To Sing Frogs

by John M. Simmons

Venture deep into the heart-warming-and heart-wrenching-world of international adoption as John Simmons' poignant memoir chronicles his family's personal quest to rescue five children from an impoverished rural Russian orphanage. To Sing Frogs recounts the Simmons family's journey to discover the true meaning of family, while nurturing Sarah, adopted at age five, through the inner turmoil of survivor's guilt, having left so many of her closest friends behind at the orphanage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adoption

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

John M. Simmons is a Huffington Post contributor and the award-winning author of The Marvelous Journey Home and To Sing Frogs. Both books are based on experiences that he and his wife had while adopting children from Russia. In May of 2013 Simmons resigned from his position of CEO/President of White Knight Fluid Handling, Inc., a high-tech semiconductor equipment company that he co-founded. He now spends his time writing, speaking and educating for orphan advocacy. He and his wife have three biological children, one who is adopted from the United States and five who are adopted from Russia. Some of the children have Special Needs including Down syndrome, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. He and his family live in Kamas, Utah, in a small mountain valley east of Park City.

Reviews

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foreign adoption has always been something that really intrigues me. While we are still not quite ready for children, adoption is definitely something that I have thought about in the past. I really think that it would be wonderful to be able to adopt and if I were to adopt, I would probably go overseas. John Simmons and his wife are really amazing. Although they already have several biological children and one adopted child already (all boys by the way), they find it in their hearts to open their home to more children and decide to go overseas, specifically to Russia, to adopt girls.



Their journey to bring their new children home is what really pulls you into the story. As humans, families (those that we choose and the ones that we do not choose) are so important to our well being. In a place like Russia, the children that end up in orphanages often have no idea what it means to have that support system or that love that builds them up throughout life. It's a very sad existence. My heart broke reading about some of the children that John and his wife, Amy, meet while they are in Russia to adopt their children.



I love books that highlight important subjects and adoption and family are definitely important subjects. Adoption may not be for everyone but I think their are a lot of people who are very curious about it. Mr. Simmons gives a very open picture of what adoption was like for him and his family. I appreciated that he didn't seem to hold anything back: the good, the bad, the ugly. He talks about his hopes and dreams and fears for his family and the children that they are bringing to the United States. I definitely appreciated his candor!

I also really liked the writing style of the book. Mr. Simmons has a way with telling a story! You feel like he's having a conversation with you and telling you a story about how complicated yet amazing and fulfilling it was to bring the children to the United States. You laugh with him and you cry with him (there is a scene with his new daughter and Santa Claus that definitely made me shed a tear). This is a story of a lot of ups and downs but it ends very happily!

While this book will not be released until this summer, I urge you to add it to your TBR list if you like memoirs and are interested in foreign adoption.

[Ira Therebel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and well written book on international adoption from a Russian orphanage.

I read this book for two reasons one is because I like to read about lives different from mine, it helps to open the eyes to the world more. And the second is that as someone who was born in USSR and left the country in the early 90's as a kid (not adopted, I have loving parents who simply immigrated) I love to read about my old country. See what is going on, how people experience it, it's beauty and problems. And the book satisfied both of my interests.

John M. Simmons is a person very different from me in our way of handling or viewing things so it was interesting to see his ideas and opinions. He really lets you into exploring his experience. We get to hear about his feelings and commentaries on the issue. It is also interesting to see him developing and changing his views along with the experience progressing, as for example about interracial adoption.

What I like the most about this book is its honesty. John M. Simmons tells about adoption and orphan situation as it is. He shows us the problems that his family faced during it as well as thee rewards (who surely outweigh the problems), the joy the kids felt as well as the issues that came with the psychological side effects of abuse and neglect. And while we feel so much happiness for his family and the kids they rescued he also doesn't let us forget about the sad situation of orphans in Russia and what happens to the ones who outgrow the childhood unadopted.

I would have liked to read more about the older siblings coming into the family,but as the author said it would be a book on itself so I understand why it was not really included. And maybe more about RAD issues to see how they were fighting them. But the book as it is is already a great book describing the experience.

I was also very impressed with the foundation the family does. It is not part of the book except the last few pages of afterwards dedicated to it, Ele Lembra is sure a great idea to help kids who outgrew their time in orphanages and didn't get adopted go against statistics and get a chance to live well. Just another great idea how to help, not everyone needs to adopt but there are always different opportunities.


*I got this book for free through goodreads giveaways*

[Karen & Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Sing Frogs by John M. Simmons is a memoir about family, friends, life, and other things that don't make sense. It is about a couple who adopt three children from Russia. The best parts of the book were:

(1) all the red tape and the various hurdles the couple had to go through to get the children to be part of their family;

(2) the kids, the joy they felt that somebody wanted them and then the trials of coming to America and not knowing the language and the customs; and

(3) how the couple wished that they were able to take a lot more kids in.

This is a feel good book that I think you would enjoy reading! There is no big "wow" factor, but a happy, heartwarming ending. I liked the pictures in the book too!
(Gerard's review)

Karen's review:
To Sing Frogs by John M. Simmons is an interesting read on so many levels. First of all, it is a true story of a Mormon couple who had three boys of their own, but who adopt a special needs boy (Jack) and later three girls and one boy from Russia. It was amazing at how many hoops they had to jump through and all the delays. In spite of the author being a cynic who really doesn't believe God cares or is involved in our lives, the answered prayers of the three little orphans from Russia seems to at least make him wonder.

I'm glad I took the time to read To Sing Frogs in spite of the dumb title. This book is so well written that I felt the father's frustrations and the joy of the girls who were adopted. I loved the author's sarcasm throughout the book and how the orphans prayers were answered in spite of the odds. I think anyone considering an international adoption or interested in orphanages or Russia would enjoy this book. It's different from any other book I've read.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

John and his wife Amy decided to adopt two girls from Russia to add to their family of boys. Their journey before, during, and after the adoption is told in this realistic look at foreign adoption. The author doesn't sugar coat anything. He deals with emotions, hardships, blessings, and miracles. The two little girls that they initially decided to add to their home soon grew to more as they witnessed first hand the need in the orphanages.

It's a true look at the reality of adopting outside your comfort zone. But I felt the author did a great job of showcasing the blessings as well as the difficulties. The style of writing is very clear and concise, but still has an infusion of heart and soul. While the book was probably written primarily to encourage adoption, it can definitely be read by the causal reader. I enjoyed reading this book and feel the author will be very successful in promoting adoption using this method.

I received this book free of charge from SS/PR in exchange for my honest review.

[Sharen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read To Sing Frogs it took me back to the struggles, the up and the downs, but most of all it took me back to the orphanages where all those beautiful children lived. A person can never come away from seeing those children all wanting parents and families without being forever changed. John has such a way of writing that brought more vividly to my memory each detail, longing, joy and heartbreak of that incredible ongoing experience. I too have been to those orphanages and come away loving each individual child and wishing I could give each a home. This book helps us see the changes which came into John’s heart and the understanding that no one is ever forgotten by someone much greater than ourselves, that we are just the instruments to make it happen and fortunate enough to be used in such a sweet way. In the end we come away having received the most. I love reading and rereading the book not just because of John’s experiences, but because I like the candor, humor and honesty with which it is written. In the end I love how I feel when I read To Sing Frogs.

[Mary Lenahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only word that can describe how I felt after reading this amazing memior is Wow! John M. Simmons'writing style causes you to feel as if you are sitting in his living room having a conversation with him rather than reading his written words. As such you experience every emotions that he and his wife felt as they traveled their road to adoption. The heartbreak of leaving so many children behind in the orphanage, the frustration of the red tape involved in finally getting their children home. The incredible faith of his wife who never lost sight of the fact that God had a reason for everything that happened along that path. As an adoptive parent I too found myself in a postion of having to trust that God was in control of my fate but like John I often questioned if God had so much control and power why bad things happen. This book is a must read for anyone who has been touched by adoption in any sense of the word as well as for anyone who needs to be reminded that there is still hope in world full of turmoil.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known others who have gone through the process of international adoptions with mixed results. This book is a testament to the passion and unstoppable determination of one father's plight to save five children from Russia. This was a powerful story that was brutally honest and it takes you through the whole experience. The author has held nothing back for better or worse and gives the reader an insight into international adoption as well as into his experience that will leave you emotionally drained in parts but also uplifted in others. The story was well written, and you will completely drawn in from beginning to end as you want to see what happens next with the saga that the author and his family were on! I highly encourage all families to read this!

On a side note, I was completely impressed to find out that the author was giving all proceeds from his book to benefit the Ele Lembra Foundation!

[Nedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I edited this book for John, and found it a wonderful read. It is a great story of adoption, but also is a story of growth for a dad who truly loves all his children. Buy it and read it. It will be a treat.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this well written book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Sherri Scoffield · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reading dates are not a typo: I started this little book 4+ years ago. And re-started and re-started and re-started. I finally did it!
Not sure why it took so long to grab my interest, because it is a great little read and supports a great cause. I would recommend it as interesting / educational as well as for adoption purposes.
An update on the family would be interesting.

[Yanice · Rating 2 out of 5]

10.10.13 - I have just finshed reading the book, but I think I'll need a night to sleep over this very touching story, to be able to write an appropriate rewiev.

11.10.13 -

First of all: I was thrilled when I won the giveaway for this book. I have never been a First Reader before, so when it arrived really quickly, I immediately started reading it. A big thank you to John M. Simmons who listed the giveaway and by doing so enabled me to read this magnificent book.
The subject of the book wasn’t really that close to my heart in the beginning, but that changed really quickly. Already the prologue leads us right into the middle of the difficulties of adopting children, especially those with another cultural background.
I really enjoyed the overall speed of the narration throughout the book. It had a lot of details to the surroundings which I found very helpful in getting a picture of the setting in my head plus I thought it supported the story itself and the emotions well. Another thing was that I absolutely LOVED the pictures in the middle of the book. They made it feel very personal and special.
What I didn’t like were the negative interjections and thoughts that seemed a bit too snippy for my taste. On the other hand, I have never had to deal with that much frustration and waiting for something that was very dear to me. So this argument isn’t really that valid. I was actually amazed throughout the book how much strength Amy & John both had in pursuing their dream of adoption and making the life of two girls that much better. I really take my hat off to them!
Concluding, I would say that this book is perfect for couples wanting to adopt because it really shows the ups and downs, the good and the bad side of adoption. But I think even people like me, who aren’t that closely interwoven with the subject should consider reading it as it highlights how we all have to adapt to each other and respect each other. Plus there’s the chapter giving the book its name (I’m not going into detail on purpose, because it’s a very special chapter) which very emotionally shows how we’re all different but still the same.

[Martha Chalé · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly really beautiful!!!
I didn't know what to expect when I received it (first-read winner), I wasn't sure what I was going to find... what I found was a family of people that restored my faith in humanity. The Simmons family is so full of love is hard not to feel loved as well.

John Simmons tell us about the complicated - and sometimes unknown - world of adoptions. Their, his and his wife, journey through this process, all the "buts" and the "maybe" and the "no's"...Through all the story you keep asking the same question that keeps John up at nights: how can countries/people be blind to the needs of this kids?

John's writting is heart-breaking, honest and brutal, he doesn't keeps anything inside, if he thinks something is crap he'll tell you. The way he describes the people they find along the road and all the things that happened made me think of miracles, I can't find another word (sorry John... Mysterious ways believers ;) ).

I must say the feelings that left in me the story were mixed: I was happy, but then a part of this all was so sad, then I felt angry and then I just wanted to help this kids, do something!! Also I finished the book fascinated by Amy Simmons, I must say I have to declare myself a mysterious ways believer.

I gave it 4.5 stars (but that's impossible to give) just because I ended with some doubts about certain people in the story.

I totally recommend this book to everybody: believers, non-believers, parents, kids, grandparents... we all can learn something about this. And maybe you'll end the book considering (or reconsidering) adoption - just like me.

X_x

[Katische Haberfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer- I won a copy of this book on Goodreads.


To Sing Frogs is a heartwarming story about one family's quest to expand their family through adoption. John Simmons and his family already have a complete family, however decide to expand their brood and begin an what can only be describe as an "adventure" in the ups and downs that is adopting a child in Russia. I won't spoil the story and tell you how many children they end up adopting, but I can tell you that this is both a fascinating and frustrating read. Fascinating because I have never adopted a child, so it provides insight. Frustrating, because you feel John's frustration with the whole process. I was moved to tears at the end of the book with the excitement of the girls reunion.

My only comments is that I gave it 3 stars rather than 4 stars because I felt it lost a bit of the tension and excitement because it was too long- could have been more tightly edited. Other than that a really interesting and worthwhile read. I wish John the best for his charitable actions in helping the older orphans integrate into society post 16.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply a MUST READ. Not since I'd read, The Family Nobody Wanted by Helen Doss, have I been so moved and inspired! To Sing Frogs is an epic journey of the Simmons family! Their intentionality and determination to "do the right thing" and "go the distance" inspired me. I loved that John described their challenges with honesty: He didn't sugarcoat the challenges and haunting realities of those orphans left behind- and yet I was inspired to wish I was younger and had more money so that I might embark on the same journey of building a safe haven- a family! Even if you can't adopt, you'll be inspired to join with John and Amy in their ministry to those who are left behind and help make their transition into the world, a little better, a little kinder! Simply put- this book is what we're all supposed to be doing with our lives- loving in action and deed- not just words and philosophy!

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Simmons' story chronicles his experience with the roller coaster of international adoption. It definitely doesn't sugar coat the challenges faced by both the adoptive family and the child that is being adopted. It is not just butterflies and rainbows when you adopt a child and that is especially true of adopting from Russia.
I thought the story was interesting but I was a little put off by the cynicism of the author. I guess I could have done without "hearing" his negative thoughts about the people helping him and of his family. I know he wanted to show how his attitude changed in the end but I felt that it took away from the story and was more of a distraction.
After reading this book, I was glad that our son was adopted here in the United States...at least I could understand what I was being asked to do. I admire John and his family for taking on such an HUGE challenge and giving those children a chance at life.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on International adoption. I throughly enjoyed reading this account of Amy and John Simmoms journey through adopting in Russia. The couple all ready had four sons, three were biological sons, and one was a special needs child. They had many problems with the government rules, and there was a lot of frustration. They had wanted to adopt their oldest adopted daughter's two friends, until they learned there were more older siblings. There is not much said about the adoption of the older girls. The author said it would take another book to tell that story. I kept thinking it would be too much of a strain on the family to have the retarded older sisters added to the family. It would be interesting to learn how they worked out. The author has started a foundation to help Russian teenagers, who have aged out of the system.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.


A personal and moving journey of international adoption.

John M. Simmons opens his heart and reveals the inner turmoil he felt at times during his families adoption journey. He talks in depth about the set backs and struggles they endured to bring their children home. The transitional problems the children had to deal with and the effect it had on their family. Also of his guilt at not being able to help all of the orphanage children.

Most moving of all was the friendship of the girls. A friendship that separation and different countries couldn't break.

I am glad that I read this book and hope that others find it as moving.

[Greg Beazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a full time father and husband, college student, and employee. I don't have a lot of time to read for pleasure. Trying to balance textbooks and To Sing Frogs was a challenge. At length, I just decided to neglect my studies and finish the book. I don't regret that decision. I must give credit to John for my last poor test score! (Somehow I don't think he's gonna mind!) I have never felt so many different emotions from reading a single book. I laughed at his cynicism because I can relate. I cried(just a little, and nobody saw it). He has a way of bringing you into the story and making you a part of it. Thanks John, for making us all feel like a small part of your amazing family!

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book on many levels. As a fellow family that has adopted from Russia, I can relate to many of the emotions John described. You are forever changed by stepping into an orphanage and I still think of those children that were still there after we adopted our boys. It is an honest and very accurate look at adoption and the blessings and impact to families after the children arrive home. I also agreed that sometimes there are things that numbers and rationale cannot explain and I enjoyed how the author really detailed the changes that occurred within him. I would highly recommend this to anyone how has or is considering adoption.

[Barbara Henriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book because John wrote about the emotional ups and downs John wrote about of the adoptions. I actually won the book but in my husband review he said he did but that's okay because we both enjoyed it immensely. Looking forward to many more books that John will write. I read the excerpt of the next book and how this story evolved. Would have loved to have how the younger children got along with the transition with the three new children but I am sure that will be another book for him to write.

[Marion Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to go on a very emotional journey. You will have ups and downs, you will be there with all of the family during their journey. Start your journey with them as you get your visit from the social department and wonder why... take your trip and go through this emotional, journey, shed tears of sadness, joy and frustration not just as the journey unfolds but as you become entwined with the family, the children, and the people trying to do there jobs. a very informative read. and would definatly recommend it.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost completed reading this story.
It is beautifully written, I cannot put it down!
What a wonderful family they are and what a wonderful man John is.

Update- I finished reading this book this evening, no words can describe the amount of respect I have for John and his beautiful family. Totally inspirational!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is alternately heart-warming and nerve wracking. It is the true story of a very special family with an endless supply of love to share with unwanted children. The tale of what they have gone through to adopt children from Russia is nothing short of amazing. The family continues in their efforts to help needy children both at home and abroad. A very uplifting story.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting story of the adoption of 4 Russian children. So much waiting, red tape and disappointments! The sweet story of the 3 best friends in the orphanage was my favorite part. There is more talk of governments and politics than I wanted to read while wanting to get the conclusion of the drama or the adoptions. I found it honest and informative.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I was glad I won this book it was awe inspiring. It gave great detail on how difficult adoptions were in Russia. Sad by the fact only a few parents in Russia want these children. The only downfall was it did not tell want their younger children were effected when the Sarah, Celeste and Denney joined the family. I am excited to read more books from this author.

[Leslie Danig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story, A beautiful story of a family and their quest to complete it. IT makes you laugh and cry with them, and in the end you feel like you know them all personally. A touching book about how a family comes together.

[Mỹ Khương · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the introduction about this book! Bet it is very sweet and touching and so going to be huge!

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but found the book frustrating to read because it fell apart, some pages had to be cut to separate them and the spine fell right out of the cover.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and love this amazing family. Such inspiration is not easy to come by. I cannot wait for your next book.

[Alla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story!