This Must Be My Brother (Hardcover)

~ Leann Thieman (Author), Carol Dey (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Two housewives who had never been out of Iowa, Thieman and Dey were officers in the Iowa chapter of Friends of Children of Vietnam (an organization that, during the Vietnam War, raised money and supplies for Vietnamese orphans and also processed adoptions). In early April 1975, they were asked to fly into Vietnam and bring back six babies for adoption. As the fall of Saigon became imminent, however, President Ford approved a massive ``baby lift,'' and the six babies became two hundred. Thieman and Dey share their adventure-the doubts, terror, humor and the people they met on their mission. (The authors have even tracked down many of those same people 20 years later and have added their stories in an epilogue.) This is an astonishing story told honestly, without ego. It is also one that should not have had to wait 20 years for its telling.

Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 173 pages
• Publisher: Victor Books; First Edition edition (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564763838
• ISBN-13: 978-1564763839
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #429,933 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting story of a unique time in adoption history., October 18, 1999

By A Customer

This Must Be My Brother is a remarkable book about the adventures of a partime nurse and homemaker who goes to Vietnam to escort 100+ babies and children back to the United States for adoption, just before the final pull out by the United States. Much to her astonishment she becomes involved one of the largest and most dangerous adoption transports in the history of international adoption - Operation Babylift. LeAnn Thieman shares her adventures with us with charm and captivating honesty. Her descriptions of the events leading up to the flight back via cargo jet with the children is sure to keep you turning pages. Just one warning - I don't think it is possible to read this book without wanting to adopt (or adopt again)!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An action packed book with an emotional punch! Wonderful, February 18, 1999

By A Customer

This is a touching story of two women who carry out an incredible mission. Though it's out of print, you may contact the author at to obtain a copy. It's a MUST READ.