This book provided me an excellent education on what adoption is like - from the adoptee's perspective. Being a birth father who has recently reunited with my biological daughter, the info in this book revealed insights to me that I had never before considered; and, it has given me new ideas on things I can discuss with my daughter in the future. My heart's desire is her wholeness, and I hope that I can be instrumental in bringing her to that point. I strongly recommend Journey of the Adopted Self for anyone who is a birth parent, an adoptive parent, and of course, an adoptee. Incidentally, I was saddened to learn that Betty Jean Lifton had died about two years ago (in late 2010). I would love to have gotten in touch with her. ( )