Unlearning Adoption: A Guide to Family Preservation and Protection [Paperback]

Jessica DelBalzo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 23, 2007

This book introduces readers to the history of adoption in the United States, the many problems inherent in past and present adoptions, and the happier alternatives that both preserve families and protect children. Inspiring readers to get involved in family preservation, this guide presents numerous ways for average citizens to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable parents and children. Also included are tips for social workers, doctors, and other professionals who counsel expectant mothers and at-risk families. 'Unlearning Adoption' will revolutionize the way America views adoption.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Unlearning Adoption provides no nonsense, straightforward information that strips away myths and illusions down to raw reality: adoption hurts people. This much needed, long-awaited book should be read by all who struggle from lifelong wounds caused by separation from natural family members, as well as the general public who, for many decades, have been taught that adoption is `a loving option' and `in the best interests of the child.' Not only does DelBalzo offer humane alternatives to adoption, she also explains clearly why adoption is solely `in the best interests" of people who seek to adopt, the multi-billion dollar a year adoption industry, and those who work within it." -- Karen Wilson Buterbaugh, co-author of Adoption Healing... a path to recovery for mothers who lost children to adoption and founder of OriginsUSA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (July 23, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419672061
• ISBN-13: 978-1419672064
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,383,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Where is the other side?, September 6, 2007

By 

D. Plass "boston_horns" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unlearning Adoption: A Guide to Family Preservation and Protection (Paperback)

This is quite possibly one of the worst anti-adoption books I have ever read. Ms. Delbalzo is not a psychologist, nor is she a social worker. From what I understand in reading the book, she is not even adopted and has little upfront contact with adoptees and adoptive families.

She seems to ignore the other side of the issue- that there are children whose biological families abandon them, that there are children who have no family members to be their legal guardians. She flys right over the positive things adoptees and birth parents have to say, and instead only focuses on one side.

I enjoy reading books that have to do with controversial topics, but this one is just very poorly written. If you decide to be anti-adoption or want to educate yourself on the issue, please find a book that covers both sides of the story and is written by somebody with actual credentials.

82 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars If I could rate under a star, I would., September 18, 2007

By 

S. Bernatovich "bibliophile" (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unlearning Adoption: A Guide to Family Preservation and Protection (Paperback)

This is a terribly biased book, from a woman who has stated publicly that she believes in infanticide within 24 hours after birth, and would forcibly commit her children to a mental institution if they ever wanted to give up a child for adoption. Anyone who disagrees with her views is immediately labeled as a brainwashed child abuser.

83 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Terrible, November 30, 2007

By 

Sassette "Sassette" (Athens, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unlearning Adoption: A Guide to Family Preservation and Protection (Paperback)

I really wish I could give a 0 star review on this book. It's terrible. Jessica DelBalzo could have actually researched this topic and the book might have been better. Instead, she spills her "riot girl" attitude into these pages and tries to pass them as wisdom and knowledge of subject. While age does not indicate intelligence or knowledge, the 26 year old author of this book does show her age or at least maturity through her once sided, biased, and unfounded look at the subject.

Lastly, her publisher, BookSurge, will publish just about anything. Her book is in effect self published, meaning that no one had to fact check or validate her claims. Self publishing in principle makes a book, in my opinion, less creditable.