Jean A. S. Strauss

I really liked this book, as it covers all aspects of search and reunion. Additionally, its geared to all members of the triad, including the "fourth dimension," the siblings and relatives of the reunited birth family. I particularly liked that the book stressed the importance of including adoptive parents in search and reunion issues and that the book discussed their possible range of feelings and reactions when an adoptee decides to search. I thought the search suggestions and information were logical and well-thought out, although they might use a little bit of an update, as I imagine that most searches are conducted online these days (the book having originally been published in 1994). I also liked reading about the author's personal search and reunion story and that she included her birthmother's point of view as well. This book does not take a pro- or anti-adoption stance, but argues that adoption is a life long process that leaves deep emotional scars for all parties involved rather than a singular event that's easily forgotten. Finally, I appreciated the author's insistence that reunion cannot heal people; it can only illuminate what needs healing. Instead, she urges triad members to look inside themselves for answers and use their courage and resilience to understand the nature of the effects of adoption.… (altro)