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Chasing Kites: One Mother's Unexpected Journey Through Infertility, Adoption, and Foster Care
A Must Read for anyone who has ever Loved or Lost! From the sterile isolation of infertility to the emotional rollercoaster of adoption and foster care, Rachel McCracken’s new book, Chasing Kites, weaves real-life experiences of struggle, heartache, and loss into a wonderful narrative of faith, hope, and the joy that can come through it all. Rachel McCracken gets the heartache and the sorrow of the desolate valley called Infertility. She gets the dedication and work that it takes to blend a family. She gets the commitment and purpose needed to help children rise from the ashes of abandonment and fear.
For anyone who What is an orphanage really like? Can you really bond with an adopted or foster child? What is it like to lose a child who is reunified with their birth parent? Can you love an adopted or foster child as much as a biological child? How about fertility treatments, are they actually that bad? Why don’t people just adopt? What’s the big deal? Chasing Kites answers all of these questions and more. Going from zero to four adopted children through a Colombian orphanage and then from four to seven through the US Foster Care System, Rachel writes a masterful memoir of the good, the bad, and the beautiful with purpose-driven life lessons learned from each. If you have ever experienced loss, grief, or heartache this book is for you. If you are struggling to create a family or to blend a family this book is for you. If you are trying to support someone you love through any of these things, this book is for you.
Lose yourself in this delicious tale of love both lost and found.
For anyone who What is an orphanage really like? Can you really bond with an adopted or foster child? What is it like to lose a child who is reunified with their birth parent? Can you love an adopted or foster child as much as a biological child? How about fertility treatments, are they actually that bad? Why don’t people just adopt? What’s the big deal? Chasing Kites answers all of these questions and more. Going from zero to four adopted children through a Colombian orphanage and then from four to seven through the US Foster Care System, Rachel writes a masterful memoir of the good, the bad, and the beautiful with purpose-driven life lessons learned from each. If you have ever experienced loss, grief, or heartache this book is for you. If you are struggling to create a family or to blend a family this book is for you. If you are trying to support someone you love through any of these things, this book is for you.
Lose yourself in this delicious tale of love both lost and found.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2017
101 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McCracken
8 booksRachel McCracken is a writer, blogger, and creator of Chasing Kites--a foundation committed to serving adoptive and foster families.
Rachel is a mom to eight children, seven of whom are adopted. She currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, although a part of her heart will always reside at her country farmhouse in central Washington. Over the years, Rachel has helped numerous families navigate the uncertainties and celebrate the joys that come through adoption.
Rachel is a mom to eight children, seven of whom are adopted. She currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, although a part of her heart will always reside at her country farmhouse in central Washington. Over the years, Rachel has helped numerous families navigate the uncertainties and celebrate the joys that come through adoption.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 14, 2017
I loved reading the adventures, heart aches and triumph of the McCracken family. Their trip through multiple pregnancy losses, international adoptions, the foster care system, and a high-risk IVF pregnancy to the family of ten they are today makes for a great story. It is a short and easy read. Although at times Rachel sounds a little “Pollyanna”-ish, she doesn’t skim over the difficult and heart rending moments in their journey. She choses to look at the positive and to believe in the power of love, sacrifice and service. I found myself wanting to know more about their lives. I wish I could have seen multiple stories of a “day in life” of the McCracken family as they went from two to ten in just a few short years. I would have loved to sit down with Rachel and Adam and ask: “how do you discipline?” “ What rules did you set?” “How did you help your children through their trauma?” Perhaps that will be in the sequel. I have known many families who struggle with the same issues of infertility, foster care, adoption and the struggles that those entail. Not all of them have as happy of an ending as the McCracken family does. But they all had a strong desire to create a family and to make the world a better place. It was great to hear of the McCracken’s success in building a healthy life for their children. She talks about the political, emotional, financial and spiritual issues surrounding each of those topics. A great read for anyone who interested in pregnancy loss, adoptions, foster care and fertility treatment. It’s a great read for anyone who wants an uplifting and inspiring story about a specially created and blended family.
December 30, 2017
I loved this book. Having never gone through the struggles of infertility this book opened my eyes up to what my friends have gone through. But on tops of teaching me about infertility struggles it also gave me motivation to be a better parent and pointed me in a direction at where to start.
January 6, 2018
I was privy to some of this story as it happened. I saw the heartbreak. I watched the adoption of the Columbian children unfold. I met them and loved them instantly. What a joyful and wonderful experience that was! I met the three sweethearts they adopted in Las Vegas. I worried and rejoiced when they brought Hannah into the world. Very few people could have handled what they took on - and they did it with love and grace.
I am grateful Rachel chose to share their story. The McCrackens (and others who have travelled a similar road) have taught me to be more sensitive to those who have fertility challenges. I have learned that love and patience and kindness are what is needed in this world to create bonds that can't be broken. I have always appreciated the new perspective I gained from their willingness to share their journey.
One thing I have noticed is that parents who have sacrificed to have a family, no matter how they get it, seem to readily appreciate their children. They are willing to sacrifice their time and energy without complaint.
"Chasing Kites" is well written. It is short enough to read in just a few hours, but it will open many eyes to the realities of infertility, adoption, and the sacrifices many parents make to bring their own child into the world. It is a book of hope and encouragement for those who are struggling with infertility. This is a book about real life. I finished it with a profound sense of awe and gratitude for Rachel's and Adam's courage and determination. They are true heroes!
I am grateful Rachel chose to share their story. The McCrackens (and others who have travelled a similar road) have taught me to be more sensitive to those who have fertility challenges. I have learned that love and patience and kindness are what is needed in this world to create bonds that can't be broken. I have always appreciated the new perspective I gained from their willingness to share their journey.
One thing I have noticed is that parents who have sacrificed to have a family, no matter how they get it, seem to readily appreciate their children. They are willing to sacrifice their time and energy without complaint.
"Chasing Kites" is well written. It is short enough to read in just a few hours, but it will open many eyes to the realities of infertility, adoption, and the sacrifices many parents make to bring their own child into the world. It is a book of hope and encouragement for those who are struggling with infertility. This is a book about real life. I finished it with a profound sense of awe and gratitude for Rachel's and Adam's courage and determination. They are true heroes!
December 25, 2017
Wow! This book is a straightforward, honest look into the infertility and adoption journey of one very inspiring woman. The author tells her story in an engaging and entertaining way. As a fellow adoptive mom and mother of a large family, I connected with so much of what she shared. But you don’t have to have experienced adoption or infertility to appreciate reading this book. It is an inspiring story well told. I’m so glad I read this book—it was encouraging and entertaining and (quite simply) a really good book!
December 21, 2017
I am inspired and better for having read this book! It was a privilege to travel along the road with this couple as they sought to create a family in ways most parents would find unconventional. The author is refreshingly honest about adoption, fostering and infertility, giving those who have faced these challenges permission to say, "This is really hard!" and hope that there will be joy at some point in the journey.
This book has life lessons for anyone who has experienced loss, anyone who values family, anyone who wants to understand the hard road many people walk through infertility.
I am particularly impressed with this author's courage in sharing her story. My husband and I have struggled with infertility and loss, with nine pregnancies under our belt, months of fertility treatments, difficult decisions and years of aching and yearning. I need to be in a safe space before I can talk about these things. I have never fully developed the patience or thick skin to endure the senseless, thoughtless, critical, judgmental, sometimes mean-spirited things people say, no matter if their intentions are pure or not. When you are struggling to keep your head and your heart above water and your body is flooded with hormones, there is sometimes little room left to extend the benefit of the doubt to people. I appreciated the grace and faith Rachel demonstrated as she walked this path. It inspired me.
This memoir is beautiful, valuable and inspiring. I look forward to reading it with my book club next year.
*Full disclosure... I know this author and was privileged to walk by her side through this journey. But this does not detract from the beauty and value of this book.
This book has life lessons for anyone who has experienced loss, anyone who values family, anyone who wants to understand the hard road many people walk through infertility.
I am particularly impressed with this author's courage in sharing her story. My husband and I have struggled with infertility and loss, with nine pregnancies under our belt, months of fertility treatments, difficult decisions and years of aching and yearning. I need to be in a safe space before I can talk about these things. I have never fully developed the patience or thick skin to endure the senseless, thoughtless, critical, judgmental, sometimes mean-spirited things people say, no matter if their intentions are pure or not. When you are struggling to keep your head and your heart above water and your body is flooded with hormones, there is sometimes little room left to extend the benefit of the doubt to people. I appreciated the grace and faith Rachel demonstrated as she walked this path. It inspired me.
This memoir is beautiful, valuable and inspiring. I look forward to reading it with my book club next year.
*Full disclosure... I know this author and was privileged to walk by her side through this journey. But this does not detract from the beauty and value of this book.
February 12, 2018
Though this book follows one woman’s journey, there is a lot of universality to be found for those who have traveled similar paths. Because of that, I will always be drawn to books in this genre. The best parts were the most specific. Too often, however, the author slides in to reminiscences that feel too vague and glossed over to offer much meaning to the reader. She also breaks regularly to offer “Life Lessons,” which I read with varying degrees of appreciation. The best ones, again, were tied into her story, weaved seamlessly with her experiences that she relates, such as the one for which this book is named:
“The amazing thing about a kite is that the more forceful the resistance pushed upon it, the higher it flies, the better it performs, and the more stable it becomes while in flight. Our kite chasers had much resistance in their early lives. From abandonment and missing relationships to extreme poverty and lack of education, they experienced deep resistance. But just as with a kite, resistance of all kinds—the trials, pressures, and struggles of life—is also what helps the chaser to fly.”
The ones that followed that formula felt genuine, as if the author were sharing personal insights. Other lessons tend to break the flow of the book, and go off on tangents so the text feels disjointed. They also feel more preachy than sincere, more, “You should learn this,” rather than, “Here's what I learned.” That being said, as someone who has also experienced infertility and adoption, I am always interested in hearing other people’s stories. This one, though at times vague and muddled, was an interesting one and worth reading.
“The amazing thing about a kite is that the more forceful the resistance pushed upon it, the higher it flies, the better it performs, and the more stable it becomes while in flight. Our kite chasers had much resistance in their early lives. From abandonment and missing relationships to extreme poverty and lack of education, they experienced deep resistance. But just as with a kite, resistance of all kinds—the trials, pressures, and struggles of life—is also what helps the chaser to fly.”
The ones that followed that formula felt genuine, as if the author were sharing personal insights. Other lessons tend to break the flow of the book, and go off on tangents so the text feels disjointed. They also feel more preachy than sincere, more, “You should learn this,” rather than, “Here's what I learned.” That being said, as someone who has also experienced infertility and adoption, I am always interested in hearing other people’s stories. This one, though at times vague and muddled, was an interesting one and worth reading.
August 21, 2019
Chasing Kites is about a mother’s journey, including struggles and successes, with fertility, adoption, and foster care. This memoir offered insight into what it’s like to build a blended family and what that process is like. However, many points of the book felt really preachy and disjointed. It also felt like the author was bragging about how great of a parent she is and I often felt uncomfortable about the way she talked about her adopted children (referring to 4 children adopted from Colombia as niños, for example). It was a brief read, but I think there are better books out there on this topic such as A Forever Family by Rob Scheer.
April 8, 2018
A moving and emotional book which I read very quickly.
Many women do go through eg. a miscarriage, and/or adoption-this lady has had miscarriages, adopted children, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility treatment. Not just one sad event-tragedy and disappointment has happened many times. The couple eventually go down the IVF route-but first they adopt four children from Bogota. There are warm and magical memories of their first Christmas together as a family.
This memoir was concise, well told, conversational style, and accurately presented. Contains journal entries too.
There was lots of info about the IVF process-more than I've read of before anyway. This was an emotional, moving and absorbing reading about their IVF journey, fostering and adoption.
A portion of book profits go towards their foundation which helps other families adopting, going through infertility treatment etc.
Many women do go through eg. a miscarriage, and/or adoption-this lady has had miscarriages, adopted children, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility treatment. Not just one sad event-tragedy and disappointment has happened many times. The couple eventually go down the IVF route-but first they adopt four children from Bogota. There are warm and magical memories of their first Christmas together as a family.
This memoir was concise, well told, conversational style, and accurately presented. Contains journal entries too.
There was lots of info about the IVF process-more than I've read of before anyway. This was an emotional, moving and absorbing reading about their IVF journey, fostering and adoption.
A portion of book profits go towards their foundation which helps other families adopting, going through infertility treatment etc.
December 16, 2017
Inspirational!
After reading Chasing Kites, I am truly inspired! I was immediately drawn into the author's story, completely at awe of her wisdom and grace in her journey to motherhood. Rachel McCracken's voice is strong, insightful and real. She captivated me with her emotion, heart and positive attitude. I found myself completely enthralled in her journey and the lessons she has learned. As a mother of four bio children and two children we are hoping to adopt through foster care, this book hit close to home. I feel empowered and encouraged about our family's future after reading Chasing Kites. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to expand their ability to love and live a life full of faith and purpose. I have no doubt It will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
After reading Chasing Kites, I am truly inspired! I was immediately drawn into the author's story, completely at awe of her wisdom and grace in her journey to motherhood. Rachel McCracken's voice is strong, insightful and real. She captivated me with her emotion, heart and positive attitude. I found myself completely enthralled in her journey and the lessons she has learned. As a mother of four bio children and two children we are hoping to adopt through foster care, this book hit close to home. I feel empowered and encouraged about our family's future after reading Chasing Kites. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to expand their ability to love and live a life full of faith and purpose. I have no doubt It will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
February 17, 2018
For me this required a box of tissues. Just sayin'.
A lovingly written personal story of hope and tragedy, love and loss, faith and triumph. An honest look at a woman who -- with her devoted husband -- opens up her heart and her life and shows us how amazing things can really be if we put our trust in God. I love how she focuses on Expecting Miracles, then leads us through the ones that have filled her life so far. Chasing Kites would be a wonderful choice for a book club discussion as most of us personally know someone struggling with infertility.
A lovingly written personal story of hope and tragedy, love and loss, faith and triumph. An honest look at a woman who -- with her devoted husband -- opens up her heart and her life and shows us how amazing things can really be if we put our trust in God. I love how she focuses on Expecting Miracles, then leads us through the ones that have filled her life so far. Chasing Kites would be a wonderful choice for a book club discussion as most of us personally know someone struggling with infertility.
January 14, 2018
I really enjoyed the stories and insights about adoption and foster care, and the families experiences with them and with infertility. However, I didn’t really care for the parts where the author got kind of preach. I would have preferred more stories about their experiences of expanding and blending their family.
April 25, 2018
Honest, positive message, excellent read for all families
An honest look at infertility, fostering, and adoption. Such a positive attitude and uplifting read for anyone. She brings such great perspective and hope. I read it all in one sitting and gained a lot from the experience.
An honest look at infertility, fostering, and adoption. Such a positive attitude and uplifting read for anyone. She brings such great perspective and hope. I read it all in one sitting and gained a lot from the experience.
November 12, 2018
Awesome.
As a parent in the throws of Foster care, this book made so much sense. I was fortunate enough to have 3 bios before starting the process. ur first placement is 3, and the bike between he and I is amazing. He fits so well here, just hoping the system doesn't fail him!!!
As a parent in the throws of Foster care, this book made so much sense. I was fortunate enough to have 3 bios before starting the process. ur first placement is 3, and the bike between he and I is amazing. He fits so well here, just hoping the system doesn't fail him!!!
November 6, 2019
I relate to so many parts if this story, this life. Author experiences and shares enormous amounts of grief and loss equally with love, courage to risk and acceptanc, without overwhelming the reader.. I love the honesty and openness regarding adoption and birth children. As an adoptive mother and grandmother, both open and closed, I get it. Thank you for sharing an very important story.
April 8, 2020
I'm always amazed to read people's adoption stories. They are all unique. I really enjoyed reading this one because she also went into detail about her IVF procedures which I never knew too much about. I like a lot of her practical advice...to not let the what if's stop you from loving and opening up your heart to a needy child.
December 30, 2017
A real life story
This book touched me deeply, I cried multiple times because I understand the loss you feel. This is a open book on what the author and her family went through and so real the emotion and thoughts that go through your head when dealing with life. Bravo bravo.
This book touched me deeply, I cried multiple times because I understand the loss you feel. This is a open book on what the author and her family went through and so real the emotion and thoughts that go through your head when dealing with life. Bravo bravo.
December 30, 2017
Powerful Journey
This was a powerful and touching story that I was riveted to since I began ready the first page. The author generously shares her story with us and the life lessons she learned. Highly recommended for anyone if you like to read true stories by enlightened woman.
This was a powerful and touching story that I was riveted to since I began ready the first page. The author generously shares her story with us and the life lessons she learned. Highly recommended for anyone if you like to read true stories by enlightened woman.
January 3, 2018
I loved this book. The author is very real and relatable. The book is an honest portrait of the up and down emotions that come with fostering, adopting and infertility. It is a book filled with hope and love and shows a lot of options on ones journey to motherhood.
March 4, 2018
I was interested in this book as someone close to me is experiencing infertility. This was a well written book which helped me see how those in that situation deal with the emotions and all else that goes with it. A quick read
January 16, 2019
Such a wonderful, honest, heartfelt book. I highlighted so many wonderful insights from the author. I have never related to a book so much. It’s a quick read and I highly recommend it for anyone who has struggled with infertility or has a blended family. So thankful I stumbled across this book!
April 19, 2021
A Must Read Book!
This book is everything that has been on my heart lately. If you’ve struggled with infertility, read it. If you’re adopting, read it. You will be so glad you did!
This book is everything that has been on my heart lately. If you’ve struggled with infertility, read it. If you’re adopting, read it. You will be so glad you did!
December 26, 2017
Even knowing the people in the book rather well ;) I still learned a lot! Thank you for sharing something so tender and private and touching.
December 28, 2017
Interesting
Infertility is not something I am personally familiar with. This gave me some interesting insights to one person's perspective and journey. Some made me go hmm.
Infertility is not something I am personally familiar with. This gave me some interesting insights to one person's perspective and journey. Some made me go hmm.
February 13, 2018
This was a fabulous memoir. It was everything I wanted it to be with the truth about Emotions and struggles on this journey. Rachel is amazing and she shares such important lessons in this book.
September 30, 2018
Too much about the mother's feelings and wishes, no real story about the kids or raising them.
March 25, 2020
Had to read for class..... glad I did
This book shows an amazing journey. Though some parts were hard to read it was well worth it. Glad I selected this book for class.
This book shows an amazing journey. Though some parts were hard to read it was well worth it. Glad I selected this book for class.
January 25, 2022
Great book! Honest and raw look into the life of a family who battled infertility, adopted and fostered children & ended up also doing IVF.
January 4, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author has a way of explaining infertility that matches exactly how I have felt all these years.
I had a difficult time putting this book down. You will love it.
I had a difficult time putting this book down. You will love it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews