[taramayrn]

I really need to get this book, but alas, pay day was only 3 days ago and here I am almost broke. Maybe next paycheque...darn budget.

[BrandyHagz]

I've started reading the book...it was kinda hard to put it down actually.

Is anyone else reading?

[DianeScraps]

I started reading too! The stories from the firstmoms really drew me in

Diane

[SchmennaLeigh]

Uhm, since I'm behind, I just ordered mine, two day delivery, and it will be in on Tuesday. Sorry I'm behind. Uhm, I blame Nick.

[merrill1277]

I'm about half-way through it...working extra shifts lately so haven't been able to read it non-stop. It has me in tears through much of it and there is a lot I can personally relate to, even though I wasn't in a maternity home. This book has so far exceeded my original expectations based on some of the reviews I read earlier, as it is so real, so factual...pure history. Anne Fessler (an adoptee) has done an excellent, excellent job. She's done her research and narrates very well. I consider it an important historical work, and can only hope it would be widely read, including in college social work and women's studies classes.

[shadowdove]

Merrill...

I am 'Christine' in Ann's book....

Shadowdove

[DianeScraps]

Originally Posted by shadowdove

Merrill...

I am 'Christine' in Ann's book....

Shadowdove

Wow, I had asked Brandy about getting the author on, never thought we would have one of the mother's right here.

Would you mind if we started another thread about your experience doing the book?

Diane

[BrandyHagz]

'Christine'

I'd love for you to share yur story with us and discuss the book! Have you read it?

[SchmennaLeigh]

I didn't get much more reading done today (mostly sleep) but, still again, I'm moved and moved.

Christine; if you can, would you share your experience in being in the book?

[shadowdove]

Hi Merrill, Brandy, etal..

""I consider it an important historical work, and can only hope it would be widely read, including in college social work and women's studies classes""

Yes, this most definitely is a very important piece of women's history, not only in the USA, but in all westernized countries in that same time period.. Post WWII into the mid 70's. Ann is a professor at Harvard University and all of the audio tapes will be held/archived at Harvards' Schlessinger library under Women's Studies. Researchers will be able to listen to the tapes but the tapes can never be checked out or removed from the library. I am most honored to have been selected amongst the 100's of mothers that lost a child to adoption, that were interviewed and selected to have her words from the audio tapes, used in Ann's book.

I feel that all of the women involved in Ann's book (and all those mothers that were interviewed or experienced the same anywhere) have left a legacy of the abuse and pain committed against unmarried mothers during the Baby Scoop Era and the deep sorrow of losing our babies to adoption. It is my most fervent hope that the adopted people who were born and lost to adoption during that time, will read Ann's book and truly understand the machinations occurring on and around their mothers, to cause the permanent lifelong separation from their own mothers.

It is a myth and a lie for the greatest percentage of young unmarried mothers back then, that we were given a 'choice'. There is no 'choice' when only one option is offered. We did not 'abandon' our babies, nor for the majority of mothers did we willingly surrender our babies, nor were our babies ever forgotten. How does one forget that one most life-changing event in a female's life, that of being pregnant and giving birth to their own baby? I believe that to be next to impossible. Giving birth to your child is the single most significant event in a mother's life and then to have your own child denied to you.. You never forget... no matter the years of silence.

As far as my own story goes... Really not much different than so many other mothers here at AC who have posted their experiences in losing a child to adoption, whether during the Baby Scoop era or afterwards.
But feel free to ask me any questions.. any mom who has lost a child to adoption, will probably answer the same.

I will forever regret the loss of my baby to adoption. I am also in reunion for almost 7 years now.

Christine

[shadowdove]

Brandy...

""I'd love for you to share yur story with us and discuss the book! Have you read it?""

Yes, I have read the book. I received a signed copy from Ann Fessler.. Some of the other mom's stories I was already aware of from being associated in other groups..

And I would say to any mother who has lost a child to adoption and especially if you are reunited.. One of the greatest experiences I have had, since I came 'out of the closet' 7 years ago (reunion), is meeting some other mothers, in person.. Another great benefit of coming 'out of the closet' and have so thoroughly enjoyed!!

Christine

[SchmennaLeigh]

"Crimes against chastity?"

My GOD. WHAT?! I knew birth control was hard to come by in decades past but what the heck...

Crimes against chastity. I'm glad we've at least made SOME progress.

[SchmennaLeigh]

Christine;

You say you're in reunion now for seven years: has your child read the book as well?