A Short Book Review

Adoption once surrounded by shame and secrecy has seen accelerated change in the last few decades. Writing sensitively and poignantly, Pertman, an award winning journalist and adoptive father, takes us on a highly readable and enlightening journey as he covers the many complex and mysterious issues surrounding adoption today. By weaving in touching personal stories with current trends and legislation, the reader is taken away from the mythology of adoption into the reality of how adoption intimately and profoundly touches the lives of those connected to it.

Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his informative work on adoption, this fact-based, well researched book is a must read for all connected to adoption - adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoption professionals. No other book like this has been previously written. It is a much needed vital addition to the growing body of adoption literature.

Topics included are: Why politicians won't tackle crazy laws and soaring costs, International and Gay Adoption, How the Internet opens doors to Opportunity and Corruption, The Good News about Open Adoption, Why Adult Adoptees are fighting for their rights, New Hope in Public Special needs Adoption, The journey of birth parents in moving out of secrecy and shame, and much more.

With enormous adoption changes coming forth, it is imperative we not stay in denial about the reality and staggering implications of how this system has been handled. This gem of a book is engrossing, fascinating, and inspiring. The personal stories of many interviewed make the book all the more personal and read.

Adam Pertman has been awarded the Century Foundation's Leonare Silk Journalism Fellowship for Adoption Nation. He and his wife, Judy, live with their two adopted children in Newton, Massachusetts.

Credits: Adam Pertman