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Twice Adopted Signed
National talk-radio host and adopted son of Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman tells his touching story
Hardcover
First published October 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 12, 2021
I read this memoir by Michael Reagan a couple weeks ago, and it was so profoundly moving that I have been at a loss for how to review it. Nothing I say can do it justice, but I can also tell that it's going to be one of my favorite books I'll read in all of 2021, so I have to say something. This is an incredibly powerful story about dealing with shame, struggling for a sense of identity and self-worth, and ultimately finding peace in Jesus. It's an incredibly moving conversion story, because Reagan is so incredibly raw and honest about his life.
I first learned about this while reading An American Life, Ronald Reagan's memoir, for a history class. I enjoyed that book tremendously, and was fascinated to learn that he had an adopted son from his first marriage. He mentioned that his son had a very rebellious and angry stage, and that he regretted having not known or understood what he was going through. He said that he first learned about his son's backstory during the writing process for Michael's first memoir, and he was moved and amazed to see the change in him after he came to faith in Christ.
I thought this sounded fascinating, especially since I have always been interested in adoption, and I finally had a chance to read this book recently. It was so good that I want my own copy, and in addition to addressing emotional and identity-related issues relating to adoption, this book also addresses other issues, such as parental divorce, sexual assault, and reckless behavior motivated by self-hatred. This book is incredibly raw and honest about parts of the author's life that most people would want to hide, and it's all presented in a redemptive way, not as a salacious tell-all or an extended complaint about people who have done the author wrong. Michael Reagan told his story for the sake of others, recognizing how much his painful experiences had equipped him to speak into other people's lives, help them with their problems, and make parents and others aware of what kids are going through.
Throughout this book, after Reagan writes about different parts of his life, he connects his personal experiences to contemporary social issues. The book was published in 2004, so some elements are dated, but many of the issues are perennial for modern life, such as the impact of divorce on children. Some reviewers have critiqued the book for including this side material about social issues, but even when I didn't agree with everything the author said, I didn't think that these parts were preachy or distracting. They came from an authentic point of connection, as Reagan passionately addressed each issue through the lens of his personal experience. Also, he provided practical insights and solutions instead of just decrying problems, which is entirely too rare!
For example, when he wrote about the prevalence of divorce, he showed why it mattered, how his parents' divorce affected him, and how other people can provide support and help to children going through similar things, so that they don't have to feel as isolated and abandoned. His personal experience, and his acute, detailed memory of his childhood thought processes, gives insight into what children experience, and I appreciate how he urged parents to talk on a child's level, instead of assuming that they understand adult issues. He also encourages parents to honor their children's emotions and give them space to express their feelings instead of trying to protect their parents, even when a divorce is inevitable or necessary.
He also writes about the impact of not having a parent at home, and admirably walks the balancing act of acknowledging the attachment issues and various emotional and physical dangers of daycare while also respecting and honoring his single mother and other parents who have no choice but to work and put their children in the care of strangers. He clearly loves and admires both of his parents, and this isn't a tell-all memoir with dirty details about Ronald Reagan's first family. Michael is able to express his childhood sense of abandonment and isolation while also respecting his parents, admiring his mother's professional accomplishments as an actress, and recognizing how many of his deepest issues didn't stem from his parents at all.
A significant portion of this book deals with Michael's experience of being sexually abused by a man who ran an after-school program. The book includes explicit details that may be too triggering or upsetting for some people to read, but none of it is gratuitous, and the story that Michael tells is incredibly necessary, as sexual assault remains a tremendous issue, and is stigmatized and under-reported for boys and men. I appreciated his brutal honesty about what he experienced, how it warped his self-concept, and how much damage it caused in all of his relationships. He also writes about this issue through a social lens, sharing statistics, others' stories, and information about what parents and communities can do to try to mitigate risk and protect children. There was a lot of great practical advice here that I would definitely recommend.
I cried multiple times in this book, and really admire his willingness to share about such incredibly painful parts of his life, after keeping them secret from everyone for decades. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand dynamics for male sexual assault victims, or to those who can relate and need the sense of community and hope. Ultimately, after years of rage, attachment problems, and self-sabotage, Michael Reagan was able to heal, most significantly through his encounter with God's saving grace, love, and acceptance through Christ.
The Christian elements of this book aren't tacked on for political purposes, or loosely implied as part of the author's family background or culture. He rejected and hated God for years, and his transformative conversion experience is essential to the whole narrative. I broke down and cried about some of his reflections about how it changed him to finally understand the truth of the gospel, surrender to God, and find all of the peace, belonging, and wholeness that he had been looking for. It's profoundly moving, and the book is full of encouragement and hope for others.
This is one of the most powerful conversion stories I have ever read. Reagan is so deeply vulnerable that you can truly understand what was going on in his mind and heart, and how much it transformed his life for him to come to know God's love and salvation. It was after he became God's child, and was "twice adopted," that his life transformed, and the end of the book is full of gratitude and love. Michael also writes about unexpected connections with biological family members later in life, and shares more thoughts about his experiences with adoption. It's all meaningful, thoughtful, and personal, and written in a way that makes a reader deeply care about his experiences.
Also, on that subject, the ghostwriting in this book is perfect. The professional writer provided technical expertise while fully supporting and conveying Reagan's voice, and since I often avoid ghostwritten celebrity memoirs because the writing seems so stilted and fake, this was an incredibly refreshing example of the two people named on the cover really getting it right. This book is so authentic, raw, and vulnerable, and comes across in a conversational tone, making you feel like you're sitting down with Michael Reagan and hearing his life story. Much of this book's emotional impact is because of the effective writing, so kudos to both men involved.
This was a wonderful read, and even though I doubt that many people will ever see my review, much less make it through my extensive writing, I felt a deep drive to express my thoughts and my appreciation. Even though this book is out-of-print, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the life story and topics that it covers, and I will definitely read it again someday.
I first learned about this while reading An American Life, Ronald Reagan's memoir, for a history class. I enjoyed that book tremendously, and was fascinated to learn that he had an adopted son from his first marriage. He mentioned that his son had a very rebellious and angry stage, and that he regretted having not known or understood what he was going through. He said that he first learned about his son's backstory during the writing process for Michael's first memoir, and he was moved and amazed to see the change in him after he came to faith in Christ.
I thought this sounded fascinating, especially since I have always been interested in adoption, and I finally had a chance to read this book recently. It was so good that I want my own copy, and in addition to addressing emotional and identity-related issues relating to adoption, this book also addresses other issues, such as parental divorce, sexual assault, and reckless behavior motivated by self-hatred. This book is incredibly raw and honest about parts of the author's life that most people would want to hide, and it's all presented in a redemptive way, not as a salacious tell-all or an extended complaint about people who have done the author wrong. Michael Reagan told his story for the sake of others, recognizing how much his painful experiences had equipped him to speak into other people's lives, help them with their problems, and make parents and others aware of what kids are going through.
Throughout this book, after Reagan writes about different parts of his life, he connects his personal experiences to contemporary social issues. The book was published in 2004, so some elements are dated, but many of the issues are perennial for modern life, such as the impact of divorce on children. Some reviewers have critiqued the book for including this side material about social issues, but even when I didn't agree with everything the author said, I didn't think that these parts were preachy or distracting. They came from an authentic point of connection, as Reagan passionately addressed each issue through the lens of his personal experience. Also, he provided practical insights and solutions instead of just decrying problems, which is entirely too rare!
For example, when he wrote about the prevalence of divorce, he showed why it mattered, how his parents' divorce affected him, and how other people can provide support and help to children going through similar things, so that they don't have to feel as isolated and abandoned. His personal experience, and his acute, detailed memory of his childhood thought processes, gives insight into what children experience, and I appreciate how he urged parents to talk on a child's level, instead of assuming that they understand adult issues. He also encourages parents to honor their children's emotions and give them space to express their feelings instead of trying to protect their parents, even when a divorce is inevitable or necessary.
He also writes about the impact of not having a parent at home, and admirably walks the balancing act of acknowledging the attachment issues and various emotional and physical dangers of daycare while also respecting and honoring his single mother and other parents who have no choice but to work and put their children in the care of strangers. He clearly loves and admires both of his parents, and this isn't a tell-all memoir with dirty details about Ronald Reagan's first family. Michael is able to express his childhood sense of abandonment and isolation while also respecting his parents, admiring his mother's professional accomplishments as an actress, and recognizing how many of his deepest issues didn't stem from his parents at all.
A significant portion of this book deals with Michael's experience of being sexually abused by a man who ran an after-school program. The book includes explicit details that may be too triggering or upsetting for some people to read, but none of it is gratuitous, and the story that Michael tells is incredibly necessary, as sexual assault remains a tremendous issue, and is stigmatized and under-reported for boys and men. I appreciated his brutal honesty about what he experienced, how it warped his self-concept, and how much damage it caused in all of his relationships. He also writes about this issue through a social lens, sharing statistics, others' stories, and information about what parents and communities can do to try to mitigate risk and protect children. There was a lot of great practical advice here that I would definitely recommend.
I cried multiple times in this book, and really admire his willingness to share about such incredibly painful parts of his life, after keeping them secret from everyone for decades. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand dynamics for male sexual assault victims, or to those who can relate and need the sense of community and hope. Ultimately, after years of rage, attachment problems, and self-sabotage, Michael Reagan was able to heal, most significantly through his encounter with God's saving grace, love, and acceptance through Christ.
The Christian elements of this book aren't tacked on for political purposes, or loosely implied as part of the author's family background or culture. He rejected and hated God for years, and his transformative conversion experience is essential to the whole narrative. I broke down and cried about some of his reflections about how it changed him to finally understand the truth of the gospel, surrender to God, and find all of the peace, belonging, and wholeness that he had been looking for. It's profoundly moving, and the book is full of encouragement and hope for others.
This is one of the most powerful conversion stories I have ever read. Reagan is so deeply vulnerable that you can truly understand what was going on in his mind and heart, and how much it transformed his life for him to come to know God's love and salvation. It was after he became God's child, and was "twice adopted," that his life transformed, and the end of the book is full of gratitude and love. Michael also writes about unexpected connections with biological family members later in life, and shares more thoughts about his experiences with adoption. It's all meaningful, thoughtful, and personal, and written in a way that makes a reader deeply care about his experiences.
Also, on that subject, the ghostwriting in this book is perfect. The professional writer provided technical expertise while fully supporting and conveying Reagan's voice, and since I often avoid ghostwritten celebrity memoirs because the writing seems so stilted and fake, this was an incredibly refreshing example of the two people named on the cover really getting it right. This book is so authentic, raw, and vulnerable, and comes across in a conversational tone, making you feel like you're sitting down with Michael Reagan and hearing his life story. Much of this book's emotional impact is because of the effective writing, so kudos to both men involved.
This was a wonderful read, and even though I doubt that many people will ever see my review, much less make it through my extensive writing, I felt a deep drive to express my thoughts and my appreciation. Even though this book is out-of-print, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the life story and topics that it covers, and I will definitely read it again someday.
April 21, 2008
There are certain experiences that you go through that make you feel completely alone, and like no one good, decent, or normal could ever possibly understand. I didn't go through all of the same ones that Michael Reagan did, but he writes about the pain and the anguish and the subsequent struggle to relate to God with brutal honesty and openness. That anchoring feeling of "You're not alone, other people have gone through this and survived" is an incredible balm. Another one I cried through.
August 25, 2011
Michael Reagan tells his painful but powerful story of his earthly and heavenly adoption! A more honest telling of ones life struggle and triumph would be hard to find.
February 26, 2012
Great book!!! Anyone who has been adopted should read this book.
Thanks, Michael, for showing in book the Godly way to be a husband, father,
and true Godly man!
Thanks, Michael, for showing in book the Godly way to be a husband, father,
and true Godly man!
October 12, 2019
It doesn't matter whether you agree with Michael Reagan's views or not, or like his dad, former President Ronald Reagan, or not. This story is highly inspirational! Michael faced some dark demons as a young child, and for the longest time, he grew up struggling because of these feelings, feeling like he was a mistake made by God and didn't belong to anyone. However, with the help of his family, especially his loving wife, Michael was able to confront his painful past and grow into the man God created him to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2025
With courage and vulnerability, Michael tells the story of his adoption and then his sexual abuse at age 7 by a camp counselor. Add to that his parents' divorce and their busy lives, and he was an isolated and hurting young man. He finally finds peace when he finds a good Christian wife who believes in him and receives Christ as his own savior. Somewhat of a how-to book on parenting and helping those in his situation. Ends in hope.
July 15, 2015
When I decided to read this book, I was looking for more information about the Reagan family. You will not find it here either. They seem to be a very private family - not much about the familial relationships at the presidential library.
This is Michael's personal story, but it is not really an autobiography. It is more a story of the growth of a person - from blaming all of your problems on your parents and your situation to understanding what was REALLY going on and taking responsibility for who you will become and how you will deal with what has happened to you rather than letting it define you.
Michael had difficult things to deal with, his adoption, thinking his birth mother didn't love him, becoming the child of divorce and molestation. He tells you how he felt at the time but also what he understands to be the real truth that he has grown to understand as he matured.
One of the ways in which Michael has grown is to learn about and depend on the healing love of our God. I agree with much of what he says in this area; however, since my children are grown, I did not wish to read about what I need to do to protect them. There is more of this than I appreciate in this book given my stage of life. And it feels too preachy despite the fact that it needs to be said.
That said, I wish I had known about the age of rage. We had one child who was very angry during his hs years, but couldn't or wouldn't tell me why. Maybe I would have been able to reach him and help him cope. As an adult he is a caring responsible person. So I have to trust that God took care of him.
This is Michael's personal story, but it is not really an autobiography. It is more a story of the growth of a person - from blaming all of your problems on your parents and your situation to understanding what was REALLY going on and taking responsibility for who you will become and how you will deal with what has happened to you rather than letting it define you.
Michael had difficult things to deal with, his adoption, thinking his birth mother didn't love him, becoming the child of divorce and molestation. He tells you how he felt at the time but also what he understands to be the real truth that he has grown to understand as he matured.
One of the ways in which Michael has grown is to learn about and depend on the healing love of our God. I agree with much of what he says in this area; however, since my children are grown, I did not wish to read about what I need to do to protect them. There is more of this than I appreciate in this book given my stage of life. And it feels too preachy despite the fact that it needs to be said.
That said, I wish I had known about the age of rage. We had one child who was very angry during his hs years, but couldn't or wouldn't tell me why. Maybe I would have been able to reach him and help him cope. As an adult he is a caring responsible person. So I have to trust that God took care of him.
March 15, 2009
This book wasn't what I expected it to be. I was expecting more of a book about him finding God and his journey through life. Now don't get me wrong...it did explain how he found God and became the man he is today...however the end of each chapter had a list of points on how to raise your children/teach your children/etc. I almost felt like I was reading a self help book. Since I don't have kids of my own, it didn't really appeal to me. I felt like I didn't really get into the book until the last couple chapters which were more about him, and not helping others.
I am definitely interested in hearing more of his story so I'm going to read his autobiography and see how that one is.
As I say with nearly every non fiction book I read...this book lacked pictures and that was quite a disappointment.
I am definitely interested in hearing more of his story so I'm going to read his autobiography and see how that one is.
As I say with nearly every non fiction book I read...this book lacked pictures and that was quite a disappointment.
March 27, 2009
Good book - insights on the Reagans and how they came to adopt Ron. Ron is a Christian, thus adopted twice. By the Reagans and by Christ. Met Reagan 4 years ago at a political gathering where he was the featured speaker. Excellent speaker. He autographed the book for Shari and myself.
April 25, 2008
This is a non fiction/autobiography by the son of former President Ronald Reagan. Mike Reagan is adopted and has a unigue perspective on adoption and being the son of a president.
February 23, 2009
Tough story of a tough life that resulted in a fabulous ending. Graphic at times, but worth the read.
Read
February 25, 2009Michael and his wife and kids are good family friends of ours--very powerful and sobering testimony
June 22, 2013
Michael Reagan's story is witness to Christ's power of love and healing.
Truth #1: There are evil people in this world.
Truth #2: Christ conquers all evil.
Truth #1: There are evil people in this world.
Truth #2: Christ conquers all evil.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews