Forever Lily: An Unexpected Mother's Journey to Adoption in China

Adoption is a tough journey in itself, but when from China, it adds another element. "Forever Lily: An Unexpected Mother's Journey to Adoption in China" tells her story of traveling to China initially to give a friend of hers support in her own decision for adoption. As her friend begins to have second thoughts, Beth looks towards to the forgotten child and takes her as her own. Detailing this emotional journey, "Forever Lily" is a solid read for anyone considering international adoption.

I found this gem of a book in an airport bookstore and it made a long layover and plane trip seem to "fly" by. I couldn't put it down. My favorite part of this beautifully written story were the vivid and detailed dream passages. Integral to the unfolding of the story, the dreams offer a glimpse into the author's psyche, subconscious - her very soul. The author's willingness to invite the reader along on her inner journey is what sets this book apart from other memoirs. Without the dream passages, this book would be little more than a travelogue through China that leads to adoption. I applaud the author's courage in sharing her amazing story and am richer for having read it. If you are open to reading about beliefs, experiences and a perspective that may be different from your own, you will enjoy this book.

I thought this book was beautifully written and the story captured my heart. I liked the way the author placed her dreams alongside the current situations. I thought the dreams added an extra dimension to the story. I cried, laughed and ached along with the author as she went through the adoption process and trip with Alex who was supposed to adopt the baby. I think Alex was portrayed in a very honest manner, but with compassion for her personal plight of having gone through the adoption process only to discover that she really didn't want the child after all. If it hadn't been for Alex and her invitation to Beth to go to China and her ultimate decision not to adopt, Beth wouldn't have ended up with Lily. In reality, life is sometimes like that, best laid plans don't work out, yet what's meant to be ultimately prevails. I thought this book was lovely and I urge anyone who wants to read a story with heart and a truly happy ending should read this book. It touched my heart and soul - I can't imagine that it wouldn't touch yours.

Russell's account of adopting a child in China has to be one of the most unique and compelling ever heard. The personal memoir interwoven with dreams the writer had while in China certainly begs one to believe this was all meant to be. How many people, given the same situation, would choose in a split second to change their lives forever? This story is a wonderful tale of self-less love and justification that there is still good in this world.