On one hand, this is such an important read to let people know that so much abuse of the foster care system happens in modern times in the US.
On the On one hand, this is such an important read to let people know that so much abuse of the foster care system happens in modern times in the US.
On the other hand, this book is seriously in need of an editor. It reads more or less as stream of consciousnesses with a near lack of transitions between events. Certain episodes are not fleshed out fully, perhaps because the author doesn't fully remember them, but the effect for the reader is a feeling while reading or getting only snippets at times.
I understand that the author didn't want to dramatize her experiences since the reality of her upbringing can stand on its own and doesn't need any fillers. But that shouldn't mean that every half remembered memory should be included.
The book reads as if it is intended for a YA audience but there are some graphic descriptions of sex acts that unfortunately were part of the author's experience, but might not be appropriate for young readers. The thing is, though, that if the book is intended for adults it's not written that way.
Still, this is an important book to read. I just wish it were edited better. ...more
Normally a book like this would set off all my annoyance alarms but for some reason it didn't bother me in the least and I actually found it helpful. Normally a book like this would set off all my annoyance alarms but for some reason it didn't bother me in the least and I actually found it helpful. I laughed at the author's dumb dad jokes and glossed right over the religious stuff. There was one instance at the very end when the author describes adoption as commonly being something that religious people are called to do but he glazes over the many infertile folks who are lead to it for completely non-religious reasons. If I had read that passage first I might have been turned off. Anyway, I suppose that since I'm at a point where I'm nervous and soaking up everything I can before our intake meeting next week I was receptive to the guidance offered in this book....more
For what it is, this book is excellent. It opened my eyes much wider to the realities of orphanages in China. It is fairly well written and even thougFor what it is, this book is excellent. It opened my eyes much wider to the realities of orphanages in China. It is fairly well written and even though I don't subscribe to the author's type of faith I believe a desire to help those in need absolutely transcends religion. A definite must read for anyone embarking on an international adoption or who simply wants to learn more. ...more
I've been reading anything I can get my hands on from my local library about adoption, specifically transracial adoption. This book had some helpful pI've been reading anything I can get my hands on from my local library about adoption, specifically transracial adoption. This book had some helpful parts which would be applicable to any parent really, such as how to keep a dialog going throughout your kids' childhoods about racism. But a lot of the book deals specifically with multiracial kids who aren't adopted. Many of the same issues and many issues that just aren't the same. All in all, a worthwhile read to skim. Just be forewarned that it may make you feel like no matter what you aren't going to be able to do a good enough job helping your child navigate racism. ...more
I take all these adoption books with a grain of salt since A) I'm getting them out of the library so I expect them to be somewhat out of date and B) nI take all these adoption books with a grain of salt since A) I'm getting them out of the library so I expect them to be somewhat out of date and B) not every book will be chock full of advice for everyone. That being said, this one did have some good info. Just gotta skip over the parts about using AOL chat rooms haha. ...more
I don't really know what rating to give this book. Perhaps I read it too early in the process and it only contributed to fears I already have about isI don't really know what rating to give this book. Perhaps I read it too early in the process and it only contributed to fears I already have about issues way down the road. It is well written and informative. I'll give it that. ...more
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