"Be My Baby"

Book review

In this exquisitely photographed coffee table display book, author Gail Kinn has given us portraits of not only a variety of adoptive families in pictures and text, but included thoughts of adoptees from nine to nineteen. She extends this as adult adoptees look back on their lives speculating on the part adoption has played in their history. And finally, she includes pictures and text from birth parents illuminating their love and caring for their children previously painfully relinquished.

The families of adoption whether they be domestic, international, interracial, open or closed are included. Comments made by adoptees will be of particular interest to the reader interested in the adoptees perspective. The two birth mothers featured add poignancy towards the end of the book helping the reader to better understand a birth mother's feelings and perspectives.

In this reviewers opinion, it is unfortunate the author has not included non-traditional families in this touching and beautiful book - single, gay and lesbian parents are excluded as are interviews with birth fathers. Still, this volume is a thoughtful contribution to the world of adoption stories and literature. Ken Shung's photography is a joyous testimony to the power and love of family and how love unites us.

© Ellen Roseman

Credits: Gail Kinn