At any given time, approximately 1,000 children are in need of adoption in British Columbia. In all of Canada, the number is closer to 20,000, and in the United States, it is approximately 100,000. November is Adoption Awareness month in Canada and in the U.S., which is a time for adoption groups and support networks to spread awareness.
Whether your life has been touched by adoption, the topic is a fascinating one. Through these books, it's possible to gain some insight into the arduous journey of happiness, disappointment, joy and, ultimately, love, experienced by those who adopt and have been adopted.
Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos: Actress and screenwriter Vardalos is best known for her comedy film My Big Fat Greek Wedding. In this part-memoir, part-how-to-adopt book, Instant Mom, she reveals her years-long quest to become a parent. Readers who have struggled with infertility will no doubt sympathize with Vardalos' story, as she went through a staggering number of unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments before embarking on the adoption process. She tells her story (including some background of her earlier life, family and career) with humour and honesty. Although the book is a light read, she is sincere in her support for adoption, social workers and the thousands of adoptable children still waiting for homes.
Carried in our Hearts: The Gift of Adoption by Jane Aronson and Labours of Love: Canadians Talk about Adoption by Deborah Brennan: These books are both collections of real-life stories written by, or about, adoptive parents and adopted children that recount their personal experiences, joys, and struggles with adoption. The stories featured in both books give an excellent overview for those curious about adoption as domestic, private and international adoptions are discussed from the perspectives of both Canadian and American families. Adoption is not easy and the tougher aspects of the process have not been glossed over. That said, each story shares an overwhelmingly positive and heartfelt message of love and family. I was inspired by the dedication of the parents and the resilience of the children I read about.
The Boy from Baby House 10 by Alan Philps and John Lahutsky: This is my top pick from all of the adoption books mentioned here. It is a truly affecting and fascinating true story about a boy called Vanya. He is highly intelligent and alert but as he was diagnosed at birth as having cerebral palsy, the authorities deemed him to have major "defects." Vanya is at the mercy of an outdated and deeply flawed system, and the conditions that he and other disabled children are subjected to are heartbreaking. Strangers (from within Vanya's own country of Russia, as well as from the U.K. and the U.S.) come into Vanya's life by chance and through their care and dedication, he finds love and a family. Though it is very painful to read at points, Vanya's remarkable journey is not to be missed.
All of these books and more on the subject can be found at your local libraries.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published every Wednesday. Amelia Gabbott works at the Coquitlam Public Library.
