Books on Adoption
Listed below are some of the books which members have found useful. We welcome information on books you have read and wish to share with others. Send the information to
Info@AdoptionReconnect.org.
The Primal Wound : Understanding the Adopted Child
Nancy Newton Verrier
Nancy Verrier is a psychotherapist and is herself the mother of an adopted daughter and a biological daughter. The book is based upon the master's thesis Ms Verrier did as a part of her work in clinical psychology. She brings enormous insight into the feelings and behaviour of adoptees and the impact of adoption on everyone in the triad. This book should be required reading for all social workers involved in adoption as well as the birth mother/parents and adoptive parents.
Coming Home to Self - The Adopted Child Grows Up
Nancy Newton Verrier
This book follows on from Ms Verrier's first book, The Primal Wound. The first two chapters deal with the neurobiology of the brain. Ms Verrier provides very detailed information on the adoptee and covers topics such as reunion and therapy. While the book is more technical in nature, it is written so that the lay person can understand. Definitely a "must read" book for therapists and counsellors of adoptees and their families.
The Adoption Reunion Handbook
Liz Trinder, Julia Feast and David Howe
A book full of advice on how to search, draft letters and what to expect emotionally. It covers not only the reunion with the birth mother, but also birth fathers and birth siblings and much more.
...advice packed guide to adoption search and reunion...essential information and personal perspectives... (www.adoption net.co.uk, July 2004)
(ISBN: 9780470094228)
On the Other Side of Shame
Joanne Jowell
An extraordinary account of adoption and reunion. This is a story about the power of shame and the strength of forgiveness, a story which crosses borders and generations. It is a non-fiction account of a Cape Town woman and the son she gave up for adoption. It sets the scene of a conservative era in South Africa which affected so many unmarried women who had to deal with an unplanned pregnancy.
(ISBN: 9781770100831)
The Realities of Adoption
Jerome Smith, Ph.D
Jerome Smith is a former professor of social work at the University of Indiana. This is his second book after You're Our Child. The book covers issues such as openess in adoption, the role of the birth father, transracial adoption and children's rights. He has two adopted children and one biological child. As with Nancy Verrier, Jerome has experienced adopting children firsthand as well as having the academic qualification and experience as a social worker.
(ISBN: 1568330901)
Saying Goodbye to a Baby
Patricia Roles
Volume 1 - The Birthparent's Guide to Loss and Grief in Adoption
Patricia Roles is a birthmother who relinquished her child for adoption. She earned her master's degree in social work from the University of British Columbia. Patricia identified the need for this book "as there is an ample supply of books on loss and grief in death, divorce and separation, but only a chapter or article here and there about birthparent's grief." Definitely a book to be read by all birthmothers.
(ISBN: 9780878683871)
Someone's Daughter (She's adopted, but don't tell)
Aurette Bowes
Aurette is a South African adoptee and a freelance journalist by profession. Aurette only discovered as an adult she was adopted, although she had had her suspicions over the years. The book tells of her painful journey of discovery of being adopted, grappling with depression and the inner conflict of wanting to know her biological roots while aware of her adoptive parents' fear and hurt. This book quashes any notion of the "happily ever after" fairy tale which is often portrayed in films and on TV. However, Aurette's path is not necessarily one that other adoptees will follow.
(ISBN: 9781935383888)