In Their Own Voices: Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories (vol. 4) [Paperback]

Rita J. Simon (Author), Rhonda M. Roorda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2000

Nearly forty years after researchers first sought to determine the effects, if any, on children adopted by families whose racial or ethnic background differed from their own, the debate over transracial adoption continues. In this collection of interviews conducted with black and biracial young adults who were adopted by white parents, the authors present the personal stories of two dozen individuals who hail from a wide range of religious, economic, political, and professional backgrounds. How does the experience affect their racial and social identities, their choice of friends and marital partners, and their lifestyles? In addition to interviews, the book includes overviews of both the history and current legal status of transracial adoption.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is the story of every person who has lived in an environment in which he or she didn't quite fit.... Yet, while the stories in the book are universal, they are also deeply personal and incredibly touching. You cannot read this book without being changed.

(Lifelines )

Extremely informative and emotionally compelling.

(Social Work in Health Care )

Review

This much needed study brings hard facts and personal experiences to bear on an important subject too often dominated by dogmas and arrogance. It is a breath of fresh air in the fetid atmosphere of racial politics.

(Thomas Sowell, Stanford University )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 406 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231118295
• ISBN-13: 978-0231118293
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #335,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally I am not alone, October 1, 2000

By 

Khatrina (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Their Own Voices (Hardcover)

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.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is Truly a "Breath of Fresh Air"!, June 1, 2000

By 

Mae (East Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Their Own Voices: Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories (vol. 4) (Paperback)

In Their Own Voices is a well-written, powerful, honest and eye opening book about the lives of black and biracial individuals adopted into white families. For many who are for or against this type of adoption, especially in a racially divisive America, this book won't let you come to an easy conclusion about whether interracial adoption is good or bad for the adoptee or community involved. It challenges the reader to put aside his or her opinions and find the answers from listening to the stories of each individual in the book. It is about time there was a book like this. There should be more like it!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perspective of Adult adoptees is very helpful, September 29, 2001

By 

Suzanne, adoptive mother of Korean sons and b... (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Their Own Voices: Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories (vol. 4) (Paperback)

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.