5 year old little girl as well as my wife! A lawyer quoted me legalfees of "$2,500 to $3,000, not including filing and assessmentfees" before I found this book. You will not only save money, but comeaway with an amazing sense of accomplishment and a renewed appreciation foryour family. I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. California    4. Domestic Relations - Children    5. Domestic Relations Law    6. Family Law - Children    7. Forms    8. Law    9. Law and legislation    10. Legal Reference / Law Profession    11. Legal status, laws, etc    12. Legal status, laws, etc.    13. Reference    14. Stepchildren   

Reviews (4)

Adequate but not stellar...
We adopted a four-year-old boy from Russia during the middle part of last year, and, of course, we faced many of the challenges that other families encounter in building trust, establishing a bond, integrating a new family member, and so forth. Having nearly survived the difficult early period, we were recommended this book by our social worker as something of interest to parents in our situation.
Helpful tips but lacks resolution
The book is a good overview of the parenting challenges that characterize the adoption of older children.The challenges are well, though briefly, defined and described.The challenges themselves are well-illustrated with vignettes of families.
Food for thought
The book contained chapters dealing with a variety of issues involving older child adoption, including ADHD, FAS, RAD, self esteem, creating a family, and other issues.She offered suggestions and solutions about how to best deal with these behaviors.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adopted children    2. Adoption    3. Adoptive parents    4. Child Care/Parenting    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family Relationships    8. Older child adoption    9. Parenting    10. Parenting - General    11. Child care & upbringing   

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Adoption And Adoption Services    3. Government policy    4. Older child adoption    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Social Policy    7. Social Science    8. Social Work    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - General    11. Special needs adoption    12. United States    13. Central government policies    14. Child welfare    15. Social Science / Social Work    16. USA   

Reviews (5)

Helpful in planning ahead & creating a lifebook for your child
The one downside to this book is that it is rather dated (from the 80's) & reflects mostly closed domestic adoptions.However, it is still very helpful to hear what may go through children's heads regarding their own adoptions.There are a variety of ages and viewpoints.My husband and I felt that the range of opinions and they way things were described was probably largely based on how the children's parents had described their adoptions to them (including the terminology used..."real" parents, etc...or whether or not parents told their children that they would help them search for their birthparents down the road...).This was required ready by our agency for our 2nd adoption, but I found it very helpful in planning to create a "lifebook" for our first child.It helped me to imagine the things that our child might think or feel down the road & how I could have some impact on that by what I teach him now & over time.The book was very easy reading.

Excellent Read
I loved the book. It really gave insight as to what kids are thinking. Very informative and very interesting. Helpful book. I do disagree with others that say it is focused on "white" children. When I read something I read it for what it is and this is a book about children's feelings about being adopted. Color and numbers of colors don't matter. It is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.

A good effort, but limited
Although I applaud Jill Krementz in her effort to give voice to adopted children, I found this book limited and limiting.The over-emphasis on white children and on search and reunion is both misleading and unhelpful.For a young child unwilling or unable to find birthparents, the focus (as is so often the case in media) on reunions raises troubling questions of their own life.Although there are four African-American children, there is only one Asian child--even though Korea alone is responsible for roughly 100,000 adoptions to U.S. families.I would prefer that this book had been titled, "How it feels to be white adopted." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adopted children    2. Adoption    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Foster parents    5. General    6. Interviews    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Family & Relationships / Adoption    10. Fostering & adoption   

Reviews (27)

Astounding (but not for everyone)
First off, the man is a poet. That would explain the "overdone" prose one reviewer complained about. Before you spend your money, know what it ain't - a quick fix, a bulleted list, transracial adoption for dummies, a Dr. Phil-esque summary of the 10 things, 7 habits or 3 secrets you must know before you transracially adopt ...
A must for all Child Welfare practioners.
Jaiya John's personal truth is overwhelmingly spiritual, intellectually compelling and an education for all who serve children and families.His poetry and prose evoke extraordinary archetypal images of the powerful, and often conflicting, developmental tasks of fully, truthfully defining one's self and the need to belong. As a social worker, trainer and public speaker, I often struggle to find accurate words and images underscoring the necessity of cultural identity in transracial foster and adoptive families.I am now able to better articulate the destructive nature of a 'color-blind' social environment.This is a powerfully emotional read, but one that leaves you celebrating the journey, paradoxically painful and joyous, of seeking your own truth!

A positive, hopeful, revealing story
As someone who works with adoptive families, I can say that this book is just the kind of truthful, balanced story adoptive families need to be exposed to. The review dated July 3, 2006 must be from a person who did not truly read this book, at least not with an open spirit. There is absolutely no bitterness or negativity in this book. The author is piercingly honest about what he felt and thought AS A CHILD. This should not be confused with his adult perspective. The entire book is a loving testimony to the devoted love of his adoptive family and the very human fragility we all carry within our relationships. Jaiya John absolutely does not conclude anything negative from his experience. Just the opposite, he finds a higher meaning in the purpose and circumstance of his life and his belonging within his family. Anyone who has heard this author speak publically understands that he exudes an incredible level of peace, compassion, and open-heartedness and that he and his adoptive family are close. This book is devoted to sharing one child's truth in a way that should open us all to the truth within every child, including the child within us. Well written, insightful, and full of humor, appreciation, and a hopeful message for families. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Childhood Memoir    4. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    5. Social Science    6. Sociology   

Reviews (8)

I could not put it down
I am not an adoptive parent and am not considering adoption, but was intrigued by this book, since many people close to me have adopted.I could not put this down.I thought the author's honesty is to be greatly admired and I look forward to her next book.

Honest to the 9th Degree
This story was honest to the Nth degree...in fact, a little too honest.The author is rather scathing in a lot of her comments about Eastern Europe and Eastern Europeans, where she traveled to adopt two children.Yes, that area of the world is not too well developed, but calling it "Trashcanistan," among other things, is, in my opinion, going a little too far, and hey, I'm not even from Eastern Europe.The author's afraid she'll be robbed in the apartment she stays in.The author is afraid of all kinds of things.There's quite a list.Add to that, the author bares her insecurities about adoption to a degree that she is just not too likable as a narrator.Regarding one of her children, who spent years in an orphanage and related well and charmingly to all of her caregivers there, she states, "This little girl makes love to everyone she meets."That's the most hideous, and inaccurate, given the context, statement I have ever read in a memoir about children, biological, adopted, or otherwise, in all of my life.The baby in question was TWO YEARS OLD at the time the mother said she was "making love" to everyone she met, simply by being a charming little baby.The mother narcissistically "can't bear it" that the baby doesn't initially single HER out as her most loved person on the planet, as if a baby that young could even figure out what was going on with so many adults coming and going in her life.I read that passage, with my mouth hanging open in shock.And that was only one of the disturbing passages.This book is more shocking than a night at the Grand Guignol.I can recommend this book to anyone studying a parent's narcissism, but that's about it.

A vivid, compelling story
Numerous books on the market discuss how to adopt; but this isn't another general guide on the topic: it's a memoir of the experience of a couple who decided to move into international adoption, and addresses the special issues which arise from such a decision. Juxtaposed with her emotional story are tips others following the same path can learn from. A vivid, compelling story.
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Subjects:  1. Adopted children    2. Adoption    3. Adoption And Adoption Services    4. Adoptive parents    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    9. Intercountry adoption    10. Parenting - General    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Russia (Federation)    13. United States    14. Family & Relationships / Adoption