About the Book
Q: What is The Adoption Paradox about?
A: The Adoption Paradox explores the complex and often contradictory emotions and experiences surrounding adoption. It features real stories from adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents, along with expert insight, to offer a raw and honest perspective on the lifelong impact of adoption.
Q: Who is this book for?
A: This book is for anyone connected to adoption—including adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, mental health professionals, and readers seeking a deeper understanding of identity, family, and belonging.
Q: Where can I buy the book?
A: You can purchase The Adoption Paradox directly from , Amazon, or select independent bookstores. [Link to buy]
Q: Is this book appropriate for book clubs or support groups?
A: Yes! Many book clubs and support groups use The Adoption Paradox to spark meaningful discussions. You can download free discussion questions here. [Download PDF link]
Q: Does the book include expert opinions or only personal stories?
A: The book includes both—first-person narratives and interviews with therapists, counselors, and adoption professionals.
About the Author
Q: Who is Jean Kelly Widner?
A: Jean is an adoptee, marketing consultant, writer, and speaker who has spent decades navigating her own adoption story. She lives in Southern Nevada and runs a local news blog while advocating for ethical adoption practices and storytelling.
Q: Can Jean appear at my event or group?
A: Yes! Jean is available for virtual and in-person events including book clubs, writer groups, and support groups. Learn more on our page.
Q: Can Jean speak at schools or conferences?
A: Yes, Jean is open to speaking at educational institutions and adoption-related conferences. Please use the to inquire.
About Adoption (General)
Q: What is the “adoption paradox”?
A: The adoption paradox refers to the seemingly contradictory emotions adoptees often feel—gratitude and grief, love and loss, wholeness and disconnect—all existing at the same time. The book explores this duality in depth.
Q: Is adoption always a positive experience?
A: While many adoptees grow up feeling loved and cared for, adoption also involves loss, identity questions, and emotional complexities. Each journey is unique.
Q: What is the “adoption triad”?
A: The adoption triad includes the three parties involved in an adoption: the adoptee, the birth parent(s), and the adoptive parent(s). The Adoption Paradox features stories from all three perspectives.
Q: What’s the difference between closed and open adoption?
A:
Closed adoption means no contact or identifying information is shared between the birth and adoptive families.
Open adoption allows for varying levels of contact or relationship between birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child.
Q: Are adoptees allowed to access their birth records?
A: This depends on the state. Some states allow adoptees to request their original birth certificates, while others restrict access unless legal action is taken. Visit for up-to-date information by state.
Types of Adoption
Q: What is the difference between a nonprofit and for-profit adoption agency?
A: Nonprofit agencies reinvest their earnings into support services, education, and outreach. For-profit agencies may distribute profits to owners or shareholders. Both types offer similar services, but ethics and transparency vary.
Q: What is foster care adoption?
A: Foster care adoption happens when a child in the public foster system becomes legally free for adoption. It is usually the least expensive path and includes older children or sibling groups.
Q: Can I adopt through an attorney?
A: Yes. Adoption attorneys can facilitate legal adoptions, especially for independent matches, kinship adoptions, or families who’ve been denied by agencies.
Q: What is a home study?
A: A home study is a required process in which a social worker evaluates a prospective adoptive family’s home, background, and readiness to adopt.
Adoptee Perspective
Q: What are common emotional challenges adoptees face?
A: Adoptees may struggle with identity, abandonment, grief, or belonging. Many report feeling different, even when raised in loving homes.
Q: Why do adoptees want to find their birth families?
A: Many adoptees seek out their birth families for medical history, personal identity, closure, or emotional healing.
Q: What is “genetic mirroring”?
A: This refers to the sense of recognition and identity that comes from seeing one’s physical or behavioral traits in biological relatives—something many adoptees miss growing up.
Share Your Story
Q: Can I share my adoption story on this website?
A: Yes! We welcome adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents to submit their stories for publication. Visit our page to learn how.
Q: Are story submissions anonymous?
A: Yes, you may choose to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym. We respect your privacy.
Q: Can I submit a video or audio version of my story?
A: At this time, we accept written stories only, but we may expand to video/audio in the future.
Shipping & Return Policy
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: Orders usually ship within 3–5 business days. You’ll receive a confirmation and tracking number via email once your order is on its way.
Q: Do you accept returns?
A: Yes. You may return your book within 14 days of delivery in new, unused condition. Visit our page for full details.
Need Help?
Q: I’m in a difficult situation related to adoption—can you help?
A: While The Adoption Paradox does not provide legal or counseling services, we can refer you to support organizations.
