Confessions of an Adoptive Parent: Hope and Help from the Trenches of Foster Care and Adoption

I was really hoping for some wise words and solidarity from a fellow adoptive parent and there was some of both. Sadly it was a small percentage of the book and very much wrapped up in religious doctrine which was irrelevant to me.

This no holds barred memoir is the Berry's fostering and adoption odyssey. Why such honesty one might ask? Berry does himself no favours baring his heart to his readers. It appears that some of life's lessons can only be learnt experientially... This is particularly true of those rather messy, agonising, unrewarding, soul destroying, painful (Berry's words not mine) experiences on their epic journey. Though there were no laugh aloud moments, there were plenty of reminiscent smiles as one could identify with their aah moments and their gut wrenching letdowns. One gains valuable insight into not merely the monetary cost but also the huge emotional cost of fostering and adoption. Then there is the age-old question of why bring an outsider into ones home? In bravely sharing their epiphanical journey, Berry attempts to throw light on these and numerous other issues surrounding fostering and adoption. One cannot help but truly appreciate and understand the fostering-adoption journey. Furthermore, it serves as a splendid effort at garnering support for fostering. Indeed Berry gives adoption and fostering a whole new meaning. Yet there is more much more to this heartfelt memoir - a red thread running throughout his tale. One leaves it to Berry to enlighten his reader as he does a darn good job of it. Written by a Christian and from a Christian perspective he quotes liberally from the Lords Word. This may throw off non-Christian readers, which is a shame. For it is a valuable weapon a.k.a book in one's battles to ensure victory. Non-Christians should approach Berry's memoir much as if they would other non-fictional works that profusely quote from other philosophies without a second thought and read the text likewise for inspiration. Furthermore though written for those considering adoption and fostering this book will inspire anyone engaged in life's difficult battles. Like a shining beacon to ship wrecked souls tossed on the travails of life, a rope thrown out for the straggler at the end of their strength to grasp thus enabling one to renew, refresh, and encourage them on their onward journey that they may continue the fight with renewed vigour.