Journey Of The Adopted Self

I read this book as I begin a quite literal quest for self-realization and wholeness. It was precisely what I needed to help guide me through the beginning of this journey in a world where it seems impossible to discuss the traumas and intricacies of being adopted. One thing I wish would have been discussed a little bit more (although I know it wasn't the intent of this book) of was the implications of interracial adoptees, adoptees of LGBT parent couples, and adoptees of single women. Overall it was an informative read that kept my interest all the way through. Be prepared to learn, open your mind, and think about things you've probably never considered when it comes to adoption.

Always something to learn from a book

This is an eye opening and well researched exploration into the very real trauma that is present whenever a child is separated from their mother. Adoption trauma needs to be studied by all potential adoptive parents and families so that they are truly informed about the lives of an adopted person

This book is full of information that adoptees will find valuable. I have taken a couple of weeks to read it and let things sink in. This is a book that I will get out and read again because it goes into so many things that I know I will gain more insight as I read through it again. A valuable resource for adult adoptees.

Fully comprehensive and well-researched guide to understanding the real and repressed feelings around adoption. I dislike the term 'birthmother', as a term created by the industry. As a mother in reunion I have read many books on the topic, trying to understand the grief that resurfaces after the Honeymoon phase of adoption reunion. This book covers that and more. I highly recommended it.

It's a hard feat, that's for sure. Lifton was an Adult Adoptee, psychotherapist, journalist and was involved in adoption reform and adoptee rights activism. She was blunt yet always eloquent. She voiced her opinions with honesty even when she knew others would not agree.Yes, there may be era differences between those who are adopted who identify with Lifton's literature and those who do not. However, as a 25 year old adoptee from the transitional era between closed and increasingly open adoptions, I do not see how her opinions have lost their relevancy. Right up until her death this past year, Lifton was still being published in professional journals being read by psychologists and psychiatrists everywhere. Just because one person does not identify with something Lifton says, does not mean it is untrue or irrelevant to someone else. Lifton was wise and educated individual who sought to bring awareness to the experiences and issues of adoptees represented among the *entire* community. Not just you or me.This is an excellent book, as can be expected from Lifton.

Estoy en el proceso de conocer mi familia de origen, en cualquier momento puede darse la reunion, esto me ha ayudado a sentirme apoyada por un profesional que conoce bien el tema, ha sido luz para el camino. Se me ha facilitado todo, gracias a la autora. Todos mis sentimientos han sido perfectamente descritos en este libro y como puedo salir vencedora.

I’am adopted & in the ‘50’s so closed , but I just can’t identify with other adoptees thus far ? So I guess I’am the lucky one because I’ve always felt loved & never different, so I’ll keep reading just to see why I can’t identify yet ?

As an adoptee there are a couple of things that I can vaguely relate to but apart from that the rest of this book bares no resemblance to my life or my journey at all it seems to focus on worst case scenarios and not on the average life issues and journeys involved. From my own experiences and that of friends who were also adopted I cannot recommend this book especially if you are feeling vulnerable..it's more likely to induce more fear into anyone who is searching for their heritage.

This book was scary to read, it was as if someone had jumped inside my head and written it all down in a book. Having never really spoken to another adoptee, I thought that maybe I was being overdramatic and silly - I mean I was only a baby for heavens sake. But this book has made me realise that it's not just me having these feelings and they're all normal.I would say the only thing this book doesn't do is offer a solution on how to deal with these feelings, it just opens them up and left them there!

For any adoptee [like myself] it provides fine insight into the world each has forced upon him or her from abandonment after birth. It offers understanding of all those feelings and experiences as the adoptee begins the inevitable search for identity.

What a fantastic book!If you are adopted or an adopter this book will put you in the picture and I cannot tell you how much it helped!She is a little militant when it comes to her views on open adoption but honestly don't let that get in the way, there is so much good stuff in this book and great research it is really outstanding!

An extremely thought provoking book..very insightful into my adopted mind