Adoption literature and books is growing in the adoption reform movement. There are many helpful books and articles that have been written on the subject of adoption search by all members of the triad as well as professions who work with triad members. If you are considering a search or starting a search familiarize yourself with this literature and gather all the helpful information you can.

There are a five books that when starting a search are a must read.

The first is Birthright: Search and Reunion for Adoptees, Birthparents, and Adoptive Parents written by Jean Strauss. Jean is an adoptee who searched for her own natural mother and Birthright covers adoption search resources and tips, as well as exploring the effects of reunion on all members of the adoption triad.

The second is Search: A Handbook for Adoptees and Birthparents. I believe that this book is in its 3rd or 4th edition now and is written by Jayne Askin. Jayne details a step by step process for unearthing adoption information through sealed adoption records, government data, and reference resources.

The third is Adoption Search Book: Techniques for Tracing People written by Mary Jo Rillera. This book provides guidance for adoptees, natural parents, adoptive parents and siblings searching for family members with places to find documents and information. The book also includes tips for overcoming search difficulties and advice on handling the emotional reunion.

Birthbond by Judith S. Gedimen is based on interviews with women who relinquished their children to adoption. The author presents documentation of what happens when natural mothers and their children meet. The stories told are bittersweet and shows that reunion provides enrichment and release from guilt but yet for others the event is wrenching. This book also includes views of birth fathers, adoptive parents, and grandparents.

The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child by Nancy Verrier is a difficult but excellent read. I have read the book a couple of times and has helped me to understand myself in regards to why I am the way that I am, why I do some of the things I do and why I struggle with certain things in my life. This is a must read for adoptees, and all parents of adopted children. Adoptive parents may resist believing in the Primal Wound but believing in it is for the benefit of your children. If you understand them you will be able to help them throughout their lives even in the simplest ways even if it is reassurance that you will return home from work.