When you are making your decisions about adoption, it isn’t possible to check out too many books. You should read everything you can get your hands on regarding adoption.

I may discuss some or all of these titles at greater length in the future, but for now, let me give you a brief rundown on some of my favorite adoption books.

Birthmothers – Merry Bloch Jones. Published in 1993, this focuses largely on closed adoption birthmothers. As a result, it feels somewhat dated, but it’s still an accurate picture of life after relinquishment. Not to be missed.

The Open Adoption Experience – Lois Ruskai Melina and Sharon Kaplan Roszia. This is one of the more practical guides to open adoption. It brings up situations you will encounter at all stages of this lifelong experience.

The Spirit of Open Adoption– James Gritter. This book can be a little high-minded at times, but its author, a social worker, truly "gets" open adoption, and his heartfelt words about why it is the best form of adoption are lovely. Explains how adoption can be a beautiful experience rather than a manipulative or exploitative one.

Children of Open Adoption – Kathleen Silber and Patricia Martinez Dorner. Looks at adoption from the point of view of the kids, according to what age they’re at chronologically. Especially nice because it provides quotes and stories from real children growing up in open adoption

May the Circle Be Unbroken – Lynn Franklin. A vivid and realistic look at adoption from each point of the triad (birthparents, adoptive parents, and adopted people). Written by a birthmother, and one of my favorites.

Twice Born and Journey of the Adopted Self - B.J. Lifton. Lifton is one of the most eloquent writers around on what it is like to be an adopted person. She grew up in a closed adoption, but the issues are the same. Both of these books will help you understand what emotional effects adoption is likely to have on your child.

As I said, this is just briefest beginning of a reading list. Check back often for updates and longer reviews…and get to the library as soon as possible. With a decision this big, you have to do your research.