Quick Take

alternate cover edition of ISBN: 9780933294066Half the U.S. population (140 million Americans) have an adoption in their immediate family. There is an estimated seven million, or one-third of the Canadian population, involved in the triad of adoption. The thread of this book is adoption through which the fascinating twists of Clarke's life are woven: divorce, "dropping out," living in the wilderness, overcoming cancer, estrangement of her children, and finding a soul mate. "Black Market Baby" chronicles the life journey and search for birth parents, evolving into an epic tale of illegitimate babies sold illegally through adoption rings operating in Montreal, Quebec, and the northeast United States during the 30s, 40s and early 50s. This intriguing account is told against a backdrop of historical events from 1940 to the present day. "Renee Clarke writes of her solace found in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, her deep and abiding love for three daughters and her lengthy, life-changing search for her natural mother ... the roots she never knew. In the course of doing so, she pens a totally frank and remarkably detailed journey of life." - Jane Sullivan, former First Lady of Wyoming "Renee Clark has transformed a personal story into a universal one." - Adoptee "This is a rewarding book for anyone who has ever wondered what it is like to be adopted - and for those who are." - B.J. Lifton, author of Journey of the Adopted Self, Twice Born and Lost and Found."

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Black Market Baby: An Adopted Woman's Journey

Introduction

"Black Market Baby: An Adopted Woman's Journey" is a compelling memoir written by Renee Clarke. It chronicles the author's life journey, focusing on her adoption, the search for her birth parents, and the historical context of illegitimate babies sold through adoption rings during the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s. The book alternates between the author's personal experiences and historical events from 1940 to the present day. With its intriguing narrative and insightful exploration of adoption, this memoir has garnered significant attention from readers.

About Renee Clarke

Renee Clarke, the author of "Black Market Baby: An Adopted Woman's Journey," is a woman with a fascinating life story. She was adopted at a young age and spent much of her life searching for her birth parents. Through her writing, Clarke transforms her personal story into a universal one that resonates with many readers. Her ability to convey her experiences and emotions with honesty and vulnerability makes her an engaging storyteller.

Analysis of Views

The Power of Personal Narratives: Readers appreciate the author's ability to share her personal journey with honesty and vulnerability. The book's exploration of adoption and its impact on the author's life resonates with many readers who have experienced similar situations. The personal narratives in the book offer a relatable and compelling perspective on the complexities of adoption.
Historical Context and Research: The book's historical context, including references to historical events from 1940 to the present day, adds depth and richness to the narrative. Readers appreciate the author's thorough research and the way she incorporates historical events into the story. This provides a broader understanding of the social and cultural landscape surrounding adoption during those times.
Emotional Depth and Reflection: Many readers find the book emotionally impactful, particularly in its exploration of the author's relationships with her children and her search for her birth mother. The book delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the longing for a sense of belonging. Readers appreciate the author's willingness to confront these challenging aspects of her life, which allows them to reflect on their own experiences.
Hiking, Nature, and Spirituality: Some readers enjoy the author's descriptions of hiking and time spent in nature. They find these passages meditative and reflective, offering a contrast to the emotional intensity of the book's core themes. However, others find these sections repetitive and feel they detract from the overall narrative.
Psychic Readings and Personal Beliefs: A few readers express mixed opinions about the inclusion of psychic readings and the author's belief in holistic practices. While some appreciate the author's exploration of alternative perspectives, others find it distracting and question the validity of these beliefs.

Reasons for Recommendation

Honest and Relatable Personal Narrative: Readers recommend this book for its honest and relatable portrayal of the author's adoption journey and its impact on her life. The personal narrative offers a unique perspective on the complexities of adoption and resonates with many readers who can empathize with the author's experiences.
Thorough Historical Context: The historical context provided in the book adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to understand the social and cultural landscape surrounding adoption during specific periods. This historical exploration enriches the overall reading experience.
Emotional Depth and Reflection: The emotional depth and introspection present in the book make it a compelling read for those interested in exploring family dynamics, longing for belonging, and self-discovery. Readers appreciate the author's willingness to confront challenging aspects of her life, which encourages reflection on their own experiences.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetitive Sections: Some readers find certain sections repetitive, particularly those revolving around hiking and nature. These passages may detract from the overall narrative for some readers who prefer a more focused storytelling approach.
Inclusion of Psychic Readings: A few readers express reservations about the inclusion of psychic readings and alternative beliefs in the book. They question the validity of these beliefs and find them distracting from the core themes of adoption and personal growth.

Conclusion

"Black Market Baby: An Adopted Woman's Journey" by Renee Clarke is a compelling memoir that explores adoption, family dynamics, and personal growth through a relatable personal narrative. The book's historical context adds depth to the story, while its emotional depth resonates with readers seeking to understand complex relationships and longing for belonging. While some readers appreciate the inclusion of hiking and nature descriptions, others find them repetitive or detracting from the overall narrative. Additionally, some readers express mixed opinions about psychic readings and alternative beliefs presented in the book. Overall, "Black Market Baby" offers a unique perspective on adoption and provides valuable insights into personal growth for those who engage with its honest and reflective exploration of life experiences.