An Open Adoption

by Lincoln Caplan

Looks at the story of a young unmarried college student who selected the couple who adopted her child, describes the complexities of their relationship, and examines past adoption practices

Genres: Nonfiction

150 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1990

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an account of an open adoption that took place in the summer of 1988. It follows the birth parents from their decision to give the child to another family, through the legal process when they get the adoption finalized in court. What first seems like a simple exchange becomes more complicated as truths about the birth mother emerge.

The author balances the personal story of the birth and adoptive parents with chapters on the history and current (as of publication) political and social treatment of adoption in the USA. It is both easy enough for the lay reader to absorb, yet well enough researched for those seeking an academic resource. Readers may need to supplement this reading with more current texts, as much has changed since it was written, but it does well to set the stage for deeper reading.

[Sanfordgrant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book written in the 1980s follows a family through an open adoption. The book presents all viewpoints and strong emotional repercussions. There is alot of information woven in the story but most would seem out dated. Still a great read if adoption is of interest to you.