Book Review: The Brotherhood of Joseph

I checked this book out of our local library three times (for three weeks each time) for my husband, Lincoln to read. I was hoping that it would help him feel more connected to the adoption process. Since the time that we had finished our paperwork he had not really shown a lot of interest or emotion towards the process. That is not to say that he didn't want to adopt anymore, no very much the opposite, he wanted to adopt, he didn't want to wait, search, or learn about adoption. He just wanted it to be done with so that we could get on with being a family. I was hoping that this book would help him out of that. When he finally got around to reading it (after much "encouragement" from me) we both learned a lot about his feelings toward adoption.

He read the first part of the book himself. I didn't read it. He said that it was about the secret lives of adoptive fathers. He told me Hansen got in trouble for all the same things he did. He learned why adoption was so emotional, consuming, and difficult for women, and even picked up a few tips on how to better support me.

It was at the point in the book where the Hansens attend their first adoption meeting that Lincoln began reading the book out loud to me. It is their story, how they survived fear, a dishonest lawyer, longing, and as their final trial- the realization that the child they were matched too, despite being beautiful and healthy, was not their son. Then, in the same day, meeting their son, born 10 weeks early and struggling to survive, and falling in love with him.

I was amazed as Lincoln read to me at the depth of his emotion. His anger, and relief, his eventual understanding. Not only did Link learn how to support me, but I learned that part of the reason he does not show his emotions, is because frankly, one of us has to hold it all together, and Heaven knows it isn't going to be me.

Reading this book together was a wonderful bonding exercise for our family. We are more understanding of one another's passion for both adoption and for our children.

I would recommend this book to any couple who is in the midst of the adoption process- oh and of course, read it together.

Must See Movie

Those of you who know me personally know that I DO NOT see movies, especially in the movie theatre. I consider being forced to sit in one place and hold still while watching lights move across a giant scree TORTURE!

So, it takes a pretty special movie to make me WANT to go to the movie theatre.

I think I will even hire a baby sitter and take my husband.

If you want to learn more click here.

Free Adoption Book Offer

Hello Adoption Peeps- I got an email from adoption advocate and author Laura Christensen today. She is holding a fantastic promotion. I took advantage of this offer last year. I highly recommend both books, although the second takes some "translating" for LDS adoptive families. I am working on that right now, so watch for a post about that in the near future.

Here are the details.

Hope you're having a wonderful summer! To celebrate my wedding anniversary this Friday, I'm having a 1-day book bash on August 21. I did this last year, and it was wildly popular, so I thought, "Why not do it again?"

Here's how it works:

1. Buy The Adoption Decision: 15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting on Amazon.com.

2. Send me your Amazon proof-of-purchase, dated August 21, 2009, and your mailing address.

3. I'll mail you an autographed copy of The Adoption Network: Your Guide to Starting a Support System, absolutely free!

This is a $10 value, plus I pay the shipping on The Adoption Network.

Is there a catch?

Nope. Hundreds of people who have received free books from me during my periodic specials will attest to the fact that I'll send your free book promptly, and I won't hassle you with a bunch of unsolicited emails.

Both my books have a 5-star rating from Amazon reviewers.

Tell everybody about this special, 1-day offer, so they can stock up on free books:

• Tell your adoption agency, social worker, or attorney.
• Tell others you know who are considering adopting.
• Tell your clergyperson...these books give any church that's considering starting an adoption ministry a jump-start.
• Tell people who are looking for a gift to buy you.

Where to send your Amazon proof-of-purchase for The Adoption Decision:

E-mail it to me (or send it as an attachment) with "1-Day Sale" in the Subject line: laurachristianson@hotmail.com.

OR

Send it via snail mail to Laura Christianson, PO Box 1254, Snohomish, WA 98291-1254. I'll honor any Amazon proof-of-purchase for The Adoption Decision dated 8-21-09, as long as I receive it by 8-31-09.

Hope you enjoy your new books and please, write and tell me what you think of them.

PO Box 1254, Snohomish, WA 98291-1254, USA