Daughter from Afar: A Family's
International Adoption Story by Sarah
L. Woodard
Walking off the plane
with their daughter, September 27,
2003
Reviewer:
Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald from
USA
I am an adoptive parent myself and was
captivated by the global proportions of
this international adoption. Our child
was born only three miles from our house
and brought to us straight from the
hospital. The perseverance and love that
gave Sarah Woodard and her husband wings
to endure their frustrating trials and
then enjoy the ultimate triumph in
walking off the plane with their
daughter! The author provides a valuable
resource for anyone who needs guidance on
how to adopt a child from China and who,
for a while, struggles with the child's
initial adjustments. Good luck to
everyone who will undertake this journey!
Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of
ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed
Practice?
I too read Daughter From Afar in a
single sitting. I laughed and cried as
Sarah and her husband negotiated each
step of the adoption process and she
described the uncertainty as well as the
understanding that their daughter was
meant for them. I found myself reliving
the wonderful emotions of our first
adoption, something that was filled with
many of the same firsts and unknowns as
well.
Sarah brings the process to life but
sprinkles pragmatism and realism into the
mix. Her book creates a realistic
portrait of a family formed through
adoption with the love and challenges
that come with taking the leap of faith
that is so necessary for adoptive
families. I would recommend this book if
you are considering adoption or you have
adopted. It will make you look at your
children and smile as you remember how it
all started, or give you an understanding
of what could be.
6 of 6
people found the following review
helpful:
a "must-read"
for those adopting from China!,
January 26, 2003
Reviewer:
Ann J. Lewis from
Maryland, USA
I was so absorbed in this book that I
completed it in one evening. While this
is a slim book, it is a compelling read
for two reasons: (1) it contains lots of
helpful information that prospective
parents would appreciate; and (2) Ms.
Woodard is an exceptionally engaging
writer. I especially appreciated Ms.
Woodard's optimistic, yet realistic, tone
... I have read similar adoption memoirs
that take a somewhat
"Pollyanna-ish" perspective.
Ms. Woodard is very open about her
frustration with her daughter's initial
adjustments, and I found that reassuring.
All in all, this book is a valuable
resource for those considering China
adoption.
adoption
.
Walking off the plane
with their daughter, September 27,
2003