My mother had a baby in total secrecy at a home for unwed mothers in Texas in 1956. We reunited with my half brother 43 years later, in 1999. While I’ve known for years how traumatic this experience was for my mother, reading this book ushers in so many questions and feelings. I relished reading the historical perspective of adoption in the mid-century as well as the personal stories of all those involved in this story. Beautifully written.

As someone who comes from a closed adoption, this book has brought forth words I’ve needed to identify feelings I have carried throughout my life. I had a good upbringing with loving parents but that doesn’t erase my roots and the relatives I have biologically. Born in 1973, I was at the tail end of this baby boom where closed adoptions were the norm. I’m not a fan of the lack of thought and care for consequences that closed adoption imposed upon all parties involved - especially the children. Thank you for writing an important book. I hope many people read it and it’s talked about openly. It’s time for the shame and secrets of how adoptees entered this world to go away.