The Spirit of Open Adoption

by James L. Gritter

An outspoken and ardent advocate for openness in adoption, James Gritter writes of the need for members of the adoption triad to emphasize services that first and foremost benefit adoptees. Open... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0878686371
• ISBN13: 9780878686377
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: CWLA Press (Child Welfare League of America)
• Length: 315 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A "must-read" for all adoptive/prospective adoptive parents

The author beautifully discusses the topic of open adoption. Not only does Gritter cover the need for openness, but he also includes a realistic discussion of how to make it work for all members of the adoption triad. His writing style does not come across as a clinical approach; the book is quick and easy to read. Because it is so thought-provoking, though, I do not suggest trying to rush through it. Gritter helps us see things in a new light and think about things in a new way. I found myself crying at times, thinking to myself, "Yes, someone finally understands what my husband and I feel is so important as the parents of two children from open adoptions." We have a lot more to learn about openness, and birthmothers in particular, and this book took us further along that path. It is an excellent book for those in the social work field as well as for lay people.

Beautiful prose on a timely topic

To hear a social worker write so beautifully about adoption was surprising and welcome. Gritter leaves the mechanics of adoption to other writers and concentrates on the quality and spiritual aspects of a good open adoption. I've read most everything in the field of adoption, and this book stands out as one of the few to really "get" the need for openness in adoption. Gritter tackles difficult subjects with honesty and subtlety.This book makes a nice companion to The Open Adoption Experience by Ruskai and Melina.