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Akin to the Truth A Memoir of Adoption and Identity
In 1961, adoption was still one of those private and taboo topics. Not much identifying information was provided for adoptive families or for birth parents by the agencies. In Ohio, records were sealed forever. Adoptees and birth mothers were supposed to be thankful for the adoptive family and never look back. Adoptive parents thought their deal was signed and sealed.
As a child and teenager, growing up adopted was like a Scarlet Letter "A" if anyone ever found out the truth. At least, that's the way author, Paige Strickland felt as she muddled through social situations and other interpersonal relations. She always loved her adoptive family, but realized she wanted not just more, but what other "regular born" people had: real roots, accurate health history and authentic family lore. She wanted freedom from shame, more dignity, authenticity and a full identity.
Then, through random chance, a local TV talk show in 1987 revealed that certain records were open if you were born before 1964 in the state of Ohio, and the author's life would never be the same after that program.
During her quest, (pre computer), for her identity, her adoptive father struggled with his own self image and sense of belonging, so both father and daughter embarked on separate and unique parallel missions to find what was missing in their lives.
This is the story of how being adopted affected Paige growing up in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s. It shows how one adoptee has embraced and learned to view family more globally. She tells the saga of a loving but dysfunctional family of both blood and choice, trying to cope with typical and not so typical life alterations during the decades of social revolution and free love. She learns that the most fascinating family stories are discovered by those passionate enough to question and search.
As a child and teenager, growing up adopted was like a Scarlet Letter "A" if anyone ever found out the truth. At least, that's the way author, Paige Strickland felt as she muddled through social situations and other interpersonal relations. She always loved her adoptive family, but realized she wanted not just more, but what other "regular born" people had: real roots, accurate health history and authentic family lore. She wanted freedom from shame, more dignity, authenticity and a full identity.
Then, through random chance, a local TV talk show in 1987 revealed that certain records were open if you were born before 1964 in the state of Ohio, and the author's life would never be the same after that program.
During her quest, (pre computer), for her identity, her adoptive father struggled with his own self image and sense of belonging, so both father and daughter embarked on separate and unique parallel missions to find what was missing in their lives.
This is the story of how being adopted affected Paige growing up in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s. It shows how one adoptee has embraced and learned to view family more globally. She tells the saga of a loving but dysfunctional family of both blood and choice, trying to cope with typical and not so typical life alterations during the decades of social revolution and free love. She learns that the most fascinating family stories are discovered by those passionate enough to question and search.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2013
9 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Paige L. Adams Strickland
3 books12 followersPaige A. Strickland is a teacher and writer from Cincinnati, OH. She is an adoptee who has written 2 memoirs, Akin to the Truth and the sequel, After the Truth. The first book is about growing up adopted and deciding to search for biological family members. The second book is about life as an adopted adult in reunion and how that affects her friendships, marriage, parenting and career.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 12, 2013
In 1961, adoption was still one of those private and taboo topics. Not much identifying information was provided for adoptive families or for birth parents by the agencies. In Ohio, records were sealed forever. Adoptees and birth mothers were supposed to be thankful for the adoptive family and never look back. Adoptive parents thought their deal was signed and sealed.
As a child and teenager, growing up adopted was like a Scarlet Letter "A" if anyone ever found out the truth. At least, that's the way author, Paige Strickland felt as she muddled through social situations and other interpersonal relations. She always loved her adoptive family, but realized she wanted not just more, but what other "regular born" people had: real roots, accurate health history and authentic family lore. She wanted freedom from shame, more dignity, authenticity and a full identity.
Then, through random chance, a local TV talk show in 1987 revealed that certain records were open if you were born before 1964 in the state of Ohio, and the author's life would never be the same after that program.
During her quest, (pre computer), for her identity, her adoptive father struggled with his own self image and sense of belonging, so both father and daughter embarked on separate and unique parallel missions to find what was missing in their lives.
This is the story of how being adopted affected Paige growing up in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s. It shows how one adoptee has embraced and learned to view family more globally. She tells the saga of a loving but dysfunctional family of both blood and choice, trying to cope with typical and not so typical life alterations during the decades of social revolution and free love. She learns that the most fascinating family stories are discovered by those passionate enough to question and search.
Paige Adams Strickland is a teacher and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is married with two daughters.
As a child and teenager, growing up adopted was like a Scarlet Letter "A" if anyone ever found out the truth. At least, that's the way author, Paige Strickland felt as she muddled through social situations and other interpersonal relations. She always loved her adoptive family, but realized she wanted not just more, but what other "regular born" people had: real roots, accurate health history and authentic family lore. She wanted freedom from shame, more dignity, authenticity and a full identity.
Then, through random chance, a local TV talk show in 1987 revealed that certain records were open if you were born before 1964 in the state of Ohio, and the author's life would never be the same after that program.
During her quest, (pre computer), for her identity, her adoptive father struggled with his own self image and sense of belonging, so both father and daughter embarked on separate and unique parallel missions to find what was missing in their lives.
This is the story of how being adopted affected Paige growing up in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s. It shows how one adoptee has embraced and learned to view family more globally. She tells the saga of a loving but dysfunctional family of both blood and choice, trying to cope with typical and not so typical life alterations during the decades of social revolution and free love. She learns that the most fascinating family stories are discovered by those passionate enough to question and search.
Paige Adams Strickland is a teacher and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is married with two daughters.
June 14, 2014
Though I enjoy reading memoir, Akin to the Truth doesn’t read like your typical memoir. Author, Paige Strickland does a fabulous job of storytelling and doesn’t miss a single detail or emotion as she introduces you to her life. This is not just a story about her adoption; this is an interesting and entertaining glimpse into the life of a resilient and strong author. I’m sure Strickland will find her voice again in future publications. She is a talented author and storyteller.
Strickland keeps your attention through and through. It’s hard to imagine she had ever kept her adoption a secret as she vividly tells the entire tale in Akin to the Truth. The emotions conveyed in Strickland’s writing are incredibly real to the reader. For example you aren’t just reading about her fear and jubilation about having siblings, you get goose bumps and your heart rate races right along with her. Akin to the Truth is expertly written as the reader is drawn into Strickland’s real life!
Strickland describes her family so expertly; she brings the characters to life with such grace and beauty (particularly her grandmothers). Such descriptions and detail brought Akin to the Truth to life for me as a reader. As I read, I found myself drawn into her story but became increasingly curious about my own family. How will my oldest (a girl) describe my relationship with my sons (the two youngest)? I look at things a little differently now and I’m more cautious about my children’s feelings and how they might view my relationship with their siblings. In particular, Strickland describes her brother as her mother’s clone and that stopped me in my tracks. As an only child, I guess I was oblivious to this emotional side of siblings. I think it’s a testament to Strickland’s writing ability being able to draw me into her book while also drawing me into my own life and looking at things a bit differently.
Akin to the Truth is a memoir for those who claim they aren’t memoir enthusiasts. Stickland’s writing is beautiful and poetic. I hope to read more from her in the future.
Strickland keeps your attention through and through. It’s hard to imagine she had ever kept her adoption a secret as she vividly tells the entire tale in Akin to the Truth. The emotions conveyed in Strickland’s writing are incredibly real to the reader. For example you aren’t just reading about her fear and jubilation about having siblings, you get goose bumps and your heart rate races right along with her. Akin to the Truth is expertly written as the reader is drawn into Strickland’s real life!
Strickland describes her family so expertly; she brings the characters to life with such grace and beauty (particularly her grandmothers). Such descriptions and detail brought Akin to the Truth to life for me as a reader. As I read, I found myself drawn into her story but became increasingly curious about my own family. How will my oldest (a girl) describe my relationship with my sons (the two youngest)? I look at things a little differently now and I’m more cautious about my children’s feelings and how they might view my relationship with their siblings. In particular, Strickland describes her brother as her mother’s clone and that stopped me in my tracks. As an only child, I guess I was oblivious to this emotional side of siblings. I think it’s a testament to Strickland’s writing ability being able to draw me into her book while also drawing me into my own life and looking at things a bit differently.
Akin to the Truth is a memoir for those who claim they aren’t memoir enthusiasts. Stickland’s writing is beautiful and poetic. I hope to read more from her in the future.
June 14, 2014
Though I enjoy reading memoir, Akin to the Truth doesn’t read like your typical memoir. Author, Paige Strickland does a fabulous job of storytelling and doesn’t miss a single detail or emotion as she introduces you to her life. This is not just a story about her adoption; this is an interesting and entertaining glimpse into the life of a resilient and strong author. I’m sure Strickland will find her voice again in future publications. She is a talented author and storyteller.
Strickland keeps your attention through and through. It’s hard to imagine she had ever kept her adoption a secret as she vividly tells the entire tale in Akin to the Truth. The emotions conveyed in Strickland’s writing are incredibly real to the reader. For example you aren’t just reading about her fear and jubilation about having siblings, you get goose bumps and your heart rate races right along with her. Akin to the Truth is expertly written as the reader is drawn into Strickland’s real life!
Strickland describes her family so expertly; she brings the characters to life with such grace and beauty (particularly her grandmothers). Such descriptions and detail brought Akin to the Truth to life for me as a reader. As I read, I found myself drawn into her story but became increasingly curious about my own family. How will my oldest (a girl) describe my relationship with my sons (the two youngest)? I look at things a little differently now and I’m more cautious about my children’s feelings and how they might view my relationship with their siblings. In particular, Strickland describes her brother as her mother’s clone and that stopped me in my tracks. As an only child, I guess I was oblivious to this emotional side of siblings. I think it’s a testament to Strickland’s writing ability being able to draw me into her book while also drawing me into my own life and looking at things a bit differently.
Akin to the Truth is a memoir for those who claim they aren’t memoir enthusiasts. Stickland’s writing is beautiful and poetic. I hope to read more from her in the future.
Strickland keeps your attention through and through. It’s hard to imagine she had ever kept her adoption a secret as she vividly tells the entire tale in Akin to the Truth. The emotions conveyed in Strickland’s writing are incredibly real to the reader. For example you aren’t just reading about her fear and jubilation about having siblings, you get goose bumps and your heart rate races right along with her. Akin to the Truth is expertly written as the reader is drawn into Strickland’s real life!
Strickland describes her family so expertly; she brings the characters to life with such grace and beauty (particularly her grandmothers). Such descriptions and detail brought Akin to the Truth to life for me as a reader. As I read, I found myself drawn into her story but became increasingly curious about my own family. How will my oldest (a girl) describe my relationship with my sons (the two youngest)? I look at things a little differently now and I’m more cautious about my children’s feelings and how they might view my relationship with their siblings. In particular, Strickland describes her brother as her mother’s clone and that stopped me in my tracks. As an only child, I guess I was oblivious to this emotional side of siblings. I think it’s a testament to Strickland’s writing ability being able to draw me into her book while also drawing me into my own life and looking at things a bit differently.
Akin to the Truth is a memoir for those who claim they aren’t memoir enthusiasts. Stickland’s writing is beautiful and poetic. I hope to read more from her in the future.
January 17, 2015
Reviewed by Teodora Totorean for Readers' Favorite
Akin to the Truth: A Memoir of Adoption and Identity by Paige L. Adams Strickland is a memoir and a coming of age book, covering the first part of the author’s life from childhood to adulthood. As she had known from an early age that she was adopted, the book concentrates mainly around identity. It shows how Strickland was constantly trying to find her place in the world as part of her adoptive family, as well as by starting to know and learn about her biological family. The story is laid out chronologically, recalling facts surrounding family life, school and friendship, and the impact they had on her inner world and feelings. The book is populated with many characters, from family members and friends to teachers and neighbors. They all had a role in the author’s life, contributing to her formative years, shaping her values and beliefs. The book captures beautifully how an insecure little girl, once ashamed of her secret, metamorphosed into a confident young woman and wife with her own personality and identity.
Akin to the Truth: A Memoir of Adoption and Identity by Paige L. Adams Strickland is beautifully written and easy to read. Strickland is a story teller, keeping the audience interested throughout. It reveals the inner feelings of the main character in a manner that is not invasive but lyrical. She manages to capture the right state of mind for each age. Even though the main issue is adoption and how the adoptee status affected the author’s life, the book is relatable to anyone who grew up being different, one way or another. As for portraying family life, school ordeals and finding, losing and keeping friendships – this is something universal that everybody has experienced at some point in their lives.
Akin to the Truth: A Memoir of Adoption and Identity by Paige L. Adams Strickland is a memoir and a coming of age book, covering the first part of the author’s life from childhood to adulthood. As she had known from an early age that she was adopted, the book concentrates mainly around identity. It shows how Strickland was constantly trying to find her place in the world as part of her adoptive family, as well as by starting to know and learn about her biological family. The story is laid out chronologically, recalling facts surrounding family life, school and friendship, and the impact they had on her inner world and feelings. The book is populated with many characters, from family members and friends to teachers and neighbors. They all had a role in the author’s life, contributing to her formative years, shaping her values and beliefs. The book captures beautifully how an insecure little girl, once ashamed of her secret, metamorphosed into a confident young woman and wife with her own personality and identity.
Akin to the Truth: A Memoir of Adoption and Identity by Paige L. Adams Strickland is beautifully written and easy to read. Strickland is a story teller, keeping the audience interested throughout. It reveals the inner feelings of the main character in a manner that is not invasive but lyrical. She manages to capture the right state of mind for each age. Even though the main issue is adoption and how the adoptee status affected the author’s life, the book is relatable to anyone who grew up being different, one way or another. As for portraying family life, school ordeals and finding, losing and keeping friendships – this is something universal that everybody has experienced at some point in their lives.
June 21, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir that read more like a novel. The authors memory is remarkable and I felt like I really got to know her throughout the book. I'm so happy that Paige was finally able to learn about her biological family and get to meet them and make her feel complete. She had so many questions that needed to be answered for her well being. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good book, I had a hard time putting it down and was rooting for her to get the answers to her past that she so desperately needed.
March 16, 2014
Paige's memoir of growing up adopted is thought provoking, interesting, and heart warming. Her memory of her childhood is absolutely amazing, and she has a wonderful gift for making the reader feel like they are part of the story. I highly recommend this book to people who are interested in knowing what it is like to grow up adopted, anyone who remembers the seventies or eighties, or anyone interested in reading an interesting true story.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews