Searching For Jane, Finding Myself

by Jan Fishler, L.G. Mansfield (Editor)

All members of the adoption triad, particularly adoptees, will be astonished by author Jan Fishler's courageous journey into the heart and soul of adoption. Her memoir, Searching for Jane, Finding Myself chronicles the abandonment, fear, anger, and sadness she experienced as an adoptee who knew nothing about her biological family. Raised as an only child in Toledo, Ohio by her adoptive parents, Fishler delivers a brutally honest account of a search that led to buried secrets and a shocking number of birth siblings. Her gripping tale travels deep into a world permeated by loss, shaped by lies and deception, and cloaked in shame and guilt. As the author explains, "Without realizing it, I spent most of my life looking for my birth mother's heartbeat, projecting the pain caused by my loss wherever it would stick." Rich with vivid scenes that are expertly executed and articulated, Searching for Jane, Finding Myself is a must-read for birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees who want validation for unspoken feelings they might have harbored for years. If a case needs to be made for open adoption, Fishler has done it. Searching for Jane, Finding Myself carries the reader through a host of emotions and presents life lessons along the way. Not limited to a readership facing adoption issues, this book provides inspiration for anyone who has faced adversity. The author's search for the truth is a testament to the power of tenacity...of conviction...of heart.

Genres: Memoir, Adoption, Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is just some of the feedback I've gotten from people who have read this book: I think adoptees and adoptive parents will find your book insightful. I'm sure it will help many adoptees understand themselves better even if they choose not to find their birth mother/father. Although, thinking back to all the adoptees that I have met, I can't recall one who did not express interest in knowing their birth mother/father.
Donna Galassi, Associate Publisher Seal Press

"Jan bravely reveals her hurt and confusion about being adopted in an era where information about birth mothers was shrouded in lies and misinformation. This poignant memoir is a great read for book clubs."
Eileen, Canada

Just finished your book! Oh my, what a story. Your inner journey was (and is) just amazing.
I could not put it down. V.H. Maumee, Ohio

Bravo! The book was wonderful - what a journey you've been on. E.J. Fresno, CA

Just started the book today and I'm halfway through. I didn't want to stop! Congratulations! D.E. West Liberty, OH

Finished your book and really enjoyed it. You are a very good writer. N.W. Kennebunk, ME

I just finished the book...only took a break for dinner. Wow! I wish you the very best with this book and maybe Oprah will read and act upon it before she leaves her show. C.C. Plano, TX

The book - I'm loving it! F.S. Browns Valley, CA

I identified with many things in your book. The three boys living in a warehouse made me think of mom, my sister, and me living in a basement, not finished, when dad left… J.B. Kansas City, MO

[Dena Early · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I read this book, having been friends with the author growing up. I just wish I had known how unhappy Jan was at the time. She has written a wonderful book that should be helpful to others who are searching for who they are.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant self-examination by a woman working out serious emotional issues while searching for her biological mother. Jan was a childhood friend, but I never knew her personal struggles.

[Rhonda Rae Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful memoir about Jan's search for her mother. Ultimately she found siblings and pieces of her heart...extremely moving story.

I'm thinking it might be time to search again for my siblings. Being an adopted person sure has it's challenges sometimes. It would be a wonderful blessing to find the siblings I know that are out there. They were all adopted out.

I hope that Jan writes a sequel for this memoir. It would be nice to know how the 'new' family is doing. This is my favorite type of story. One that brings healing and encouragement.

Thank you Jan for opening your heart and sharing with us!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adoption story of a child who as an adult searches for her identity after discovering her biological mother did not die in childbirth. The author doesn't spoon-feed thoughts and emotions to the reader, instead letting us make our own judgements. Thus Jan became a heroine I rooted for instead of a victim with plenty of reason to be shocked and dismayed. Fast and often suspenseful, I gained an understanding of some of the issues of adoption from the perspective of the child, but I also empathized with the reactions of a husband to his wife's all-encompassing search for identity as well as the feelings of the adoption parents. Very even-handed and exciting.

[Sasha]

This book was heartfelt and touching; a page turner for sure. It was sweet and simplistic, yet deeply moving and profound. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who is serious about getting the most out of their life or would like to work on revealing the peace in life that may be covered up by trauma beginning in childhood. The author shares an abundance of wisdom in a very personal yet eloquent way. I believe reading this book can change a lot of lives, whether the people who read it belong to the adoption triad or not.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely candid autobiographical approach to the adoption wound. Jan brings an honest perspective to a subject that few understand. Adoption is often offered as an ideal solution for both the birth mother and the adoptee. The truth is, adoption is heartless and cruel, and spawns lies and deceit that can plague the interrupted family for generations. Jan does a wonderful job of describing what it was like from her perspective. I'm only sorry she could not have found a mother who was deserving of the love she held for her in that great hole in her heart.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good memoirs explaining the emotional wound adoptees experience