Birthright: The Guide to Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive... (Paperback)

by Jean A. S. Strauss (Author)
Key Phrases: own birthmother, many birthmothers, reunion process, Ann Landers, Robert Andersen, Dirck Brown (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
An adoptee offers compassionate and comprehensive guidance to locating "adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents." Strauss proceeds from the view that seeking reunion with relatives estranged by adoption is a good thing, and she marshals impressive reasoning and evidence to support her case. She discusses the laws that make adoption records confidential in the introduction and thereby sets the stage for the search strategies that follow. As Strauss points out, the history of adoption is neither simple nor consistent, and the nature of adoption today is very different from what it was when present adoption laws were enacted. The more a searcher understands the nature of adoption practices and laws, she says, the more likely his or her search is to succeed. Strauss interweaves the story of the search for her own birthparents with the strategies for finding birth relatives, and whether or not one agrees with the practice of adoptees or birthparents initiating searches for lost relatives, she tells that personal story compellingly. Thus, Strauss' effort offers considerable insight into the motivations of a particular adoptee as it encourages and counsels others wishing to undertake such a search themselves. Mike Tribby

Product Description
An important reference, written by an adoptee, is valuable to anyone affected by adoption and includes guidance on making the decision to search, negotiating legalities, surviving the emotional turbulence of a reunion, and dealing with the impact on adoptive parents.

Product Details

• Paperback: 363 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); Second Printing edition (June 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140512950
• ISBN-13: 978-0140512953
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #49,752 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for anyone comtemplating a reunion., April 9, 2001

By A Customer

Anticipating my own reunion as an adoptee, I devoured this book in about 2 days. It confirmed many of my personal feelings and gave voice to my own experience as an adoptee. It has also taught me to understand and be sensitive to issues my birthparents are/might be dealing with that I could not have anticipated. Two things about this book for which I am most grateful to the author: 1) the conglomeration of experiences of 70 different people representing all three sides of the adoption triad. This helped me to understand what issues are common to the adoption/adoption reunion process and to feel better prepared to (hopefully) handle my own reunion with "informed" grace. 2) a very clear, easy to understand outline of the five emotional stages of the adoption reunion process. I didn't realize it would be a process or how involved this could be emotionally for all concerned, but how much sense it makes! I have learned from this book that all parties concerned should allow themselves and each other the time they need to heal and adjust to each other. That the process will hurt but bring healing to all involved. That there will be a blessing through the pain. I am grateful for the way this book has equipped me to begin to handle this process. I am buying copies for all involved in my reunion. Thank you, Ms. Strauss, for you labor of love!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding !, August 6, 2001

By A Customer

I am a birthmother in the 18th month of my reunion with my birthson, and have read probably 15 - 20 books on the subject of adoption, just to try to get a better understanding of where the adoptee, the adoptive parents and the birthparents are all coming from. They all have a something to add to this very unique experience, but many left a lot to be desired. I found this book to be well grounded, well written and thought it had tremendous insight into the very emotional stages of reunion, and think it would benefit all connected to adoption. I wish I had found this book a year ago! Betsy

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, June 2, 1999

By A Customer

I read this book before starting a search for my birthmother. I found the chapters on search techniques well written and invaluable during my research. I used this book as my primary reference. I have now found my birthmother and am dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of the reunion process. I have read the chapters on reunions over and over to try and understand what my birthmother is feeling during this process. I would highly recommend this book. It is obviously written by someone who has lived the experience.