Book Review

The one book I've found that was just all together practical, easy to understand, excellent for anyone to read (friends, family, etc.) is called Cross-Cultural Adoption: How to Answer Questions from Family, Friends, and Community, by Amy Coughlin and Caryn Abramowitz. I enjoyed several aspects of this book, and I'll share, in bullets. That's easy enough to read.

• I appreciate the ease of the reading. The book is divided into 3 main sections: questions kids ask, dos and don'ts for grown-ups, and information about birth countries (including Haiti!) The questions kids ask are simplified even further by answers for young children and answers for older children and adults.
• I appreciate the simplicity of the answers and recommendations. For example, in the Do section, a simple "Do Treat Her Like Any Other Kid," with an explanation why. Or, "Don't Introduce Her As Adopted."
• I appreciate the recognition that most people do mean well. That doesn't mean we have to get our panties in a wad when someone doesn't word a question appropriately, or even asks a question that they would never ask in any other circumstance. It's a reminder to me that yes, our family will look different, which will evoke questions. We just need to know the answers to those questions, and even gently help those folks along. Obviously, there will be some issues that will remain private in any adoptive family. It's just a matter of how to handle that with grace and not discouraging appropriate questions.

That's one thing that I am trying to bring together. Adoption is beautiful. I'm not afraid of the word adoption, and I won't be afraid to talk about our adopted son. I won't introduce him as our adopted son. I won't need to! It would be stating the obvious! But, I'm not fearful of that. I'll already know that I love him as my own and I labored for him in a very deep, real, painful way just as much as my biological children. So, I'll introduce my children as my children. Sounds simple, eh? I'm sure that's when the questions begin, but again, just remembering to be gracious and even a witness for the gospel in those times...that will be the challenge!

So, this book is great for simple questions for simple people. It doesn't go into the pyschology in a deep level. Very practical. I liked it. Go forth. Read. :~)