One in five people in our country is touched by adoption: as an adoptee, an adoptive family member, a birth family member, people who work in the field of adoption. I have always found adoption stories to be of human interest and since January of 2008 it has taken on a personal flavour I could not have anticipated, having found out, without ever having suspected it, that I was adopted.

Deborah wrote this book with the intention of providing a Canadian resource for families affected by adoption that highlights the success stories and rewards as well as lists resources for families to access - coming from her own experience as an adoptive parent who was looking for resources and found them scarce.

By reading this book, I've had a glimpse into a whole adoption world I never knew existed.

But what is most worthwhile about this book - whether you are one of those people touched by adoption or not - is the stories - of people you may know, of people who live next door, of people who have opened their hearts and homes to parent, guardian and steward the lives of children and who choose to do so in an atmosphere of openness. It is also the stories of people who work in the field of adoptions, some of whom, no surprise, have adoption in their own family histories.

One of the things that stood out for me: the term "family constellations" - which applies more broadly in today's world of "step families" and gave me a whole new way to think of my family, my birth family, my children, extended family and all of our experiences and relationships with each other.

if you are like us and in the waiting phase, you will know what it is like to worry yourself sick and to get frustrated with the whole adoption process. this book was such a positive experience, it made me cry, it made me laugh and it gave me hope.
Read it, not for information, but for the real positive spirit behind adoption and for your own sanity :-)

Our story is part of the book "Labours of Love." We are the Grandparents in an Open Adoption relationship. It was very important for us to be part of our granddaughters life. We have been so fortunate to develop a relationship with her adoptive parents, and would recommend this option to anybody in need. This book is a wealth of information for anyone thinking about adoption. Deborah Brennan has captured the compassion and emotions involved with every story shared, and revealed the true importance of family no matter the circumstances.

This is a beautiful book. The stories are moving, enlightening, and bittersweet. I haven't seen another book like it. I was grateful, as an adoptive mom, that so many people were willing to share such personal stories. The photography shows such a range of emotion from the participants, and I wish the paper quality was better because of that. The author, Deborah Brennan, wrote with such compassion and heart. I couldn't read this book all at once, but I've reread many of the stories several times. It is a must read for anyone who is touched by adoption.
A number of professionals are also profiled in the book, and that's definitely helpful to anyone trying to understand the adoption world.

I found this book on adoption to be very interesting. It's amazing to hear so many positive stories on adoption when you usually just hear the negatives. I like that it is all about Canadians going from coast to coast including some famous individuals who are touched by adoption.