An American Family

by Michael Galluccio and Jon Galluccio

Book Overview

The story of two gay men living in New Jersey who opened their home to adopt at-risk children, An American Family shows how the Galluccios' 1997 courtroom victory set a precedent for all unmarried couples in their state. 25 photos throughout plus one 8-page insert.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312261233
• ISBN13: 9780312261238
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

A True Touching Story with a Happy Ending...

I don't normally get this sappy, but since I'm a child of a gay man this is close to my heart. An American Family is an is an absolutely wonderful book about two gay men who fought against the odds to adopt their son Adam - an incredibly sick baby who wouldn't have been wanted by those who protested against the Galluccios' adoption of that child. The Galluccio's make their case in simple, heartfelt language. Their love for their children and each other can be felt through their words. When they describe meeting Adam for the first time in the hospital it's hard not to cry. These are brave men who won an important battle for all children. It's just so sad that some people will never be able to see that.

just so wonderful

Maybe these guys aren't going to win any Super prizes for their writing, but I thought this book was just so wonderful. Their story is great, their persistence and their committment to their son was so inspiring. And frankly, I found their somewhat casual story-telling style to be perfect. I so related to Jon being at home with the baby for the first time and having a semi-complete-hysterical-meltdown! And I loved the back-and-forth way the chapters went, so that you had both points of view...One of my favorite reads this year so far!

An All American Family's Story

I truly loved this book. I am a married female and I found the story this book told to be that of loving parents trying to do what it is we all try to do - take care of & provide for our children no matter what it takes. Michael & Jon had so much against them, but knew that the love they had for their children, and for each other, would prevail and they would be granted the right to jointly adopt the foster child they had lovingly taken care of since his early weeks of life. There are so many married couples who could NEVER have accomplished all they did with Adam, and the state of NJ attempted to withhold their well-earned right to adopt Adam jointly. This books tells the loving story of two fathers and how they grew into a family of 5. The book is narrated alternately by Jon and Michael (they wrote alternate chapters) and you can just see the love flow off of the pages. I would challenge anyone who ever had an uncertain negative thought about two gay men raising a child together to read this story and not come away from it feeling that in the end, Adam's best interests were served and those of his two sisters (one a teenager, who by the way, REQUESTED that they adopt her!). I also would challenge a married heterosexual couple to attempt to follow the same path Jon & Michael do and see what the end result for them is. I guarantee, not many couples could accomplish all that they did. Thank you for giving me wonderful read and one I will truly never forget! Your story is truly an inspiration for parents everywhere!

The Life I hope to have

I love this book! I have dreams and goals in my life and after reading this book, I know they will come true for me, like they have for Michael and Jon. My best wishes to them and their family!

Every American should read

What a wonderful heartwarming book. My only criticism, is that I was longing for more "family photos" Jon and Michael should be honored for what they have accomplished. If I thought it would be properly delivered, I would send it as a gift to George W Bush, and several members on Congress