Rating: 
Summary: A heart-opener
Review: Although I'm only one third of the way through this book, I feel compelled to acknowledge the emotion with which the author chronicles so vividly and so poignantly their family's journey into the creation of family. As an adoptive father of a pre-school toddler from China, I especially felt a bound with Jaclyn's Dad, who seemed to be open to expressing his emotions, fears, joys and tears. Not an easy thing for most guys! More men, indeed people, need to learn the true lessons of parenting, which are about unconditional love, acceptance, gratitude, selflessness, maturity and responsibility. The spirit of the child comes to life with almost every page. I will run home and hug and kiss my daughter, thanking her for showing us "grown-ups" the true meaning of strength, endurance and humanity seen through the eyes of children who were rejected by their birth families. I've felt discomfort for sometime now that whenever a compliment is framed by the well-meaning, but insensitive, angelic halo of "you saved her life", the dynamic balance of this special kind of parent-child relationship does not begin to acknowledge who saved whom. Please remember, these children are not victims. They are survivors and our teachers. We would do well to keep learning from them.
Rating: 
Summary: Some touching insights but it left me uncomfortable.
Review: As an adoptive parent of a Chinese child I found many section interesting and reminicent of our experiences. The description of the trips to China were realistic. What it's really like to parent an older adoptee was glossed over by the sweet story. I laughed and cried several times as I read the book. However, I found the book too long, too self-serving and too sentimental. This family worked hard, enlisted huge support through touching letters and subtle appeals and they were successful at raising money and influencing the process to get the child they wanted. That's wonderful! However I'm not sure about the repeated references to divine intervention. Does that mean that families who don't try or try unsuccessfully for an identified adoption are less deserving as this book implies? I think not. Finally, This feels like a violation of these children's privacy. Our Adoption agency strongly recommended not sharing details of our children's adoptions with others, so our children could choose with whom and how to share it, since is is ultimately their story not ours. This book clearly disregarded that very common advice and for a purpose that struck me as unclear at best, leaving me feeling uncomfortable.
Rating:
Summary: The Waiting Child: How the Faith and Love of One Orphan SavL
Review: Cindy Champnella writes on her dedication page, "For Jaclyn....my light, my love, my sorrow, my joy....my child." Thus begins the most beautiful story you will ever read. It's the story of 4 year old Jaclyn, adopted from a Chinese orphanage, and her never-ending determination and yearning to bring home the 2 year old boy she loved and "mothered" there. I have known Cindy for a number of years now, and have known the story of Jaclyn and Lee. Yet reading this incredible story in its entirity was so moving I couldn't put it down. Being an adoptive Mom myself, I was very glad to read Cindy's truthful tale of adoption...tremendous joys coupled with moments of raw grief. This is a must-read for anyone who loves children, and is willing to be inspired by the love of a 4 year old, and inspired by her parents who dared to believe that dreams really can come true.
Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended to anyone!
Review: Easily one of the most touching and inspiring stories I've ever read. As an adoptive parent myself and soon to begin the process again, I cried through every chapter and could not put the book down.
I feel compelled to answer some of the criticisms I've read. First of all, this IS beautifully written. Though a self-acknowleged first-time writer, the author writes in a style that is refreshing and unpretentious, perfectly suited to the purpose. This is a real-life account which does not need elaborate plot and character development. Yes, I would have liked more details in certain places but have to respect the privacy of the family and those who worked to bend the rules and work around the system.
Secondly, the charge that the author is racist and somehow planted anti-China sentiments is absurd. She has Chinese daughters, a neice, and nephews whom she obviously loves dearly. She acknowledges up front that she views China with American eyes yet is clear that she has come to love China and tries to instill appreciation for it in her children. Most parents who adopt internationally realize how important this is for their childrens' self-esteem. Jaclyn's negative feelings toward China have much less to do with a lack of national and cultural pride than they do with personal loss and the harshness of orphanage life. It is only after she has begun to heal, that Jaclyn begins to recall simple pleasures and the kindness of those that looked after her there.
Thirdly, the author is NOT trying to toot her own horn either by adopting these wonderful kids or by telling this story. She is simply commending those who choose not to look the other way from children who wait. Within the adoption community, there is a bias from the "politically correct" against those who would seek to "save a child" as if the desire to parent and the needs of those children were somehow mutually exclusive. (Although it is theoretically possible that one might treat adoptees as inferior to bio children, I've very rarely seen it happen). No matter how good the orphanage, children belong with a loving family, whether in China or abroad. No, they are not "lucky" for having been separated from their birth families, their culture, and their heritage-this is tragic. Are they fortunate to be adopted when only 4% (officially, actual number is most likely much smaller)of those abandoned ever will be? And (although not in the best interest of intercountry relations to boast) to a country where they will not only have material advantages and educational opportunity but MUCH more importantly, personal and religious freedoms which many have and continue to die to obtain and protect?
This is an important read. It inspires hope for anyone in any circumstance and calls us to examine our priorities. But specifically, it calls attention to the needs of children everywhere. If it has inspired just one person or couple to form or enlarge a family through adoption - and adoption is NOT second-best- it has been successful. Add to that , all of the author's proceeds are going to benefit the children who remain in Chinese orphanages. Let's stop the petty bickering and criticism and concentrate on the children. Thank you Cindy and Jaclyn!
Rating:
Summary: A real gripping story
Review: Even though I knew that the little boy got home to the US. I couldn't put this book down. Keep the tissues handy. Informative to let me know a little of what my little girl must have gone through.
Rating:
Summary: story of the human spirit
Review: I almost don't want to write a review of The Waiting Child because I feel like I could never do the book justice. But I am writing this because I want you to read it. Simply put, this book is a story of the human spirit. In a time where we are constantly reminded of the hatred in this world, we need to hear more about people, especially children, who are motivated by love. Unbelievably, Jaclyn never gave up. Even in the face of almost impossible odds. If you have ever doubted the viability of love changing this world, you will be awed by Jaclyn.
Besides the theme of love and hope, the story of adoption is tremendous. I felt like this was an honest, powerful look at how tough but ultimately, how rewarding, adoption is for a parent and the family. The emotion is openly laid out on the page and you will not be able to forget it.
Having been to China, I can vouch for the accuracy of the description of the country. Although beautiful, many facilities are in bad repair.
Definitely a top ten book on my list.
Rating:
Summary: A life-changing story!!!!
Review: I can't even begin to describe how my life has been changed by reading this book. I had heard a friend at church mention it and was intrigued by it even though I have no particular interest in adoption.To me, this is not an "adoption story"--it is, instead, a story about the power of love. Jaclyn's spirit comes through so beautifully in her mother's words. Sometimes I just sat with the book in my lap, so filled with emotion I could hardly go on with the story. I realize now how much I have to be grateful for in my own life.
I am going to buy this book as a gift for all of my friends. To me, this was an even more powerful story about "life" than Tuesdays with Morrie. I can't imagaine anyone--male or female, young or old--who would not love this book.
Thanks, Jaclyn, for sharing your story!
Rating:
Summary: wonderful book
Review: I discovered this book by accident. I found it to be a wonderfully written story of a sweet little girl who was adopted from a Chinese orphanage and the little boy she had to leave behind. She never forget him and neither will I. This was truly a story about the strength and wisdom of little children.
Rating: 
Summary: A beautiful story but some things ring very racist.
Review: I found this story beautiful but some things just don't ring true. I have an adopted daughter from China and will not allow her to read this book in the future.
(...) While they may have limited resources they do the best they can for these children. People came up to us thrilled that we aopted our daughter. There is a great deal of love and concern for the orphans.
Chapnella contiually refers to her daughter talking about "Bad China". She must have gotten that from somewhere. Even the orphans are taught to be very proud of being Chinese.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful story but some things ring very racist.
Review: I found this story beautiful but some things just don't ring true. I have an adopted daughter from China and will not allow her to read this book in the future.
(...) While they may have limited resources they do the best they can for these children. People came up to us thrilled that we aopted our daughter. There is a great deal of love and concern for the orphans.
Chapnella contiually refers to her daughter talking about "Bad China". She must have gotten that from somewhere. Even the orphans are taught to be very proud of being Chinese.
|
