A well-written exploration of one woman's journey to find her family,
and ultimately, herself.
Live a Life You Love!
Natasha Munson, author of "Life Lessons For My Sisters"
and "Spritual Lessons For My Sisters"
http://www.sisterlessons.com
In a candid, honest, and emotionally connective life story, Barbara Gowan shares the story of a woman's quest for love, the loss of love, and finally finding real love in unexpected places. This is more than one woman's story of abuse and victory; it is the common struggle of life with the usual cast of characters: family, addictions, and unforeseen challenges. Through her journey of hurt, hope and healing, Gowan painfully and prayerfully opens our eyes to how God works all things together for good.
Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of St. John's Congregational Church
A compelling story of love, forgiveness and courage; the adoptive journey taken by Barbara is unique, interesting, and filled with refreshing honesty. This book is a must-read!
Yvonne L. Williams, author of Tested Faith and It's All About Shoes
It's powerful and gripping storytelling! Barbara Gowan gives readers a stimulating point of view on adoption and multicultural family relationships.
Thomas Brooks, author of A Wealth of Family: An Adopted Son's International Quest for Heritage, Reunion and Enrichment
Blending In is a sharp and candid look at the life of an woman looking for peace and acceptance in every aspect of her life- from family to marriage to church. She puts a heroic spin on finding true love and not losing yourself in the process, and she is not afraid to show her vulnerabilities. Her search for her birth parents leaves the reader on the edge of her seat, quitely rooting for (Gowan) to find what she is looking for! I started this book on a Saturday evening and simply could not put it down! The Appendix lists numerous resources for Adoptive families, and helpful spiritual books are cited throughout the book. I found several "Aha!" and "That happened to me to!" moments while reading the book, connecting me even more-so with Gowan and her story. Blending In is not only a book for adoptive families, people of mixed race backgrounds or even survivors of abuse, this is a book for every woman who has ever awakened to the realization that she wants something better for her life. Gowan is a modern day truth-teller! Buy one for yourself and for every woman you know!
Crystal Senter Brown
Author, Doubledutch
www.crystalsenterbrown.com
This memoir is an important contribution to understanding the profound and complex affects of adoption. Ms. Gowan's honest exploration of her life, racial-ethnic heritage, and her pursuit of creating and connecting the many roots and branches of her family tree will hopefully provide insights to help adoptive parents, birthparents, and most importantly, adoptees.
Gina M. Samuels PhD, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago
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Barbara Gowan's honest life story delights, entertains and at times reminds us f ourselves. As the reader we learn of the confusion and "yearning to belong" that many adoptees experience. This book shares so beautifully how the reality of a person's accomplishments, personal character and achievements are only a partial makeup of the multifaceted life of most adoptees. I encourage those whom are not adopted to read this book to closer comprehend the complexities of being adopted. This is exactly the reason this is a MUST read for everyone that wishes to learn about human relationships. This book deepens the reader's understanding that adoption is NOT a one-time occurrence in someone's life. I highly recommend this book to ALL adoptive parents, adoptees, birthparents and birthfamilies as well as those in the adoption support community. Most importantly, I recommend this book to pre-adoptive parents. This book will help you to see into your child's heart before you meet him or her. This book will better you as a parent as well as your child.
Sabra Cossentine, Pioneer in Adoption Support Community via the internet
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"Blending In is a touching coming-of-age story describing the journey for self-identity of a woman who is both bi-racial and adopted. In telling her story, Gowan gives strength and voice to many others with similar stories."
Deborah Howard
Author of Repairing the Quilt of Humanity: A Metaphor for Healing and Reparation
Founder, Guiding Change Consulting
Publisher, Guiding Change, the Blog
http://guidingchange.org/blog/2008/10/28/place-an-order/
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