As
both an adoptee and president of Jewel
Among Jewels Adoption Network, Eldridge brings an original approach to
the topic of adoption. In an attempt to inform adoptive parents of the unique
issues adoptees face, she discusses adoptee anger, mourning, and shame and
adoption acknowledgment while using case studies to illustrate how parents can
better relate to their adopted child. This book is solidly written but not
without its flaws; most importantly, it lacks information concerning child
development, e.g., whether parents should use the same approach to questions
with a three-year-old as with a 14-year-old. Still, this book will go well in
any collection dealing with adoption, complementing David M. Brodzinsky's Being
Adopted: The Lifelong Search for Self (Anchor, 1993) and Joyce Maguire
Pavao's The
Family of Adoption (Beacon, 1998).AMee-Len Hom, Hunter Coll. Lib., New York
Foster W. Cline, M.D., internationally acclaimed child
and adult psychiatrist and co-author of PARENTING
WITH LOVE AND LOGIC
As a psychiatrist who has worked with dozens of adoptive
families, and as an adoptive father myself, I can appreciate the sensitivity,
understanding, common sense, and helpful suggestions given in this book. Sherrie
has thrown the light of appreciation and understanding on the unique issues that
often lie buried in the corners of adoptees' lives.