Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring
Review: "The Russian Word for Snow" is one couple's experience with the Russian orphanage system. It is honest, touching, and inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: "The Russian Word for Snow" is one couple's experience with the Russian orphanage system. It is honest, touching, and inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Honest and Heartfelt
Review: Anyone who is experiencing the joys of parenthood or craving them will love this book. It is such an honest and heartfelt journal of this couples' journey to become parents. I found myself bookmarking various sections so I could return to them and relive their emotional experiences. As a mother of two, I cannot always find the time to sit down and read a good book,but this book is worth making the time.I couldn't put it down.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a typical adoption story
Review: As a single adoptive mother of a baby girl from Russia I found the author's experience in stark contrast to my own in Russia in the spring of 2000. What the book jacket promised as a story "told with humor and grace" in actuality read like a bitter, close-minded story of two people who weren't open to the experience of their son's homeland and the different and interesting ways of its people. There was only sarcastic humor, based on cultural differences that the author seemed uninterested in tolerating or understanding. There is always grace in the making of a family, but precious little of it in this book. Do not rely on this book to be a guide on Russian adoption. Ms. Newman's experience is not at all common to what I and my adoptive parent friends encountered. Enjoy the book for its vibrant descriptions and for the story of this particular family that had to endure difficulty to find each other. Affiliate yourself with a reputable agency and proceed on a happy and open-minded journey to bring home your child.
Rating:
Summary: Not a typical adoption story
Review: As a single adoptive mother of a baby girl from Russia I found the author's experience in stark contrast to my own in Russia in the spring of 2000. What the book jacket promised as a story "told with humor and grace" in actuality read like a bitter, close-minded story of two people who weren't open to the experience of their son's homeland and the different and interesting ways of its people. There was only sarcastic humor, based on cultural differences that the author seemed uninterested in tolerating or understanding. There is always grace in the making of a family, but precious little of it in this book. Do not rely on this book to be a guide on Russian adoption. Ms. Newman's experience is not at all common to what I and my adoptive parent friends encountered. Enjoy the book for its vibrant descriptions and for the story of this particular family that had to endure difficulty to find each other. Affiliate yourself with a reputable agency and proceed on a happy and open-minded journey to bring home your child.
Rating:
Summary: Heartwarming and endearing....
Review: As an adopted child myself, and one who is embarking on the Russian adoption journey (we're getting a little girl sometime this year), I find this book to be extremely helpful because I can relate to the author's emotions. All the ups and downs, the experience of going to a foreign land, of which I know nothing, and dealing with the Russian officials. Although each adoption experience is different, it is a great book, a fast read and a book you won't want to put down. I recommend it to everyone!
Rating: 
Summary: Good Writer + Bitter Woman = Disservice to Adoption
Review: As an adoptive father of a Russian boy, I had mixed feelings about this book. Ms. Newman has a wonderful way of painting scenes with words; some of those scenes truly touched me and brought back memories of my wife's and my own adoption experience.However, if you're looking for a "how to" book on Russian adoption, or even a reason to support same, don't look here. Ms. Newman's lack of homework, her obvious disdain for Russia and its people, and her eagerness to leave the country left a very bitter taste in my mouth. I was horrified to see the crass way in which she refers to the many people she met on her journey. I almost wonder why she bothered to write the book. My 3-star rating = 4 for her writing style, - 1 for the disservice her book (and the attention it has received) does to Russian adoption.
Rating:
Summary: Loved this story
Review: As an adoptive mother, I was very touched by this book. It takes on the bigger question: not only what's adoption about, but what makes a family. It's funny and sad and intelligent. A great read.
Rating:
Summary: loved it! loved it! loved it!
Review: As you can tell I loved this book I thought it was a little strange that on the cover it said a nail bitting adoption saga, I thought no book could ever be that exciting,BUT IT WAS I couldnt put it down, It really made me greatful for the adoption agency(F.T.I.A) That we are using they are so much help and I would suggest them to any one especially after reading this wonderful book! I suggest everyone read it before considering adoption so you research it thoroughly!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: I commend the author for being honest...
Review: but I can't say that I learned too much from this book other than how not to proceed with an international adoption. She seemed to have approached the adoption from a purely emotional standpoint, with very little objectivity. She and her husband were the worst guests in a foreign country that I've read about in awhile, and I truly hope that their son is not suffering the effects of his parents' self-centeredness. All of that said, I give this book three stars for its great writing style; it really was a good read. Also, this is one of the only books on the market dealing specifically with Russian adoption, and I appreciate the author's attempt to fill some of that void. If you are interested in reading one of the best books I've read on contemporary Russia, post-Soviet era, read The Fire Escape is Locked for Your Safety by Molly Baier. It's an American lawyer's account of her trip across Russia, from the Ukraine to Vladivostok, and includes some hilarious interviews with different Russians.
| 
