Has anyone else read this book?

Question

The Girls Who Went Away?

It's about what happened to girls, who got pregnant, when they weren't married... back in the day. It was a godsend for my BF who was adopted almost 50 years ago. It answered questions she felt too guilty to ever ask, she really loves her parents, but she still wanted to know "why". She has contacted her mother and they are JUST ALIKE. I was just wondering if anyone else has read this book?

http://www.thegirlswhowentaway.com/

Answer 1

Yes!  It was very intriguing.  I am not adopted, but I majored in history in college, and have always been intrigued by the social stigmas and customs of the 1950's and 60's.  I thought this book was engrossing and truly heartfelt.  To hear some of these women's firsthand accounts of finding out they are pregnant when unmarried, and then getting shipped off somewhere to have their baby and forced to give it up was heartbreaking.  Not long after I finished it, I found out a friend had given up a baby for adoption years before we met.  I mentioned the book to her.  I hope she read it.  I think before I would have looked down on her for giving up her baby, but having read that book, I see how much courage it takes and how it affects the mother for the rest of her life.

It was a great read.  I highly recommend it too!

Answer 2

Yes!  A fabulous book as far as I'm concerned.  Not only did it remind me of the girl I was when I placed my son for adoption, it also showed me plain as day how I was coerced despite adoption being "my choice."  Adoption has a long way to go in reform.  =o(

Answer 3

I have never read it, nor have I heard about it.  

I am adopted and within the last year, I have come into contact with my BM, and uncles, and I am somewhat confused in how to do about dealing with my birth mother.  I have been told many things about her, and I know that it is for me to form my own opinions of her, but the last conversation we have had she told me that she had lied on my non-identifying information.  Not a good start I think to wanting to get to know your daughter.  

I will see if I can find that book and read it.  Hopefully it will be able to help me.

Thanks.

Answer 4

Yes. I read it about a year ago. I really liked it. I have two adopted children and I'm certainly glad their birth mothers didn't have to go through what birthmothers from 50 years ago had to. I'd like my kdis to read the book when they are older.