November Book Recommendations

1. You Should be Grateful by Angela Tucker ($16.69–24.13) 

Adopted by white parents, Angela Tucker has heard the words “you should be grateful” throughout her entire life. As a black transracial adoptee, she expresses deep gratitude for the many gifts that she was granted, but also for the complex journey that led her here. She illustrates her story with anecdotes from her own inspiring tale and from mentorship sessions with adopted youth; offering unique and eye-opening perspectives that challenge the ongoing, well-meaning notion of telling adoptees to be grateful. If you would like to purchase this captivating memoir, visit the author’s website at angelatucker.com. 

2. Adoption Unfiltered by Sara Easterly, Kelsey Vander Vilet Ranyard, & Lori Holden ($39.05-40.80)

Spoken through three members of the adoption triad, this book shares different perspectives on the complexities of adoption; the wins and losses, triumphs and heartbreaks, and the persistent strength that encouraged them to put all of these emotions down on paper. If you’re looking for a book that includes more than just adoptee voices, this is the perfect novel for you! Available for purchase at https://bookshop.org/p/books/adoption-unfiltered-revelations-from-adoptees-birth-parents-adoptive-parents-and-allies-sara-easterly/19940070?ean=9781538174692

3. The Primal Wound by Nancy Newton Verrier ($11.99)

Have you been struggling with feelings of abandonment or rejection in relation to your adoption? The Primal Wound offers explanations for common adoptee behaviors, as well as suitable coping mechanisms to navigate your journey in a healthier manner. The book gives adoptees insight into why they might be experiencing feelings of distress, loss, distrust, and/or abandonment, while also validating how heavy those emotions are to carry around. The Primal Wound is amongst the most recommended books to PAC, so we sincerely hope that you give it a try! To purchase this book, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Primal-Wound-Understanding-Adopted-Child/dp/0963648004. 

4. Tree of Strangers by Barbara Sumner ($24)

This remarkable memoir tells the story of an adopted woman searching for identity in a family riddled with secrets and lies. Emboldened at age 23, Barbara decided that she had to embark on the journey toward discovering her birth mother, no matter the cost. This book reveals shattered dreams that once were, and combines them with joyous reconciliation of hopes for the future. If you’re an adoptee who can relate, this story is for you. Purchase Tree of Strangers at https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Strangers-Barbara-Sumner/dp/0995135401. 

5. It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn ($13.93)

Introducing the “core language approach,” Mark Wolynn teaches readers to perceive the daily words we use as a window into the deeper-rooted traumas we might be carrying. These words, when carefully considered, offer clues into our biggest fears and most unresolved traumas. Explore the science behind inherited family trauma and discover how you can end the cycle now. The book even includes exercises for readers to complete! If you would like to purchase a copy, visit https://a.co/d/8MxPDny. 

6. The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma and Adversity by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris ($11.59)

Ever wondered about the science behind adverse childhood experiences? As it turns out, they change our brains and immune systems forever, thus lasting a lifetime. Dr. Burke Harris details a rousing wake-up call backed by scientific knowledge and years of experience with vulnerable children. The tools offered in this book will open your mind, challenge your judgments, and heal the hurting inner child that exists within you. The Deepest Well is available for purchase at https://a.co/d/iDdMm47. 

7. The Adoptee Self-Reflection Journal by Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker ($26.99) 

Feeling a little lost, or like you don’t have a firm sense of identity? This self-reflection journal is specifically designed and created with adoptees in mind. With over 50 prompts that are deeply personal to the adoptee experience, Dr. Wirta-Leiker hopes to guide you on your reflection journey in therapeutic ways that are certain to transform your life. If you would like to purchase this journal, visit Dr. Wirta-Leiker’s website at growbeyondwords.com. 

8. My Father’s Eyes, My Mother’s Rage by Rose Brik ($13.62)

A raw and compelling series of poems, this book breathes life into the themes of childhood trauma, the mother and father wound, love, mental health, motherhood, and healing. Rose Brik effectively “tells all” through this heartbreaking collection of poetry, breaking down walls for readers of all kinds who feel alone in their thoughts. Though not exclusively geared toward adoptees or adoption, the author writes reflections that most definitely relate to the general adoptee experience. If you would like to purchase this poetry book, visit https://a.co/d/5hmfjMg.