Rating: 
Summary: Adoption IS a family affair! Thank you!
Review: I was very concerned about some of the reviews of this book, it was either loved or hated. I kept coming back to it and decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did! This book was insightful not only to the recipient, but to ME! If taken in stride, it needs to be understood that we (the adopters) need to consider where/how and why the feedback is being presented. It might not be packaged nicely and we might be a little sensitive hearing it - but this book worked magic for us. It was just what I had been searching for and did the trick. Everyone is different - I suggest giving the book a try, with an open mind. The content is great, easy to read and contains many informative sections - not presented in only one format or style. If one method does not get through the other does. I loved the scenarios given at the end about the stupid comments people can make - so true! Bless all of you adopters and your family - this is just one more step in our paper pregnancy!!!! Enjoy.
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Summary: WOW! This book changed my mom's mind about adoption!
Review: My mom was pretty hostile when my husband and I decided to adopt older children. She wanted us to have a baby or at least adopt one. We were really upset because we really could have used the support that a girl can only get from her mama. We found this book and gave her a copy. After she read it- her total attitude changed. Instead of talking about how she would never babysit for our kids and asking how we could give them back when we realised our mistake, now she is buying dolls for my little girl, stockpiling treats for grandmas house and passing their pictures around the office. This book is an easy and fast read that clearly acknowledges the very real concerns grandparents have when their child announces the adoption. But in a very gentle and understanding way sets the record straight and tells the reader exactly how to support their adoptive family member. This book is a must read. It covers all types of adoption- not just older child.
Rating: 
Summary: OMG can this lady get worse?
Review: PC out of control here. My family isn't too open to adoption so I bought this book. This lady talked down to me like I was 3 then demanded I order my 50 something parents to go along with all the PC crap that permiates society today.I hope NO ONE wastes their money on this wackjob book.
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Summary: My mom and my mother in law will be getting a copy of this!
Review: practical advice for the families of adoptive parents. There is a lot of emphasis on not undermining what the parents have been taught in dealing with their children, respecting the privacy of what life the child had with their birth family, and how to best support the new parents of the adopted child. Excellent advice on communication as well!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: This book is great to give to your relatives when you are considering adoption, are in the process of adopting, or have already adopted a child. It is easy to read, doesn't "talk down" to people, and has a lot of good information. I am giving copies of this book to my parents, mother-in-law, and grandmother! When we first started the adoption process, this book wasn't yet published and I wish it had been. I really wanted something for my close relatives to read so that they would understand what we were doing and also to help them relate to our daughter-to-be. I"m so glad this book is available now! It's not too late for them to benefit by reading it, that's for sure. Hope you and your relatives enjoy the book also!
Rating:
Summary: superb
Review: This book was easy to read, straight forward, and honest. I am going to give copies to all my relatives and friends. It is written directed toward the grand parents which is a wonderful perspective. This the only book I could get my husband to read!!!!
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Summary: Great book for everyone
Review: This book was great. I bought an extra one for my family to read and pass along to each other. Everyone's intentions are always good; this book helps your family to better understand how you might be feeling and to really be supportive, as they had really wanted.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: This is a wonderful book for any adoptive family. It really helps family members (aunts, uncles, grandparents) as well as friends understand the process and the entire experience. My family members who have read the book thought it was "great because there were questions answered that I didn't want to ask you, too embarrassing!"
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: This was one of the most helpful books for informing our families what NOT to do or say. Patricia Irwin Johnston hit the nail on the head with this book. Our families read this book from cover to cover and learned not only what not to say, but how to correct the myths they hear as adoptive grandparents and aunts/uncles. This is truely a "must have" addition to any adoptive family's reading list.
Rating:
Summary: Sensitive advice
Review: Yes, indeed, adoption is a family affair. This is an informative book, giving sound advice on many aspects of adoption to both the public and prospective adoptive parents, such as open vs. confidential adoption. The author doesn't push either practice and gives important references addressing each. She is informative and straightforward about the issue of infertility and has caught me, personally, in the rather stupid and offensive myth that adoptive parents, who relax after adopting, will get pregnant. I admit to having felt this way before we adopted and then I became so absorbed in our adopted infant daughter that I forgot about getting pregnant--and got pregnant. Well, it would have happened anyhow! I am now a grandparent with children of our adopted daughter and agree with the author that 'what makes a 'real' grandparent is far less biology than it is psychology.' I like the author's sensible advice that concern should not stop with the birthmother's prenatal care but be extended to the prospective adoptive parents health and their ability to cope with the demands of a new baby or toddler entering their lives. I also like the author's caution about keeping certain information regarding the child's background confidential so it won't turn into family gossip. Read this good book.
Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?
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