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earthseeddetroit's review against another edition
4.0
Just finished this, my first book on an adoptee search story. Being an older adoptee, (Im 52) this gentleman’s story really resonated with mine and I related with a lot of the secretive practices and the narratives that were prevalent in the 40s, 50s and 60s around adoption.
It also struck home because the author is from Michigan, as I am. it was sort of surreal to hear of his journey and him listing all of these cities including Detroit. I was almost nervous at certain points that he would name somebody I knew! Lol.
Anyway, In the end his message was clear about encouraging adoptees to find their roots. I have been struggling with making the decision to ultimately locate my biological parents, although I have connected with other further family members via ancestry.com.
This type of reading and research is helping me to make the decision for myself and really understand what my goals are for doing such a search and find. In the meantime I am taking the time to understand my own views and feelings around being adopted and it’s long-term effects.
#adopteeReadingList
#adopteeReads
#AncestryDNA
It also struck home because the author is from Michigan, as I am. it was sort of surreal to hear of his journey and him listing all of these cities including Detroit. I was almost nervous at certain points that he would name somebody I knew! Lol.
Anyway, In the end his message was clear about encouraging adoptees to find their roots. I have been struggling with making the decision to ultimately locate my biological parents, although I have connected with other further family members via ancestry.com.
This type of reading and research is helping me to make the decision for myself and really understand what my goals are for doing such a search and find. In the meantime I am taking the time to understand my own views and feelings around being adopted and it’s long-term effects.
#adopteeReadingList
#adopteeReads
#AncestryDNA
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a genealogist and an adoptive mother, so I'm always interested in books about family history, DNA, adoption, etc. Hill's story is especially intriguing because his search for his biological family spanned over 30 years, meaning he saw incredible changes in technology over the course of his journey. In the beginning, he had to rely on good, old-fashioned detective work that included requesting records by snail mail, making endless phone calls, and writing actual letters. The game changed once the Internet came along and then again as DNA testing became more common and sophisticated. Even though the use of digitized records, online family trees, and expanded DNA databases make some of the old methods Hill used outdated, the use of methodic, exhaustive research practices are still valuable in DNA research and are thus valuable for Hill's readers. His simple, conversational explanation of genetic genealogy is also helpful to beginning researchers. In addition, the story itself is engaging and interesting. While Hill's narration doesn't offer a ton of depth or piercing insight, it's straightforward, sincere, and approachable. FINDING FAMILY is a quick, easy read that is helpful, positive, and heartwarming. If I could, I would give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
carolpk's review against another edition
I read this awhile ago and should have written a review at that time so this may be a bit vague.
At a doctor visit just before college Hill learns that the parents he loves and believed birthed him did not. He does not confront his parents with this knowledge for quite some time yet begins a quest to find out his beginnings. Richard Hill's research spans decades and should help anyone on a similar path. His book is described as a classic mystery of sorts and that it is. It is also a journey of a determined man to find his roots while retaining the love and stability of his adoptive relationships.
Like many adopted persons, Hill has questions and seeks answers only to find closed doors and poor record keeping. DNA affords him the means to find some of these answers. IT's a twisty path with lots of surprises and I was enthralled. I applaud him for this and for his willingness to share what he learned with us.
Knowing many people who are unable to find their birth parents due to closed records, secrets kept, I see the anguish this brings them. I am a proponent of open adoption which allows both biological and adoptive parents some access to personal information. Perhaps not for all, but its foundation built on honesty seems to benefit many parents and their children.
At a doctor visit just before college Hill learns that the parents he loves and believed birthed him did not. He does not confront his parents with this knowledge for quite some time yet begins a quest to find out his beginnings. Richard Hill's research spans decades and should help anyone on a similar path. His book is described as a classic mystery of sorts and that it is. It is also a journey of a determined man to find his roots while retaining the love and stability of his adoptive relationships.
Like many adopted persons, Hill has questions and seeks answers only to find closed doors and poor record keeping. DNA affords him the means to find some of these answers. IT's a twisty path with lots of surprises and I was enthralled. I applaud him for this and for his willingness to share what he learned with us.
Knowing many people who are unable to find their birth parents due to closed records, secrets kept, I see the anguish this brings them. I am a proponent of open adoption which allows both biological and adoptive parents some access to personal information. Perhaps not for all, but its foundation built on honesty seems to benefit many parents and their children.
swiss_miss_73's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a great read - the author's search makes for a compelling story. His experiences really serve to show how society in that era (WWII) really viewed women with unplanned - out of wedlock pregnancies, adoption, and infertility.
I especially enjoyed the book because I live in the metro Detroit area where much of his search takes place and also have resided in mid-Michigan and attended MSU (like the author) so all of the places he talks about are so familiar. I didn't know this when I started the book, so it was a really interesting surprise!
If you like a bit of real-life, documentary-style mystery and/or are a family history buff you will want to add this book to your "to-read" list.
I especially enjoyed the book because I live in the metro Detroit area where much of his search takes place and also have resided in mid-Michigan and attended MSU (like the author) so all of the places he talks about are so familiar. I didn't know this when I started the book, so it was a really interesting surprise!
If you like a bit of real-life, documentary-style mystery and/or are a family history buff you will want to add this book to your "to-read" list.
tygress's review against another edition
4.0
I couldn't put this down (except for sleep and work)! It's a fascinating true story of one adopted man's quest to find the truth about his biological parents and heritage.
muddypuddle's review against another edition
4.0
I have worked on my own family tree since my late teens and really love genealogy. So reading Mr. Hill’s memoir has been fascinating, watching this mystery unfolding in story form! I can only imagine how he felt finding out about each new relation he discovered. His story is clear and well written, interesting and thought-provoking.
dayroom0063's review against another edition
Though this book was written straightforwardly, it is nonetheless hard to put down. Richard certainly knows how to bring the reader into his personal story. Was pleasantly surprised to learn that like me, the author grew up in Michigan. So, given all of the places Richard's search took him, I felt even more engaged. Any adoptee can understand how challenging a search can be and learn lessons due to the number of obstacles he faces in tracking down his roots. However, this is more of an inspiring narrative than a practical guide. I don't think it should be critiqued as if it were the latter, which I think some negative reviewers wanted it to be.
nithuir's review against another edition
5.0
Really great. Easy to listen to. I appreciated adding in a quick note about who the various people were when they were reintroduced later on in the story, since understandably some of the family trees were confusing.