Two Little Girls: A Memoir of Adoption

by Theresa Reid

Book Overview

In Chicago, Theresa Reid and her husband had lucrative careers and a beautiful home. What was missing from their lives was children. But they knew in Eastern Europe there were children who were... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425208826
• ISBN13: 9780425208823
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 297 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A vivid, compelling story

Numerous books on the market discuss how to adopt; but this isn't another general guide on the topic: it's a memoir of the experience of a couple who decided to move into international adoption, and addresses the special issues which arise from such a decision. Juxtaposed with her emotional story are tips others following the same path can learn from. A vivid, compelling story. Diane C. Donovan, Editor California Bookwatch

A "Stay Up All Night" Read

I admit - when I got this book in my hands I couldn't put it down... I had to see how the story ended! As a fellow international adoptive mom, I relived my own experiences by reading Reid's gripping descriptions. It's all here -- the joy, the uncertainty, the need for brutal self-reflection and honesty, the conflicting feelings of anticipation and terror.... it really does capture the roller coaster ride of adoption. I admire Reid's willingness to expose her own shadows and ambivalence. I would encourage any pre-adoptive parent to read this book, just so you know you are not alone in these feelings. And, for those who are not adoptive parents themselves - chances are you know someone who is... and this book offers an insider's view on the unique challenges of this road to parenthood. WHen I brought my daughter home, after a journey fraught with drama, delays, angst, fear, uncertainty... I actually had someone say to me, "Ahh you adopted! You did it the EASY way..." All I would have to do now is simply hand over a copy of "Two Little Girls". Easy, it's not. Worth it, completely.

A Story too Staggering not to Share

It is a privilege that Theresa Reid is willing to be so honest and candid with her readers. She tells her family's story from beginning to end with no emotions barred. It is so accurate and detailed that it's almost as if she began writing away furiously and continuously the moment she returned home from Ukraine. This was much too remarkable a journey to not share with others. I was sympathetic for Reid and her husband from the beginning, and as her tale progressed I found myself unable to put her book down. Her story delighted me, but it also made me cry and demand answers for their hardships. This book made me realize just how many obstacles couples who are adopting or considering adoption may encounter. It also exemplifies the joyous and electrifying moments they experience when bringing back a child into their loving home. I have recommended this book since the moment I began reading it. It is such a beautiful story that deserves to be shared with everyone.

Could not put it down!

This book is a must read for anyone interested in international adoption. it gives the truth regarding the adoption community with no sugar coating and it deals with feelings of adoptive parents during and after the process. it's also a heartwarming read for any parent.

An honest portrait of the ups and downs of international adoption

As the parent of an internatiionally adopted child who we adopted when he was older, this book really struck home with me. Like the author, I had also experienced the overwhelming desire to have a child and after giving birth to one child, I had emergency surgery that meant that adoption would be the only option for having more children. I found Theresa Reid's memoir to be refreshingly honest, not sugarcoating the realities of some international adoptions. I wish I'd read it before we adopted. We had a successful adoption but I would have been more aware of what we were about to face, the bureaucracies, the last minute changes in "required" paperwork, the concerns about adoption shutdowns in the particular country we were considering, etc. Reading this book might have lessened my anxieties and stress level. Each of Reid's adoptive experiences was different, one being very easy and the other (with a different agency) being a nightmare of delays and tough choices. For those looking to find a book about international adoption that is very open about the difficulties of bringing a second child into a family which already has one child, Reid's experiences may provide insight about that. For first time adoptive parents, I think the book could prepare them for what lies ahead while providing reassurance that both positive and negative feelings are a normal part of the adoptive process, including major fears and concerns about the whole adventure. Reid's great strength as a writer is her willingness to be open about her guilt, ambivalence, fears and doubts...and to prove that successful adoptions can occur when those feelings are faced straight on.By the end of this book she has crossed through a series of crisises and come through with a deep love for her children and a stronger advocate for adoption.