4.5 stars

This is such a sweet story about a young girl adopted from China who's desperate to see her friend from the orphanage also receive a family.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, though there were a few things that kept me from giving it a full five stars.

The author mentions her faith, God, and Jesus a few times, but never simply states whether she is a Christian, Mormon, etcetera; it seemed like she was being purposely vague and, ultimately, minimizing the role God played in her story instead of giving Him His proper place.

She also mentions that she sees a psychic about her adoption progress even though "[her] faith told [her] that this was sacrilege." (p ix) She then goes on to emphasize that the psychic's predictions came true.

So, a worthwhile read about adoption, but not one to take spiritual advice from! ( )

This haunting book is one you'll not forget! This story is of a Chinese orphan who, although adopted in America, would not forget her best friend back in China and did everything she could to find an adoptive family for him too. It doesn't sugar coat the adoptive process or conditions but it is an extremely positive and faith filled journey for the Champnella family. ( )

This is an easy, fast read. Quite a story about a few Chinese adoptions. Although its mostly about 2 orphans, there is a third and fourth child from the same orphanage that are a part of this story also - it is rather amazing. There are gaps in some information - like exactly why the first child was listed for adoption and exactly what all the paperwork problems where to get her adopted. Left a lot of questions. Also, if you are adopting an older child from an orphanage I think there is alot you can learn about conditions these children live in and how it can affect their integration into a family. Worth a read. ( )

http://sewfishee.livejournal.com/2006/08/12/ ( )