by Andres Fragoso Jr. | Jul 2, 2025 | What readers are saying
The ADOPTION PARADOX by Jean Widner
is a powerful, educative and thought provoking read, deserving of the five star rating.
Like an onion, she peels away the layers of assumptions, misconceptions, and romance that surrounds adoption and its impact on all involved in the adoption triad, thereby encouraging change through understanding.
Through intense research, sharing of personal insights and struggles, inclusion of hundreds of real life stories and lived experiences by interview, expert testament and historical examples, she provides insightful awareness of adoption complexities, challenging our preconceived notions.
Jean’s writing is clear, truthful and engaging. Her narrative style is so compelling that it not only shifted my perspective, but touched my heart in such a way that I often cried while reading.
The Adoption Paradox is a crucial read not only for those involved in the adoption triad, but also their extended family, teachers, clergy members, adoption facilitators, members of the mental health profession, lawmakers and those pondering adoption.
-Desktop
by Andres Fragoso Jr. | Jun 26, 2025 | What readers are saying
This is an unflinching look at adoption that includes the history as well as current practices of adoption and foster care, and interviews with those directly affected by it: adopted people, former foster youth, birth parents, foster parents and adoptive parents. It is a big, sometimes “difficult” read, but so necessary. This book is neither “pro” nor “anti” in its stance on adoption, just truthful. The focus is mostly on the United States but includes same and different race domestic as well as international adoptions. Adoption is too often painted as rainbows and unicorns, a fairytale, but these stories highlight the complexities in even the most ideal of adoptions. It present adoption as the paradox it is, as a lifelong journey (and one that ALWAYS begins in loss) and not a singular event. This book is for everyone, those affected by adoption, and certainly those considering adoption. Even if you think your life isn’t affected by adoption, you probably know someone whose is. Knowledge is power. When we know better, we do better. This book is a step in that direction. I commend the author on her research, on sharing her lived experience (she herself is adopted) and the many interviews she conducted. As an adopted person, I am thankful for authors like her, and I strongly recommend this book.
-SB
by Andres Fragoso Jr. | Jun 23, 2025 | What readers are saying
This is a wonderful book! As someone who had very little knowledge about adoption I really learned a lot! There are interviews with people on all sides of adoption which was very interesting. I’m so glad I read it and highly recommended to everyone!
-Anne Wallgren
by Andres Fragoso Jr. | Jun 22, 2025 | What readers are saying
This book is a well told story from all points of view on Adoption. The author brings to light with her story and via interviews with others. The truth of adoption. Its very well written. As a person who discovered my adoption very late in life and a person who’s life again changed with a DNA test. I found this book compelling and I couldn’t put it down. Thank Jean.
-kathleen kirstein
by Andres Fragoso Jr. | Jun 20, 2025 | What readers are saying
Jean Kelly Widner’s Adoption Paradox is a deeply moving and eye-opening work that educated me on a topic I hadn’t realized I needed to understand. It is forthright, poignant, and compelling—a must-read for anyone touched by the adoption or foster care system. In fact, I would argue this book holds critical relevance for society as a whole.
Widner honors and gives voice to the diverse perspectives of adoptees, birthparents, adoptive parents, foster children, and caregivers with grace and compassion. Throughout, she places the well-being of the child at the center of the conversation.
As an educator, friend, and family member of adoptees, I believe this book equipped me to better understand the human elements of adoption—the paradox of loss and longing, joy and trauma, love and belonging, identity and healing. Although the author does not shy away from the painful realities and systemic challenges that surround adoption and foster care, she also offers a sense of hope—advocating for justice, reform, ethical practices, while providing practical resources for those directly affected by adoption.
This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Bravo to the a-uthor!
-Dawn J
