Birthright
"Birthright"
by Jean A. S. Strauss |
"Birthright: The Guide to Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive Parents" by Jean A. S. Strauss
Despite the subtitle, this is not your everyday how-to book. Author Jean Strauss is an adoptee who has found and met both of her birthparents. "Birthright: The Guide To Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive Parents" reflects her position in favor of bringing together those separated by adoption, a case she argues throughout.
Strauss makes use of controversial opinions from columnists, authors and others to mirror a debate that continues years after she first wrote about it, in individual families, courts and public forums. Whatever our views, "Birthright" allows us to read side-by-side accounts from all parties and hear real people in their own words.
While compassionate, Strauss doesn't shy away from the strong emotions that many feel
about and
during search and reunion. Some of the stories bring tears and others produce an immediate rush of anger, but each serves the purpose of encouraging us to acknowledge our own feelings - wherever they fall within the spectrum. As we are guided through the steps, the author never lets us forget to consider our motives and the impact our actions (or lack thereof) might have - not only on ourselves, but also on others.
Don't look for Internet search guidance here, but do look for traditional search methods and a greater understanding about why and how so many adoptees, birthparents
and adoptive parents are pursuing search and reunion and why the author believes this could be positive for all concerned.
© Nancy S Ashe
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