Customer Reviews

Russian Adoption Handbook: How to Adopt a Child from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is extremely comprehensive and should be read early in the process. Through no fault of the author's, some material is out of date because the Russian Laws have changed since the book was written (i.e. two trips are now required). Outside of that, my wife and I found the book to be the best resource we could have possibly found. It contains helpful information and lists of questions to ask medical professionals, children's home directors, and adoption agency guides. The best thing about the book is that the material is broken down into simple sections and is presented in an easy to understand manner. I don't have enough room to write all the good things about this book, but it should be required reading for anyone considering adopting from Russia or other countries.

This book is an excellent guide to the process of adopting a child from Russia. My wife and I recently returned from the first trip to Russia on a two-trip adoption (The book explains the difference between one and two trip process--something you will want to understand), and I can say that the information on Russia, what you need to do, etc. is very accurate. We have found this to be an excellent reference for a wide range of questions and issues about Russian adoption. I wish I had read the book earlier in the process--It would have helped to understand things and helped to reduce some of the stress. There are sections on the entire process, so it will be useful for people at any stage of adoption.

Honestly you're paying $20-30K+ and you have no idea what you should be getting, doing or how. Buy the book, give it to your wife and make sure you bring it to Russia!

I don't write reviews and I rarely read reviews on amazon. But after buying the 6+ books on adoption, this was the only one we needed (Dad's opinion). Read it and take it with you to Russia, we just got back (7/21/2004) and the book was right on. Everything from the Russian documents, translated to english and certified to the free internet access on the 4th floor of the Marriot Taverskaya in Moscow.

My husband and I are begining our adoption journey and have just signed with an agency. I found that this book contained much more practical, usable information than I have read elsewhere. They even tell you how to fill out all of the forms, when to call the INS, and what types of payments different government agencies will accept in different states. It also includes reviews of hotels in Moscow and how they are toward adoptive parents. This book has prepared me for much more than I expected. A 5 star must read if you are adopting or plan to adopt from Russia.

Even though we're adopting through a great agency (America World Adoption Association -- www.awaa.org), this book is so comprehensive & helpful. It has answered so many of my questions. I highly recommend it!!! The book is 708 pages & really goes into the details of the whole process, which can be overwhelming -- but helpful if you take it one step at a time!

We just returned with our little girl Emma Larisa from Moscow. This book was our bible! Everything from what to pack, what to ask our Dr's about. Everything was in this book. I even tried to locate the author to thank him for his book. We were so prepared for the things that the agency may not have told us. We brought it on both trips, and read and reread it many many times.
Thank you John Maclean for assisting us in bringing our beautiful daughter home!

Covers every aspect of Russian adoption, from INS forms to selecting an agency to travel in Russia. I thought I had a grasp on Russian adoption then I read this book. We're just starting the process and I consider this book absolutely essential. The 'Ukraine and Kasakstan' part is a 20 page summary of differences.

This book is so full of helpfull info it is amazing!!!! He goes into great detail about everything you need to know. If you are thinking about adopting from russia get this book. It will quickly become your adpotion bible!!!!! It covers everything from paperwork, Health issues,conditions of the orphanages to catching a taxi and how not to get ripped off... A must have

I am almost at the end of this book, if we were nervous about our impending Russian adoption before I picked up this book, I can honestly say that I am almost sure this book has covered most of the practical things we needed to know. This leaves us exclusive time to worry about all the impractical stuff. This is such a cool book, it goes from A-Z and beyond, it explains what to expect at the airport, where to get supplies, how things might work in the area of Russia you are adopting from, what the orphanage might be like, where to go for more information including lots of great website addresses, and a whole wealth of other information - we feel so much more prepared now for our "leap of faith!" I loved this book and now feel so much more confident about what to do, say, act and expect during this whole process. Excellent.!

I teach an online Russian culture course at Suite101 and I recommend this book to all my students who are considereing adopting from Russia. This is a practical and easy-to-use guide, which can help to bring people together!