Accessories

Reads like a bad term paper.
This is the worst book on adoption I have read (and I have read quite a few) The authors (none of whom are directly part of the adoption triad)try to analyze development across the lifespan of the adoptee according to an Eriksonian model (in fact I think 1/4 of all the words in the book may be Erik Erikson or Eriksonian) At times they are downright offensive to both adoptees and birthparents, and they never seem to have any illumination into what it is actually like to be an adoptee - maybe that is because they have talked to a lot of them, and analyzed a lot of them, but they just don't really understand it on a deeper level. I would hope that anyone truly interested in this subject would read Betty Jean Lifton's Journey of the Adopted Self instead.

Excellent resource for all impacted by adoption
This book is great, as it gives some more 'handles' to the feelings and experiences of adoptees. It can be a bit 'academic' but that's all part of the learning process associated with the complex practice of adoption. Well worth reading. I'd add it to your counselling service library in duplicate.

Somewhat painful to read
Although this book has some very good information, I might suggest reading
it after you have adopted your child/children. It's a bit like hearing all of the very difficult parts of raising children at the same time. It was pretty overwhelming campared to many of the other books out there.

A Great Developmental View of the Adoptee's Life
If you want a general idea of what you might expect to experience from the womb to the tomb (as an adoptee), this is the book for you. I always quote Drs. Brodzinsky and Schechter when I speak. One of the most profound things they say is that adoption loss for the child is more profound than death or divorce. Yea for the doctors--if more people would only listen to their wisdom and begin seeing adoption through the eyes of adoptees. A must-have for your adoption library.

Excellent resource for all members of the adoption triad
Thank goodness people are finally admitting that adoption, even if you had a great experience, still brings with it certain issues. Adoptive parents should read books like this to understand that their adopted child has special needs - so many adoptives take it as a personal affront if their child decides to search for birthparents, or even asks about them. For birthparents, it's affirmation of their loss (even if it was the best decision they felt they could make) and understanding of their surrendered child's feelings. Should be required reading for prospective adoptive parents