Adoption Books

It is ironic indeed that in a day where much of contemporary evangelicalism shuns theology and doctrine, the one doctrinal aspect of salvation that is probably the most palatable and appealing to those who disdain theology is perhaps the doctrine that has been the most neglected within the evangelical church - adoption. This book by Peterson attempts to remedy this peculiarity, and on a popular level, succeeds quite well.

The doctrine of adoption has always been critical, but especially in today's culture, the truth of Biblical adoption has great potential to speak afresh to the secular masses. This appears to be the central conviction of Peterson in this book. Through many personal testimonies concerning the impact of adoption on the outlook and everyday lives of many different people, Peterson seeks to demonstrate an urgent relevance of Biblical adoption for today. Further, as will be discussed below, Peterson's book is arranged in a way that looks at the entirety of salvation and the Christian life within the rubric of adoption. Peterson seems to argue that understanding adoption is critical to understanding the other 'links in the chain' of salvation, such as justification, regeneration, election, etc.

Tying adoption into the entirety of the ordo salutis is an approach that I found to be very good. It is true that the reader will find some redundancy both within and between chapters as a result of analyzing a handful of key passages multiple times and in multiple places. But there is a sufficient degree of separation of the concepts discussed in each chapter in such a way to build on each other without simply repeating each other. In particular, I thought Peterson's analysis of adoption as it relates to regeneration and glorification to be especially good.

The other main strength of this book are the numerous personal testimonies and stories that Peterson introduces to bring the doctrine of adoption to life. Peterson is on a quest here to humanize theology and show how theology matters on the street and in people's lives, rather than having theology isolated to seminaries and libraries. This aspect of the book should make the book especially appealing to potential readers who aren't crazy about theology but intrinsically understand that good theology is better than bad theology and wonder whether good theology can translate into a good and vibrant personal orientation with God. This book shows that it can.

Because so many in our society have personal experience with adoption, a book that talks about Biblical adoption and what it means to be adopted into the family of God is most welcome. This book has the potential of shining a needed light on a neglected doctrine that can speak very personally to countless numbers of folks who feel isolated, lonely, and cut off from their earthly families. As the testimonies of this book demonstrate, there is no shortage of hurting people who lack good family experiences and even lack family identification, and are walking amongst us everyday as wounded people. What better way to witness and care for them than to share the Good News of Biblical adoption and what it means. This book will enable Christians to do just that.

With the exception of Sinclair Ferguson's excellent, Children of the Living God, there are very few books that deal with the doctrine of adoption in the christian life. Adopted By God fills a great need for this generation of believers-to know the wonder and privilege that our Lord calls us His sons and daughters. Peterson makes it clear that God has taken those who are naturally His enemies because of their sin and rebellion, and through the finished work of Christ on the cross, has brought them into His family and made them His heirs.

By mixing careful Biblical study and analysis with personal stories of application, Robert A. Peterson has given us a book that is understandable by all, and yet worthy of a scholar's study. This is a truth that needs to be studied and meditated upon over and over again. Highly recommended!

I read this book because the author is a friend of my mother-in-law's, and now I wish she were a friend of mine! This treasure gives a glimpse of a way of life now gone forever, of a unique upbringing combining two radically different cultures. Amy Tan wrote about her mother's experiences; Mrs. Church could very well have been her mother. Her descriptions of the food and their methods of preparation alone are worth the price of the book. I felt like I was sitting across the table from the author as she recounted tales of growing up in pre-WWII China, and I wanted the stories to continue. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, this book is a testament to human adaptability. I was sorry to see the book end, which it does a little too abruptly for my taste. But this is just a small complaint in an otherwise very worthwhile book. I don't have a lot of time to devote to reading, and this one deserves a place on my keeper list. Search it out; you won't be disappointed.

I read this book because the author is a friend of my mother-in-law's, and now I wish she were a friend of mine! This treasure gives a glimpse of a way of life now gone forever, of a unique upbringing combining two radically different cultures. Amy Tan wrote about her mother's experiences; Mrs. Church could very well have been her mother. Her descriptions of the food and their methods of preparation alone are worth the price of the book. I felt like I was sitting across the table from the author as she recounted tales of growing up in pre-WWII China, and I wanted the stories to continue. Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, this book is a testament to human adaptability. I was sorry to see the book end, which it does a little too abruptly for my taste. But this is just a small complaint in an otherwise very worthwhile book. I don't have a lot of time to devote to reading, and this one deserves a place on my keeper list. Search it out; you won't be disappointed.

Raise a child who isn't biologically related to oneself as one's own is a task that only a few are up to. "Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families" is a complete and comprehensive guide to to the practice of adoption, with advice on whether it's right for a given set of prospective parents. Tackling all the issues and problems that commonly come along with adoptions and adoptive families, "Adopting" is truly a must-read for anyone who is honestly considering adopting a child. An essential pick for community library parenting collections.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

A wonderful tome of advice and analysis on the many aspects of adoption as a way to building a family, written by a well known adoption publisher and advocate. The breadth and depth of this book is tremendous; it ranges from a discussion of infertility, the realities of adoption and whether it is the right option for you; through the emotional journey and practicalities of the adoption process; and into many aspects of being an adoptive family. While her focus is on people considering adoption, this fascinating discourse is beneficial to anyone involved in adoption, including professionals working in the field of adoption and adoptive families. Sometimes controversial, always thoughtful, as a long term adoptive family advocate myself (ComeUnity/adoption and Families of Children Adopted from Vietnam), I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in adoption.

I have owned this book for over 15 years. I was active in adoption reform for 13 years and assisted in writing legislation to improve adoptee rights.

Nile's book was one of the most concise, accurate and informative books I found in those 13 years. Many times I needed the background of the maternity homem or orphanage. This was an almost imposible task. Adoption Agencies provide a wealth of information about themselves, but little about the maternity home the birthmothers stayed in.

It is imperitative to an adopttee to know something about the surroundings of their mother during her regnancy. This is the only time the two shared, and it is the only link they have when they start to question their heritage. Understanding how a maternity home was run gives them insight to the mindframe of their mother.

The most outstanding thing about this book is that adoption researchers find that it lists homes that were almost unheard of. Some of these homes were private and there are even actual names of mothers who placed their children for adoption.

When I got the book it was already out of print and I had to order it from Mr. Niles himself. It was one of the most meaningful books I bought in my career of adoption reform.

Anyone interested in adoption history and orphanages will find it well worth the trouble and time.

I have owned this book for over 15 years. I was in adoption reform for 13 years and assisted in writing legislation to improve adoptee rights.

Nile's book was one of the most concise, accurate and informative books I found in those 13 years. Many times I needed the background of the maternity home or orphanage. This was an almost impossible task. Adoption Agencies provided a wealth of information about themselves, but little about the maternity home the birthmothers stayed in.

It is imperitative to an adoptee to know something about the surroundings of their mother during her pregnancy. This is the only time the two shared, and it is the only link they have when they start to question their heritage. Understanding how a maternity home was run gives them insight to the mindframe of their mother.

The most outstanding thing about this book as that adoption researchers find that it lists homes that were almost unheard of. Some of these homes were private and there are even actual names of mothers who placed their children for adoption.

When I got the book it was already out of print and I had to order it from Mr. Niles himself. It was one of the most meaningful books I bought in my career of adoption reform.

Anyone interested in adoption history and orphanages will find it well worth the trouble and time.

This book is the most important investment we made when we decided to adopt our daughters. It is relatively easy to understand, the tables are helpful, and the understanding it provides as to who is actually paying for your AAP, provides the adoptive parent with the tools to negotiate an AAP agreement that will truly be beneficial for all parties involved. Child welfare workers, adoption workers, etc. are not well-versed on this topic and may present the basic rate to you as the only thing available. Read on...adoption is a win/win situation when you understand your rights financially. Read this and then negotiate your AAP agreement armed with accurate information. The only thing I would recommend is that the authors should update the tables to a more current year's standard. Regardless - this book is an absolute necessity for adoptive parents.

I wouldn't adopt a special needs child without reading this book. The authors lay out the highly-complicated world of adoption subsidy in a manner that is easy for a novice parent to follow. Chances are your social worker will probably not know much about adoption subsidy or at least won't have it all right so it is crucial that adoptive parents read this book carefully. You can take the information in this book and use it to advocate for your child's subsidy and service rights. The authors also provide important policy decisions and laws that will help anyone who has to go back and fight for subsidy and services after their adoption is complete. I plan to keep this book by my side as I negotiate my own adoption subsidy agreement and I am telling every prospective adoptive parent I know to read it.

Nancy has voiced what many other adoptive children were not able to express. I found comfort and healing that she and I shared some of the same feelings as we were growing up. I love how our Heavenly Father uses the body to minister to each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about adopting a child. It will help you minister to your child as they grow up. As parents you will not feel that you have failed your child as my parents did.

We recently adopted a daughter from China. So, I read whatever I can on the topic. This book was so inspiring. The author's ability to make you feel as if you were present during her journey captivated me. What was so fascinating was to hear about adoption from the perspective of the one who was adopted. Her story inspired as it confirmed that each child has a divine purpose. As I read, I had the sense that God superintended her story. It infused me with hope that our daughter was protected on her journey also. I came away with a certainty that she was prepared for our home in the same way. I can't suggest highly enough that others read this. WOW!

This book contains heartwarming and successful stories of adoption and children in foster care. They can make you feel like running out and scooping up some of these children and taking them home so they will thrive and grow up with confidence. Each story is short and consise. And last but not least, the book itself is absolutely beautiful.

As a story contributer to this book, I am alittle bias. This is a very touching and monumental book on a subject very dear to my heart. It was a very rewarding experience working on this project.

I thought I would write this review because I am a student at Southampton university and am currently trying to surf the net for information on Jackie Kay. As of yet I have been met with blank walls wherever I have turned which is beginning to bug me. If anyone knows where I can find any info on Jackie and The Adoption Papers maybe they could share it with me in another review. Thanks

magical and magnificent, here is an astounding new voice, the most important defining debut since Emily Dickinson.

Between You and Me--Making a Loving Choice: Adoption, is a new, fresh approach on a subject that is--or should be--of concern to so many. This book is written with extreme sensitivity and could be the eye-opener to prospective adoptive parents, as well as, to young women/parents struggling with a difficult choice. Lori A. Hogg was indeed, inspired by her own Angel when she wrote this easy-to-read, but deeply touching book.

Mico (Dunkirk, NY) - February 7, 2008

Between You and Me, Making a Loving Choice: Adoption is a wonderfully written book that explains in a very basic way all of the facets of being pregnant and choosing adoption..all sides to all parties. This is a wonderful teaching tool!

I truly enjoyed this book. The careful storytelling draws the reader in and tenderly takes us inside a very unique family. The boundaries of language are overcome through the bonds that love and loss of a pet form. The relationship between girl and dog described in 'Bonesy and Isabel' is unforgettable. Rich illustrations, compelling story.

A wonderful and gentle book about love in action. A couple shows love towards animals in need by taking them in and giving them a home. They also adopt a young girl from a South America. The story is told through this girl's eyes.