Customer Reviews

Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families

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A wonderful tome of advice and analysis on the many aspects of adoption as a way to building a family, written by a well known adoption publisher and advocate. The breadth and depth of this book is tremendous; it ranges from a discussion of infertility, the realities of adoption and whether it is the right option for you; through the emotional journey and practicalities of the adoption process; and into many aspects of being an adoptive family. While her focus is on people considering adoption, this fascinating discourse is beneficial to anyone involved in adoption, including professionals working in the field of adoption and adoptive families. Sometimes controversial, always thoughtful, as a long term adoptive family advocate myself (ComeUnity/adoption and Families of Children Adopted from Vietnam), I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in adoption.

Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families by Patricia Irwin Johnston was published in 2008 and yet will remain timeless. This is a book that I would personally recommend for anyone who is wondering if adoption is even possible for their own unique circumstances. On a personal note, my own father was adopted in 1937 and knowing how he was found and accepted into his family and some of the struggles that my grandparents had back 'in the day' helps me relate to others considering adoption. Because Pat is living what she writes about, it makes this book easier to read and understand.

The introduction is the first place a reader learns what they are about to encounter between the covers of this thought provoking book (don't skip this!) and then you move onto the chapters....each and every one offering a tremendous amount of information but not in an overwhelming way. If you are a heterosexual couple, single or gay and are considering adoption to build your family then this is the FIRST book you should read. From Unraveling the Challenges for Family Building to a complete overview on adoption and finally how to make sound choices that fit your expectations (think financial, taxes, age of the child, open adoption, adoption services, home studies etc.) and the 'Real Thing'. These four parts bring all the important considerations to the reader in a way that is easy to understand with Pats personal thoughtful touch regarding infertility and adoption permeating each and every chapter. I also personally love the resource section at the end of each segment! So helpful! This is also a must read for professionals in the Infertility and Family Building Field.

Raise a child who isn't biologically related to oneself as one's own is a task that only a few are up to. "Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families" is a complete and comprehensive guide to to the practice of adoption, with advice on whether it's right for a given set of prospective parents. Tackling all the issues and problems that commonly come along with adoptions and adoptive families, "Adopting" is truly a must-read for anyone who is honestly considering adopting a child. An essential pick for community library parenting collections.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch