Both Ends Burning: My Story of Adopting Three Children from Haiti [Hardcover]

Craig Juntunen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 2009

Craig Juntunen appeared to have it all. He sold his company at the age of 40, and set out to live the good life of retirement. But he soon began to feel something was lacking. When a friend told him the story of adopting two girls from Haiti, Craig's emptiness gave way to a sense of adventure. On a trip to the desperate Third World nation, a country wracked by poverty, corruption and kidnappings, his self-serving lifestyle began a very profound transformation. At an orphanage outside of Port-Au-Prince Craig encountered Espie, Amelec and Quinn. Even after decades of table-pounding declarations he would never have children, at 51 Craig became a dad. This inspirational story of an unexpected journey and personal transformation will say many things to different people. But for all it delivers a powerful reminder of our responsibility to reach out and be there for kids.

"Craig's story is very compelling and very real. It demonstrates the beauty of the adoption story....everybody wins. You start out by providing a home for a child but you end up providing more for yourself than you ever imagined." Kirk Triplett, PGA Golf Professional and adoptive parent.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 236 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (April 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1432738720
• ISBN-13: 978-1432738723
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,347,406 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Craig M. Juntunen is the founder and president of the Both Ends Burning campaign (www.bothendsburning.org), a comprehensive effort to reform the current system of international adoption, making it more affordable and less bureaucratic for American families. He and his wife Kathi adopted their Haitian-born children - Amelec, Esperancia, and Quinn -- in 2006. Juntunen is a child welfare advocate and a passionate believer in international adoption. After a successful career, Juntunen used proceeds of the sale of his business to found Chances for Children, a foundation which supports a creche in Lamardelle, Haiti, and which has placed more than 100 children in loving adoptive families in the last three years. He is engaged in working with policymakers, partners, and other supporters of international adoption to bring long-lasting improvements to the process and get more orphaned children into loving families. Juntunen is also the national spokesman for the Haiti Renewal Fund, a foundation that is dedicated to a fresh renewal of the devastated nation of Haiti. The fund commits to efforts that extend beyond immediate relief needs and promotes the long-term rebuilding and revitalization of Haiti -- its infrastructure, its economy, its people -- its future. Juntunen has been involved in many other philanthropic causes. He enjoyed a successful athletic career, culminating as a quarterback in the Canadian Football League. He is a member of the University of Idaho Hall of Fame and the State of Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman, author, coach, educator, May 17, 2009

By 

S. Lamm "Dr. Sharon Lamm" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Both Ends Burning: My Story of Adopting Three Children from Haiti (Paperback)

This was simply the most inspirational book I have ever read. It was so full of heart that I felt mine opening with each word. I actually went to a hotel one night just to have peace and quiet to finish it. Craig's honesty, simplicity and great humanitarian spirit made this book exceptional. Not only am I inspired to be a better parent to my 3 1/2 year old son but I am having my husband read this book so we can seriously consider international adoption. After reading this book, I am ready to adopt now.

I laughed, cried and went deep inside my soul. I coach people to help live their passionate calling and follow their hearts. Craig is a living demonstration of following his calling and his heart and not looking back! Truly this is the best book I have read. I have never been this moved by a book and can't wait to see it on film as I know it will be someday. Thank you Craig for being a role model and making such a difference in the world by following your heart.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and enlightening ... for the reader (and the author), April 20, 2009

By 

Lauren B. Angulo "lbangulo" (Hanalei, HI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Both Ends Burning: My Story of Adopting Three Children from Haiti (Hardcover)

Successful, financially-set guy, gets in touch with a new dimension of himself and improves the world in the process. Easy, enjoyable read. Had me laughing, crying, feeling distraught and ultimately, hopeful ... for the family, the adopted kids and (at least a few of) the orphans of Haiti.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both Ends Burning, May 6, 2009

By 

Aviator Ned "Aviator Ned" (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Both Ends Burning: My Story of Adopting Three Children from Haiti (Hardcover)

I just finished Both ends Burning and must say it was fantastic! A very enjoyable, easy read that will take you through all the emotions. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering the adoption process. It truly captures the beauty of being a parent and the joy all children bring.