Adopting Hope

"The stories from birth and adoptive parents typically take a gentle, retrospective tone, sharing a sense of profound gratitude even through difficulties . . . "
—Publishers Weekly

"An informative and inherently inspiring read from cover to cover, Adopting Hope should be considered critically important (and inspiring) reading for anyone contemplating or in the process of adopting a child, either here at home or abroad."
—Midwest Book Review

Adoption can be complicated, beautiful, messy, and everything in between. That's why I loved reading Adopting Hope because the stories didn't shy away from the hard parts. For anyone considering or curious about adoption, this is the perfect resource to develop empathy and gain insight into the lives of adoptees, adoptive parents, and birthparents. And the advice given practically makes it a “how-to” manual for adoption success. An excellent read that you won't regret!

The honesty that you’ve captured in Adopting Hope is beautiful. Through reading these personal stories from so many different perspectives, you have made evident that there are countless “right” answers. The decisions made about and relating to adoption are incredibly personal. Adoption is truly a lifelong journey. Your book captures many of the examples of life’s twists and turns as related to adoption. This collection of stories will undoubtedly inspire others by sharing a glimpse into so many points of view. 

As both an adoptive mom and someone who works with birthmoms as a doula and an advocate, I’m thrilled to see a book that addresses the many sides of adoption. This collection of stories speaks to the heart with a beautiful blend of raw emotion, insight, and inspiration. Whether you’re contemplating adopting a child, placing a child for adoption, or supporting a loved one through the process, this book is sure to serve as a wonderful support.

Adoption is a lifelong journey for all members of the adoption triad. Adopting Hope provides key insights and helpful advice directly from adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. I read the book in one sitting and learned so much that will be helpful in our family’s journey. I’ve read many books about adoption and highly recommend this one! 

As a parent of an adopted child and a psychologist, I found this book both insightful and informative. With intimate, engaging stories told from multiple perspectives, I believe this book helps all involved understand the complex issues surrounding adoption with more clarity and empathy. I highly recommend it. 

What a joy it was to wend my way through Adopting Hope! I say that as an adoptive parent, but also as a writer and as someone who relishes well-told stories. The guiding characteristic of the book seems to be compassion for all those involved in the adoption triad. You can open the book at random, to any chapter, and find stories that are full of poignancy and humor, wisdom and warmth, and, yes, (as the title suggests) hope. This is a book I would recommend to anyone considering adoption. And though my son is still just a toddler, I'll keep this book on the shelf for him to read when he's older. Thank you, Lorri Antosz Benson, for such a humane and helpful resource on adoption.

I found Lorri's book to be comforting and inspiring in multiple ways, as my husband and I are adoptive parents through open adoption. The stories are moving and heartfelt, and hearing other birthmothers’ points of view has been very informative. I am also an adoptee who contacted my own birthmother just days before my son’s first birthday —as if his first birthday wasn’t enough. The stories in Lorri's book touch on all the many facets of our adoption journey.

Adopting Hope offers a rare and honest window into the real-life experiences of adoptive parents, birthparents, and adoptees as they navigate the adoption journey. This book is a great example of the incredible power of story to plant seeds of empathy and compassion in all members of the adoption triad. It is now a “must read” for each of our clients.  

In Adopting Hope, a trio of voices becomes a symphony for us all.