Adoption Books

This month our book club read 'Swimming Up the Sun' and we all loved it! It was hard to put down the book while following Nicole on her journey to find her biological parents. Once they were located, Nicole faced more challenges as she struggled to build mutually comfortable relationships with them. Of course, this part of the book rings true for all of us, whether we were adopted or not. Ultimately, we need to discover contentment within our own lives, while leaving ourselves open to the unexpected. As Nicole states, "... happiness happens in its own good time."

I purchased the book in the morning, started reading it about an hour later and kept reading and reading. The book was engaging -- at the end of each chapter I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Ms. Burton's sleuthing and tenacity are good lessons for anyone searching for anyone or anything.

Very interesting and realistic twist on the adoption search story. The author doesn't sugarcoat anything, and produces a nice mix of humor and deep emotion.

Characters are realistic, which is fitting because this is a memoir, not fiction. But it's very hard to convey a realistic view of family members. Hats off to Nicole Burton for that.

Needs a little editing, otherwise 5 stars.

This book rivals some of the best mystery novels. The reader accompanies Nicole Burton as she solves the mystery of who her parents are and describes the relationships she forms with them. The book was sensitive, insightful, and beautifully written. Although it was a serious subject, I found the book witty and humorous. It was a pleasure accompanying her on this adventure.

This is a very eloquent and heartfelt account of one woman's search and reunion. The author provides a very moving and well-written account of the events surrounding her search for her birth family and the ensuing reunions and relations. She honestly portrays the feelings and relationships that occured for her. I would highly recommend this book to anyone touched by adoption.

I purchased this book by Ann Yurcek as soon as it was published. It was the BEST and most inspiring moment for myself and family. I cannot express enough how grateful I am to Ann for writing this book, for the determination, the faith, hope and belief she needed to have for her Tiny Titan and the rest of her family. For standing by her husbands side and letting him find his way -- when the world was crashing down around her. As a mom to a daughter who has been diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome I read the Tiny Titan as my 8 month old underwent Open Heart Surgery. Thank you Ann Yurcek for helping me find my inner strength at a moment when my baby needed me to be strong for her!!!

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Congratulations to an amazing family with an amazing story. A thank you to the Yurcek's on a life well lived and an award well earned. Let your light shine for others who need to believe in miracles and the strength of family.

Ann Yurcek's "Tiny Titan" is a memorable story. The constant struggles of the family, Ann, Jim and the children were nearly exhausting to read. The tenaciousness of this family overwhelms me. Having their sixth child be so desperately ill might have fractured other families. Becca just made their's stronger. Way to go Yurcek's! While I admire the dedication, blood, sweat, and tears of raising up their adoptive children, I had to wonder how they thought they could ever do it. I felt badly for them that so much potentially important information was withheld from these loving, giving parents. While I'm glad those children now have a 'forever' family with the Yurcek's, I feel they might have been better served in a black home where they had more of a familiar cultural and extended community experience. I applaud the Yurcek's, every one of them for their abilities to share, care, and work hard to get there. My only criticism I have about the book is that it seemed to be authored (especially near the end) almost entirely by a voice recognition system. I can understand that as Ann is an extremely busy person. However, a good proof-read for grammar and incorrect word usage would have made this good book a terrific book. I'm surprised it was published at all without having been given a little spit and polish.

Almost unreal perseverance by the mother of this Tiny Titan! This book should be read by every social worker and Department of Health employee in every state. The failure of the "system," whether from lack of training, lack of funds or just plain lack of caring, is often devastating to families and disabled persons. Fortunately, our family also had the help of the Yurcek's "guardian angel," seemingly the only person who knew the what, when and especially how of getting help for our adult disabled son. Too often families don't have the perseverance of Ann Yurcek and lose hope while going through the endless loops of the health system, leaving the disabled person much less than what he or she could be.

I purchased this book for a family who has recently adopted a three year old girl who was in foster care since birth. My friend and myself had a difficult time finding a book which was appropriate for a child who was not adopted at birth. This book is fantastic. My friend has three sons and they read the story to their sister as a nightly routine. Everyone loves the story. The illustrations are also adorable. She especially likes the story and feels as though the book is about her own life. Her offical adoption took place last month on National Adoption Day. She now refers to her Mom, Dad and three brothers as her "forever family". How great is that? This book very sweet and I am so happy to be able to give such a perfect gift that the whole family enjoys.

I really love this book. Faces the reality of not living those first few moments of your older adopted child, but focus on all those other first you'll have together.

It's is a very lovely and sweet book. As this books says, our prayers were heard... Nothing truer than that!

We love this book. It is very well written and seems to be written just for us. We love to camp, we have a horse, we are members at the zoo. So many things we love to do are mentioned in this book.

The book Welcome Home, Forever Child is a wonderful children's book! This one is different from the children's books I've reviewed in the past, as this one is written particularly for children who are NOT adopted as infants. There is a whole different set of issues and questions that go along with a child who is adopted at an older age. They may remember experiences shared with birth and/or foster families, and have questions about how long they will be with their "new" family.

If you've adopted a toddler, preschooler, or older child, then this book is a MUST for your family! Author Christine Mitchell shares a story of love and the meaning of adoption in rhyming words that children will love to hear and easily understand. It will help create a bond with adoptive parents, and explain to the child what "forever" means.

The illustrations are so sweet. The author has used cats as the characters in the story. I love this because it makes the book appropriate for any type of adoptive situation- transracial, etc. The book starts out by talking about all the important milestones that may have been missed by the adoptive parents, but goes on to primarily focus on all the "firsts" that are to come, with a promise of being there to share in them. I am sure this book will be one that you will read over and over again with your child(ren).

My children and I read this book together. Actually, my older daughter read it to my younger daughter and I. Although my children are older (9 & 12), they really enjoyed it. My younger daughter said "This book should be in the home of every family, not just families that adopted. Every family should have one so their children can learn about adoption". My older daughter loved that Christine Mitchell not only wrote the book, but illustrated it as well. She said "It was smart of her to use cats instead of human beings. Children can relate to animals and also she wouldn't have to decide what race to make everybody. That way it appeals to everybody".

Imagine growing up not knowing who your real parents are. Would you wonder who you resemble in the family tree? Could you deal with being ignorant to your family's medical history? And most importantly, would you wonder where you belong? In a new book from Craig Hickman, the author takes readers on his journey of discovering his true roots.

In the new memoir "Fumbling Toward Divinity" from Harvard graduate Craig Hickman (Rituals), the author takes readers into his journey of the search for his biological parents. Along the way, we learn of the African American writer's homosexual lifestyle that includes a marriage to his Caucasian partner. The apprehensive author not only worries about finding his biological family but if they will accept his alternative lifestyle.

As the story unfolds, readers are right there with Hickman as he researches his roots in libraries, government buildings, and online and treks along U.S. highways with help from his adoptive family, his husband Job, and his newly discovered Uncle James. By the time he meets his religious, biological mother in Georgia, readers will come to know him and cheer him on as he takes on the task of finding and getting to know his real family.

"Fumbling Toward Divinity" is a well-written and unique book. Written in third-person format, Hickman meshes a poetic, scriptural-like, and a journal-like writing style that is quite interesting to read. Many readers will feel a kinship with the author as he shares his trials, triumphs, pain, and joy of self-discovery. However, the meticulously written memoir, which almost reads like a diary, is so detailed that it may turn off readers who do not know him intimately. "Fumbling Toward Divinity" is still well worth the effort and will be received with open arms.

Emanuel Carpenter
[...]

This book is an awesome read! I could feel Craig Hickman's passion and emotions. His voice really came through because of his mixture of dialogue and precise detail of people and places. His word choice was fabulous! I loved the pearls of wisdom, quotes, and insights that he included. Upon reading Fumbling Toward Divinity, readers should begin a journey of self-reflection that leads to healing and/or growth. This book is a must read for those who, in some way, have gone (or are planning to go) through the adoption process, who are struggling with self-identity and/or self-worth, and/or are having problems with family relationships. While this book is a record of Mr. Hickman's life, it is so powerful that it can serve as a therapeutic tool as well. Fumbling Toward Divinity can help many people reflect, reevaluate, regroup, refocus, heal, and grow.

Craig Hickman, an adopted child, decides he wants to know who his birth parents are. After a long and arduous search, Craig locates his mother Jennifer who was forced by her mother to give him up at birth. Craig discovers that he has twin sisters, aunts, uncles and a grandmother who rules the clan. At various functions, the adopted family, the birth family and Craig's husband, get together to learn more about each other.

Mr. Hickman has written a stunning memoir about what it means to be an adopted child searching for his roots. He uses many styles of writing to help us not only understand his feelings, but to be there with him. In one chapter, when he has finally discovered his birth family and is going to contact them, he uses stream of consciousness very effectively so that his angst, fear and happiness shine through as his thoughts meld onto the page. Poignant poetry is another method used by Mr. Hickman to bring readers into his world. Letters written to his new family also give us an inside track to his real thoughts and feeling.

While discovering his roots is the main thesis of the book, Craig also covers many other subjects such as homosexuality, marital issues, problems with in-laws and family love, as well as family discord. It is a book well worth reading more than once.

Reviewed by alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

This is one of the very best books that I have ever read. I had the pleasure of reading some of the manuscript before Fumbling Toward Divinity went to print. I knew then what I know now, this book is mind blowing. Craig Hickman can write circles around the best. I love it when a writer can conjour up all kinds of spirits, get my heart pumping, and leave me wanting more. I laughed, I cryed, and I am still jumping for joy! Craig Hickman really shows us the recipe for life is... one cup of love, a tablespoon of trust, throw in some forgiveness and hope, and a heep of honesty and then, only then, can we really begin to live. Because, are'nt we all just Fumbling Toward Divinity anyway? Thank you Craig for this tasty treat! Peace, Ife Franklin.

That Craig Hickman is a very bright man, well schooled, a fine investigator, and a man with a mission is obvious from the moment you open this excellent book. Given his credentials as a performance artist, poet, cultural activist and author it is apparent he has the courage and conviction to write this book about the agonies, frustrations, and of course the joys of adoption, of gay relationships, of the search for identity when that identity is locked away with unknown birth parents. The crown of this input is that this book is actually a memoir, a shared body of information that required more diligence and investigation than the toughest of PhD dissertations.

For this reviewer Hickman's FUMBLING TOWARD DIVINITY: THE ADOPTION SCRIPTURES is uneven. The first portion of this memoir is inundated with names, histories, paths, and intricacies that make the reading a bit tedious. Yes, it is written well, the language works, but it is the placement of the narrator in the third person (a time honored if beleaguered tradition of writing memoirs) that subtracts the immediacy of the information to the story - and it is the story here presented that is the fascinating aspect of this book.

Once Hickman connects with all aspects of his families (birth, adopted, partner's family) then the grace of the writing is secure, the development of the avenues of the journey become warmly fascinating, and the book jumps into the welcome arena of entertainment. I'm not sure if the substance of the book could have been altered in any way to make the entire volume as interesting as the latter half, but to the casual reader of literature (not those with whom ready identification with any of the multifaceted aspects of the author invite identification) the telling gets a bit trying at times.

Hickman's prose is up with the best of writers. If he occasionally calls attention to scripture-like verbiage, if key thoughts are repeated every other sentence for effect, if information is revisited a bit too often, then that is a style that Hickman may be in the course of developing. Future books (and it would seem there WILL be future books) will finesse some of these sidebar distractions.

There is every reason to believe that Hickman may evolve into another James Baldwin (a personal favorite author of mine), but it will take some forays into fiction to test those waters thoroughly. So why only 4 stars for this book? It is out of optimism that Craig Hickman has more to say and more talent with which to say it. I think he is a fine writer and certainly is deserving of our attention. The 5 stars seem destined to come. Grady Harp, April 05

I first picked up this book because it sounded interesting and because our daughter is adopted and I know eventually she'll come home one day from school with homework on her family tree or heritage. I really liked this book and liked how the main character Joseph did his final paper on how he is a ethnic sandwich... being Korean on the outside and Italian on the inside. I enjoyed learning about Korea, a little about it's culture and the great Olympian Sohn Kee Chung.

This would be a terrific book for adopted children, teachers to read themselves and out loud to their class. As well as for all teachers to realize there are other ways to do the Family Tree / Heritage papers. With Korean children I think that it's neat that there is a way for Korean children to find siblings and parents.

Joseph Calderaro is a pretty typical 8th grader. He also happens to be adopted. He was abandoned in Korea as a baby and adopted by an Italian-American family from New Jersey.

When his social studies teacher assigns an ancestry essay, Joseph begins to examine who he is - and to ask questions he has never asked before, questions that his adoptive parents may not be willing or able to answer.

At first, Joseph's parents don't understand his confusion about his identity. After a few struggles, they begin to support his search for his roots.

A sensitive portrayal of common issues faced by adoptive families.

Believing that his fourteenth birthday will be the best one yet, Joseph Calderaro will be amazed at how quickly it turns sour.

It all happens during second period. After turning in his project on flag burning, Joseph thinks the assignment will be over, especially since it is May and June is just around the corner. But before the last ten minutes of class is up, his teacher assigns a 1,500-word essay about ancestors. Sure, it may seem like an easy one to write. Not for Joseph, though.

Joseph may have an Italian last name; he is anything but. His parents adopted him when they went over to Korea, and Joseph only knows the Italian side of him, which you could say isn't the true side of him. Adopted at such a young age, Joseph has no idea who his ancestors are or who his birth mother is.

Joseph doesn't mind eating calamari and cannoli frosting on a chocolate cake. He just gets a little uncomfortable when his father wants him to show off their Italian heritage, since is just isn't his.

His journey on writing his essay isn't an easy start, especially since the only help his father can give him is his parent's stories, and Joseph has heard them all.

With ancestors to discover, a girl to win over, a new student who will take him on a journey to discover his heritage, and parents who aren't much help but still love him, Joseph is in for the ride of his life. One that will help him see that being both Korean and Italian isn't bad at all.

Wonderfully written, KIMCHI & CALAMARI will take readers on an adventure that they will never forget. The novel shows how having two heritages is absolutely wonderful and that what matters the most is what we learn from it, how we enrich our lives with it. KIMCHI & CALAMARI is one novel that I will never forget.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen

I read this wonderful book in a few hours and couldn't wait to share it with one of my classes. It is both funny and sad at times. A few tears were shed at the adoption "classifieds," but I finished it with a sense of contentment. A great book. After reading the first chapter, one of my students was so happy that I read a book about another Korean. He couldn't stop saying that he was Korean too.

It's tough to be adopted, wondering which of your personality traits and physical characteristics came from someone you've never even met. It's even harder when you're Korean, and your family is Italian-American (including your much younger twin sisters, who are not adopted). To have your social studies teacher go and assign an essay about tracing your family heritage feels like having salt rubbed into a wound. And to have that essay assigned on your fourteenth birthday, well, that's just icing on the cake.

For New Jersey eighth grader Joseph Calderaro, the heritage essay ignites a passion for research into his birth family - a difficult search, given that he was found in Pusan, abandoned by the waterfront in a police station parking lot. The research doesn't sit so well with Joseph's proud Italian-American father, however, provoking family discord and internal conflict. In many ways, Joseph's quest is every teen's quest, to understand where he fits into the world and how he's both part of and unique from his family. In Joseph's case, however, the stakes are higher, and some of the necessary information is missing.

Fortunately for the reader of Rose Kent's debut novel, Kimchi & Calamari, Joseph's cultural identify quest is lightened considerably by being juxtaposed against another important coming of age quest: to secure a date for the Farewell Formal. We also see Joseph goofing around during band practice (he plays the drums), taking care of and being annoyed by his younger sisters, and exchanging jokes with his friend Robyn. These scenes keep Joseph real and accessible for all readers.

One other fun thing about Kimchi & Calamari is that the author sprinkles food-related analogies throughout the text:

"The world is your supersized soda waiting to be guzzled, right?" (Page1)
"Rain sprinkled on my face like salt on french fries." (Page 40)
"... my backpack was soaked and my hair looked like black spaghetti." (Page 41)

And, of course, the primary analogy: Joseph himself as "an ethnic sandwich". Here are a couple of other quotes, to give you the flavor of Joseph's witty personality:

"I hit my mental button to mute the sibling static. I was on a roll, two-finger punching at the keyboard." (Page 83)

"Mom was like a human bridge trying to connect Dad and me. But Dad kept shaking his head -- not angry, because the Mad Meter wasn't running, but not ready to join my search party either. Yet I could tell he was trying, in his Dadish way, to understand." (Page 188)

For kids who are adopted, and/or kids who are struggling with ethnic vs. American identities, this book is likely to resonate strongly. Rose Kent has personal experience with these identity questions through her four children, all of whom have Korean heritage, and two of whom are adopted. This personal experience shows in her understanding of Joseph's feelings, and in the details of the story - the Korean food that another family shares with Joseph, the dynamics of that Korean family, and the physical characteristics that Joseph notes in himself.

I think that Kimchi & Calamari is an excellent read for middle schoolers, boys or girls, Korean-American or not. There's nothing that will be too PG-13 for younger kids, either, though they may be less excited about the Farewell Formal. And for the many kids who are adopted (especially from Korea), the book could be a lifeline. One final point: I do think that this is a book that librarians will need to put directly into kids' hands. It's not obvious what the book is about from the cover (although the cover is cute), and it's particularly not obvious that it's about a middle school-aged boy. I wouldn't expect 12-year-old boys to pick it up off the shelf on their own, but I think that they would enjoy it if you could get it into their hands.

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on November 1, 2007.

This story was very moving. I applaud Don and the others for their work saving these amazing horses! It was a little slow reading but well worth it to learn first hand how these horses were saved by some extremely courageous people. It moved me to tears at times. I have since been looking for all the information I can find about Badger and Midnight. Not an easy task!
Thanks, Don for sharing your story with us!

As history shows again and again,these are "EVERYBODY'S HORSES"
I spent of lot of years north and south of White Sands,but wasn't in
the area when this situation occured unfortunately.As a horse lover,
owner ,practicing learning trainer this book could not be put down once
started . It has it's emotional tugs and real problems and is obviously
written from the heart . One of the best real world situations you rarely see or hear about in these too busy days. Even if you're not a 24hr
horse person this book is a must read piece of western history.
God Bless Dr.Don Hoglund and the many others involved who know what
a horse's Spirit is all about.
Sincerely R W

This book is one you won't be able to put down. Not only is the rescue riveting, but the description of the cultural circles of these horses is so well documented. Very well written and one that should be on every horseperson's booklist.

Maybe it was my expectations but this is a pretty slow reading book....

Any number of adjectives come to mind when I begin to contemplate the rescue of these magnificent creatures. Heroic, compassionate, courageous and dedicated only begin to describe the efforts of the team assembled by Don Hoglund and others. "Nobody's Horses" tells the amazing and heartwarming story of the rescue of some 2000 wild horses from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in 1995. It was a task wrought with danger from the get-go. And the fact of the matter is that the effort was none too popular with the animal rights crowd in this country either. But Don Hoglund knew better. He and his associates understood that these animals simply had to be relocated or they would not make it. The severe drought and lack of food at White Sands had made their long-term survival extremely problematic. "Nobody's Horses" is a fascinating piece of American history. The tale told by Don Hogland, DVM is simply riveting!
On a scorching July day in 1994, White Sands wildlife biologist Patrick Morrow made a gruesome discovery. Scores of wild horses were dead or dying near a watering hole on the range. When the dust had settled, a total of 122 horses had died. This was really the last straw. Those in positions of responsibility who really cared about these animals were convinced that most of them would perish if left to fend for themselves in such inhospitable conditions. An incredibly painful decision was made to move these horses off the land that they had occupied for centuries. The work would be difficult and extremely dangerous. It would require a team of intensely tough and dedicated individuals. That team would be led by Don Hoglund. Don was a respected veterinarian and a nationally recognized authority on the plight of wild horses. It is clear that he was the right man for this job.
"Nobody's Horses" recalls in exquisite detail the rescue of nearly 2000 wild horses from the deserts of New Mexico. In the course of this beautifully written book you will learn all about where these animals originally came from and how they had lived life on the range. You will meet several members of the team assembled by Don Hoglund including Les Gililland whose ancesters had owned several ranches in the area now occupied by the White Sands Missile Range. All of these folks were kicked off their land back in 1942 and given pennies on the dollar by the U.S. government for their land. These folks were told this was to be a temporary arrangement to help support the war effort. But these people never got to return to their homes nor did they get their livestock back and Les was still bitter. Some of the horses that were to moved were direct descendants of the animals his grandfather and great grandfather had owned. As someone who hails from the Northeast these issues were largely new to me and I found this entire story to be a real eye opener. In "Nobody's Horses" you will get a glimpse at the planning for this monumental effort and experience the trials and tribulations of the actual move. You will also discover just what happened to these horses once they were rescued. For the most part it was a very happy ending. As I mentioned earlier, "Nobody's Horses" is an extremely well written book that focuses on issues that I suspect most Americans know little or nothing about. A great read and a great way to expand your horizons! Highly recommended!

This is the most darling book. I purchased it after I adopted a Siamese cat named Simba, yes, the very one that was talked about in the book. Fiona thought he was her Prince but she soon found out he was a King. My family, our dog Saffy and I are featured in the book and I had the honor of meeting Fiona and Java. This is a true story with a real fairy-tale ending. Good for all ages. --from one grateful family, The Barnetts. p.s. Simba is doing very well these days and is as beautiful as ever. (I've also purchased this book as a Christmas present for family members.)

This wonderfully written, beautifully photographed book tells the true story of two formerly homeless Siamese cats who find love and each other in a permanent, "forever" home -- something all too elusive for many homeless cats and dogs. The story is told with a gentle humor that will appeal to animal lovers of all ages while stressing the less fortunate plight of many other homeless and abandoned pets. Buy and enjoy this book! You'll be glad you did.

Is there a cat lover in your life? Perhaps a child who loves animals, but isn't aware of animal homelessness? Perhaps a friend who regularly rescues the neighborhood strays? "Princess Fiona" by Kari Winters would be the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life.

This sweet tale, told by Princess Fiona herself, chronicles the story of a "feral" kitten that finds her way into a loving home. Passing through the loving hands of rescuers and foster homes, Fiona eventually learns to fit in, even befriending a dog named "Wuffy"! This charming story allows those unaware of the plight of homeless animals to be enlightened while not being exposed to an emotionally draining story, which makes it perfect for children. All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the California Siamese Rescue, making it an endearing, yet practical gift with a message!

This is a gentle little book, appealing to adults and children alike. It is told from a cat's point of view (Princess Fiona) and relates the story of her adoption, and the adoption of her soon-to-be Prince Charming, Liam, into a blended family of loving animals and humans. It is written in a heartwarming style by Kari Winters and illustrated with adorable color photos by Stephanie Montagne.
Plus, ALL proceeds from the sale of this book go to help more cats like Princess Fiona and Liam at the California Siamese Rescue. Neither Winters nor Montagne even received any payment for their services; everything went to CASR. BRAVO!

Princess Fiona is excellent reading for all. The story is priceless and the photos and captions are just to cute for words. Parents, read Fiona to your kids, it's just purrfect for bedtime too! A must for all cat and dog lovers.

This is a fabulous book...loaded with tips, links, resources and more! We adopted 2 children from Russia a few years ago and I would have loved having this as a resource. I am now an Adoption Coach and share this book with all my clients.
Debbie Mumm, http://www.adoptionhighway.com

I gave this book to my sister as a gift. She said that the information was very detailed and informative.

This book was a little less friendly than I had expected. Although I really like the areas in the book to write down information.

Hours before my flight to adopt, all I remember were my unpacked carry on items all over the living room floor. I was frantically searching for my ER telephone list. My sister was yelling" you're going to miss the plane" and I'm saying......well let's say if I had 10 Steps to Successful International Adoption those ER numbers would have been packed days ago in a brightly colored packet.

It's hard to say what I liked the most about this book. Maybe it's the incredible organization...or the easy-to-read style...or the great quotes from adoptive parents ( called Voices of Experience)...or the sprinkling of great tips throughout.

The bottom line is that I thoroughly enjoyed this guide and give it a big thumbs up!

Take Care Beth O'Malley

This book is very thorough and very well thought out. It covers every step from the beginnng to the end of the adoption process. This includes not forgetting to be prepared for the child once they are brought home. Very well done!

Reviewed by Mary Durfor for RebeccasReads (8/08)


This story is told in first-person (make that first-cat!) and it is really a fun, light read. Chloe Anne (the cat) tells her story in a compelling way, first detailing her rather pedestrian existence in her first home, where her moniker was Penny. She had to be left behind when her people moved. Penny overheard the preparatory conversations - The Humane Society? She felt it sounded like a place where other cats with breeding and style might congregate, possibly to do good works.

The reality hits Penny as she joins the other prisoners in the lock-up. She remembers the made-for-TV women in prison movies she had seen in the past, and hopes she will be adopted quickly. The guards, Penny found, were kind and gentle and full of compliments to the prisoners. She played coy with the visitors, until she met Valerie, her new mom. Valerie immediately renames her Chloe Anne and brings her home to her wonderful Jewish home to be a friend to Cinders, the cat Valerie inherited when her mother passed away. Chloe Anne is ecstatic to now be a part of the Chosen People. The author works in the celebration of The Seder - the food preparation, the recounting of the exact dishes, which are cooked and served, the actual proper way of observing the ceremony, which is integrated into the dinner. Additionally she cleverly refers to many television and movie stars and shows.

Chloe Anne recounts her first solo experience outside the house - with a duck, which lives on the lagoon outside their home. Since Chloe Anne is declawed, the experience is both inherently dangerous and forbidden. She also recounts a dream sequence (part of her detailed discourses on sleeping) where she is a contestant in Dancing with the Stars, her partner, Antonio Banderas, and she expertly execute the steps of the rumba and then samba off the stage. The author has the inside Hollywood scoop and gossip, which she weaves into the story. She easily contrasts the personalities of the three judges and the process used in the actual television show.

Several more interesting occurrences round out the book, and the finale gives more insight into the type of cat personality Chloe Anne possesses, as well as that of Cinders and Valerie. Any animal lover will appreciate the wit and humor of this cat tale, especially cat lovers, of course. Lighthearted and funny, it is a treat to read and enjoy.

Chloe Anne - Force of Nature is the endearing true-life story of the self-assured, well-fed, and thoroughly beloved pet cat Chloe Anne, told directly from Chloe's point of view. She has no qualms about expressing her feline feelings to author and de facto cat mother Valerie Oblath. The result is an engaging chronicle of Chloe Anne's adventures, including imprisonment in the Big House, her inquisitive exploration of the washing machine, her encounters with ducks, and much more. An episodic delight to read in quick bursts, or all at once (perhaps while one's own purring pet demands obligatory lap time), Chloe Anne - Force of Nature is highly recommended for cat lovers everywhere.

If you've ever wondered what might be going on in your cat's mind, this is a wonderful story to read. Chloe Anne is a beautiful, savvy, sophisticated (and somewhat voluptuous) cat who tells the story of her adoption and life with her new mom from her own point of view. She touches upon all of the most important feline subjects: eating, sleeping, grooming, and of course curiosity.
This is a truly touching story, and especially a must-read for cat-lovers!

Meet Chloe Anne - a voluptuous, long-haired kitty. Full of curiosity and charm, she knows she's "too beautiful for words."

Chloe Anne begins life as Penny, before being incarcerated at the Big House, and before author Valerie Oblath adopts her. Living with her new Mom and sister, Chloe Anne never runs out of ways to amuse herself and find trouble. But despite her mischief, she's secure in the knowledge that her Mom loves her, and she'll never have to worry about ending up in the Big House again.

This humorous tale of Chloe Anne's adventures is a joy to read. Even though it's impossible to tell what a cat is really thinking, Valerie Oblath has created a convincing chat with this delightful feline. But even more than that, she shares her own warmth and devotion to the cats who share her home.

Anyone who's ever lived with and been loved by a cat will enjoy reading this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger
Bergers Book Reviews

Sent to the Humane Society when her owners had to move, Penny the cat is soon adopted and her new mom renames her Chloe Anne. Chloe loves her new mom and home, but can't help being a bit adventurous. Many of her adventures are harmless - befriending a duck for example; some are messy (it's not a good idea to explore fireplaces); but some are scary (Chloe decides to investigate how a washing machine works). Chloe doesn't mean to upset her mom, but she is a cat after all. Is it her fault that her brother and sister aren't as adventurous as she is?

Told in the first person by Chloe Anne, "Chloe Anne: Force of Nature" is a delightful, very funny book. Chloe Anne belongs to author Valerie Oblah, who clearly loves and understands cats. If cats could really write and think (besides about food and sleep) they would no doubt think like Chloe Anne. Chloe Anne never means to get into mischief, it's just that there's so much to explore and the world is a pretty big place. The humor throughout the book is at times laugh out loud funny (I especially liked the parts when Chloe goes out to explore something, falls asleep in the middle of exploring, then wakes up and goes on as if uninterrupted). Anyone who has ever been owned by a cat will have experienced their cat doing at least one of the things Chloe Anne does and will now know what their cat was thinking while doing it!

Cat lovers will enjoy "Chloe Anne: Force of Nature".

I love this book! I'm 27 and I bought this book for my collection. I love faeries, but I especially love it when I find a sweet story with beautiful illustrations of the winged ones. The story reminds me of Cinderella meets Thumbellina. It really has a theme of its own and I didn't feel like I bought into another rendition of Cinderella. The illustrations are just precious. This is a treasure I will enjoy sharing with my children and grandchildren.

This is a truly great children's book. It is my favorite fairy story of all time, seriously. There is adventure and compassion, deceit and intrigue, princes and trolls--it's all there. Fia is a wingless fairy and stands in for all who feel incomplete. In a rare occurance in modern books, her father is her greatest advocate. Her best friends (other fairies shun her, including her seven beautiful sisters)--a frog a rat and a crow--are also considered outcasts. By chance or fate she meets the Fairy Prince without realizing his true identity and he invites her to the Great May Dance. Amidst the ensuing Cinderella story, Fia exhibits great fortitude in saving all the fairies from a troll who--in a great swash of irony--wants the fairies only for their pretty wings. She is aided in this endeavor by her outcast friends and they all gain the respect of the fairies through this act at once compassionate and courageous. The large and lavish watercolor illustrations are equal to the text in this first husband-and-wife collaboration. I cannot recommend a book more enthusiastically for it's genre.

I love this book! I'm 27 and I bought this book for my collection. I love faeries, but I especially love it when I find a sweet story with beautiful illustrations of the winged ones. The story reminds me of Cinderella meets Thumbellina. It really has a theme of its own and I didn't feel like I bought into another rendition of Cinderella. The illustrations are just precious. This is a treasure I will enjoy sharing with my children and grandchildren.

right into the magical world of fairies! I bought this book for my niece, but my son also enjoyed it. The illustrations are magnificent and even though the story is "Cinderella like" it goes on it's own course of events that kept us on the 'edge of our seats' till the end! Fia is beautiful on the inside and outside even though she isn't exactly like the other fairies. She might be dainty but she is courageous and brave! We highly recommend it.

This is the story of a little fairy named Fia, who, unlike all the other fairies, was born without wings. The other fairies tend to avoid her out of embarassment or discomfort, even her sisters. And while her parents are always loving, Fia must find her friends among the little animals. All this changes after she befriends one fairy boy, who later turns out to be the Prince; and after Fia bravely journeys to the Troll's cave to rescue all the other fairies, who have been captured by the Troll so that he might cut off their wings for his collection. Reminiscent of Rudolph the Reindeer, everyone changes their opinion of Fia after her heroism.

I read this story to my 4 1/2 year old daughter, and she really liked it. I imagine that this was primarily due to the wonderful, luminous illustrations. Although there are illustrations on every page, there is also a lot of text to go along with it, perhaps more than the patience of many younger kids can handle. The ideal ages would probably be from age 6 through 10.