ADOPTION NATION
How the Adoption Revolution is Transforming America
By Adam Pertman
Reviewed by Ellen Roseman

Adoption once surrounded by shame and secrecy has seen accelerated change in the last   few decades. Writing sensitively and poignantly, Pertman, an award winning journalist and  adoptive father, takes us on a highly readable and enlightening journey as he covers the many complex and mysterious issues surrounding adoption today. By weaving in touching personal stories with current trends and legislation, the reader is taken away from the mythology of adoption into the reality of how adoption intimately and profoundly touches the lives of those connected to it.

Nominated for a Pulitizer Prize for his informative work on adoption, this fact based well researched book is a must read for all connected to adoption-----adoptees, birthparents, adoptive parents, and adoption professionals. No other book like this has been previously written. It is a much needed vital addition to the growing body of adoption literature.

Topics included are: Why politicians won’t tackle crazy laws and soaring costs, International and Gay Adoption, How the internet opens doors to Opportunity and Corruption, The Good News about Open Adoption, Why Adult Adoptees are fighting for their rights, New Hope in Public Special needs Adoption, The journey of birthparents in moving out of secrecy and shame,  and much more.

With  enormous  adoption changes coming forth, it is imperative we not stay in denial about the reality and staggering implications  of how this system has been handled.  This gem of  a book is  engrossing, fascinating,  and inspiring.   The  personal   stories of many  interviewed   make the book all the more personal and read.

Adam Pertman has been awarded the Century Foundation’s Leonard Silk Journalism   Fellowship for Adoption Nation. He and his wife, Judy, live with their two adopted children in Newton, Massachusetts. He has recently been named to direct the prestigious “Evan  B. Donaldson Institute” for ethics in adoption in New York City.

During the time since Adam was named as director of the adoption institute, various studies have been completed which includes a 70 page one on birth parents. Please do check out the adoption institute website for more information on adoption current standards being recommended.