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Summary: Eloquent account of an adoption journey
Review: Klose, a single man, finds numerous obstacles as he attempts to fulfill his dream of adopting a child. From his initial informational meeting at an adoption agency through the homestudy, leads, heartbreaking dead ends, and his eventual success, he brings the reader along on his emotional journey. Although passionately written with image-evoking scenes that make you feel as if you are in the room, this is not a maudlin or self-serving handling of the adoption experience. As an adoptive parent myself, I was amazed at how clearly Klose portrays the process, especially in his dealings with the agencies and his heart warming first meeting with his new son. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever been touched by adoption and an uplifting story for anyone who has ever loved a child.
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Summary: What a rare gem this is!
Review: Most books are written simply in order to produce more books, books trying to be special, to stand out of the shelves. Then there are *real* books that are not written for such ulterior market-motives. Those rare books result from a direct need to express something vital, whether read or not. You will sense it immediately as you start reading for they are written with an unbending purpose, and this, certainly, is such a book. As a consequence every sentence breathes with life, and all the characters that take part in it pop out of it as if you knew them personally. In the quest for his son, the author has a very arduous and long journey in which, incredibly, there seem to be more downs than ups, leaving him with little more than perseverance aiming at his one sole purpose, finding his son. This journey of hope, anguish and frustration is drawn clearly in a language that delights and makes every sentence and every observation a joy to read. Even "dead days" are enjoyable, because Klose's ability to observe and convey never dulls for a moment. So, whether you read this as a travelling story, a manual before bracing yourself for the adoption bureaucracy or simply for the sheer joy of language, you are in for a real treat.
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Summary: Gifted storyteller.
Review: Mr. Klose is a gifted storyteller. I bought this book because I am in the process of adopting from Russia, but the story in itself is compelling. I hope that my adoption efforts have as wonderful an outcome as his did. I would love a sequel.By the by, my (bio) kid does NOT watch Beavus and Butthead. It's all about being a parent and deciding what is appropriate.
Rating:
Summary: Delightfully written
Review: Mr. Klose tells of his arduous journey to single parenthood with refreshing humor and honesty. His experiences trying to find a program that will allow him, as a single man, to adopt a child are heart wrenching. One has to wonder, however, why while he was repeatedly rejected by foreign programs, he never considered adopting a waiting child from his own country.
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Summary: Good things come to those who wait.
Review: Patience is a virtue and author Robert Klose proves it in his story of a single's man's quest for adopting a son. As a mother of three I found myself laughing, crying and actually relating to his story. His never ending fight to find the love of his life, a son that is hundreds of thousands of miles away is breath taking. I had to make myself put the book down to do my daily activities, all the while thinking of the book and what would take place the next time I could read again. I would reccommend this book to anyone, of any gender or marital status, either wanting to adopt or all ready having children. Mr. Klose reminds all parents to live for today with our children, that every moment counts, and that good things do come to those who struggle, persevere and overcome!
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Summary: Adopting Aloysha
Review: Robert Klose has done an outstanding job informing his readers of the sometimes nightmarish process of adopting a child. Klose captures his readers attention immediately by indicating that the difficulties are underscored by his being a single male. Add to this the unscrupulous practices of some adoption agencies and you have a book that reads more like a favorite novel than a chronological explanation of his difficulties. Mr. Klose clearly details the roller coaster-like experience he had in trying to adopt a young boy from a variety of countries. He uses humor to tell this very serious tale to keep his readers interested in what is often a very frustrating process. Klose's book is a must for parents (single and married) who intend to adopt. The happy ending that follows his day by day experiences in Russia until Aloysha is finally his to take to America make the book an excellent read.
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Summary: A tough road to a happy ending.....
Review: Robert Klose's book is a detailed account of the bureacratic hurdles he faced as a single man wanting to adopt a child into his life. He simply wanted a son -- to give a young boy a loving, safe home. But no one made this journey easy. As you follow along through the months and years with Klose, you find yourself thoroughly supporting this man, cheering with him whenever snippets of progress occur. Klose's writing style makes it easy to journey with him. He paints the picture perfectly. Through his story I felt his anger, his disappointment, his resignation to the endless requests for money, and his immediate love for a beautiful Russian boy when he first set eyes upon Alyosha. Read this book. You'll agree that this world is a better place because of men like Klose.
Rating:
Summary: A tough road to a happy ending.....
Review: Robert Klose's book is a detailed account of the bureacratic hurdles he faced as a single man wanting to adopt a child into his life. He simply wanted a son -- to give a young boy a loving, safe home. But no one made this journey easy. As you follow along through the months and years with Klose, you find yourself thoroughly supporting this man, cheering with him whenever snippets of progress occur. Klose's writing style makes it easy to journey with him. He paints the picture perfectly. Through his story I felt his anger, his disappointment, his resignation to the endless requests for money, and his immediate love for a beautiful Russian boy when he first set eyes upon Alyosha. Read this book. You'll agree that this world is a better place because of men like Klose.
Rating:
Summary: highly recommended
Review: The author takes you on a emotional rollercoaster ride through the international adoption process. It leaves you feeling good, and wanting more.
Rating: 
Summary: Painstakingly slow
Review: This book is a slow as the adoption process. Not a particularly good book to read if you are more interested in the adaption after adoption, since it stops at adoption.
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