Both Ends Burning: My Story of Adopting Three Children from Haiti

By Craig Juntunen

Book Overview

Craig Juntunen appeared to have it all. He sold his company at the age of 40, and set out to live the good life of retirement. But he soon began to feel something was lacking. When a friend told him the story of adopting two girls from Haiti, Craig's emptiness gave way to a sense of adventure. On a trip to the desperate Third World nation, a country wracked by poverty, corruption and kidnappings, his self-serving lifestyle began a very profound transformation. At an orphanage outside of Port-Au-Prince Craig encountered Espie, Amelec and Quinn. Even after decades of table-pounding declarations he would never have children, at 51 Craig became a dad. This inspirational story of an unexpected journey and personal transformation will say many things to different people. But for all it delivers a powerful reminder of our responsibility to reach out and be there for kids. "Craig's story is very compelling and very real. It demonstrates the beauty of the adoption story....everybody wins. You start out by providing a home for a child but you end up providing more for yourself than you ever imagined." Kirk Triplett, PGA Golf Professional and adoptive parent.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1432734865
• ISBN13: 9781432734862
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman, author, coach, educator

This was simply the most inspirational book I have ever read. It was so full of heart that I felt mine opening with each word. I actually went to a hotel one night just to have peace and quiet to finish it. Craig's honesty, simplicity and great humanitarian spirit made this book exceptional. Not only am I inspired to be a better parent to my 3 1/2 year old son but I am having my husband read this book so we can seriously consider international adoption. After reading this book, I am ready to adopt now. I laughed, cried and went deep inside my soul. I coach people to help live their passionate calling and follow their hearts. Craig is a living demonstration of following his calling and his heart and not looking back! Truly this is the best book I have read. I have never been this moved by a book and can't wait to see it on film as I know it will be someday. Thank you Craig for being a role model and making such a difference in the world by following your heart.

Funny, Poignant and filled with insights about the meaning of life

A book that will leave the reader thinking long after finishing it. The author manages to tell a story that is at once funny, engaging, light-hearted and sad at the same time. The world would be a much better place if it had more people like he and his wife.

If you've ever thought about adoption this book is for you!

I loved it. I absolutely loved it. My wife and I read it out loud together. It's a very easy read. We both laughed many times and I'm embarrassed to say I might have cried as much as her! There are many simple metaphors for life within the text. You naturally fall in love with the children and the miraculous events that bring them all together as a family but you unexpectedly fall in love with the author and his wife as they have their upper-class world turned upside down by deciding to adopt. Mr. Juntunen is so honest that it takes you in from the first sentence... ("I had a vasectomy when I was 30.") It's a straightforward account of a very selfish man undergoing an emotional open heart surgery by giving up the shallow material pleasures of the world for a life of fatherhood and family at the age of 51. I found myself rooting for him the whole time. It's pure redemption for all the good dads out there. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF... you are not prepared to consider adoption no matter what you may have previously thought in your life because the author shows how the most unlikely people in the world might just be blindsided by a fateful urge to adopt kids that literally comes out of thin air and as a reader you are constantly forced to ask yourself what you would do in the same situation... and NOT adopting these kids is simply never an option once the author has his "Field of Dreams" epiphany! Again, I absolutely loved it. Bryan Hall www.livingbiography.com

I didn't put it down, an emotional ride that left me cheering for this family!

What a heartfelt account of a soul transforming event. Makes you want to do something about the lost children of Haiti. Very well written and paced, this book will hold your attention through laughter and tears. I only wish the book was longer, I would love to hear more about these amazing children as they grow up....hoping for the sequel!

Enjoyable and enlightening ... for the reader (and the author)

Successful, financially-set guy, gets in touch with a new dimension of himself and improves the world in the process. Easy, enjoyable read. Had me laughing, crying, feeling distraught and ultimately, hopeful ... for the family, the adopted kids and (at least a few of) the orphans of Haiti.