Kidnapped: Child Abduction in America

This is not easy reading, particularly for a left-behind parent who may have had to or continues to endure the terrorizing tragedy of child abduction or kidnapping (they are two very seperate but painful events, and are dealt with in the courts differently). In 'Kidnapped: Child Abduction in America' by Paula S. Fass, readers are brought into a historical perspective on how society deals with the abduction and wrongful removal of a child, and how this perception has moved the courts in different ways. Fass brings out a very important issue in this meaningful, yet painful book: what is the role of the media in abduction, and how has the role of the public voice directed the subjectivity of the various courts who are charged with overseeing such cases. Importantly, the author also points out that though the law is objective in theory, how the courts have handled abduction is subjective. What is missing, is an in-depth understanding of what a left-behind parent can do for themselves while seaching for a child. Emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially most left-behind parents are left with scars no words could ever express. The turmoil brought onto a parent, yet alone a child, is unbearable. And for some, always with the safety of the child first and foremost, it may not be easy or suggested that a left-behind parent speaks directly to the press due to concern of their child's safety. Nevertheless, this is an invigorating book, and the stories presented, painful. When you see one of those fund raisers for an organization involved with missing children, do not think twice about helping. If you're a parent involved with a search, keep your faith. Sometimes its the only thing one can hold onto. Again, keep your faith. Well done, and thank you for bringing the issues of child abduction and child kidnapping out further into the public light.

If you're really interested in missing children and child kidnappings, like I am, this is definately the book for you. It begins with the heartbreaking 1874 ransom abduction of Charley Ross from Pennsylvania. His father refused to pay the ransom, not because he didn't love his son, but because he thought kidnappers should not profit from their crime. Charley never returned home. The next chapter is about the Lindbergh baby, then Leopold and Loeb, and so on. It ends with modern kidnappings: Etan Patz, Kevin Collins and Polly Klaas. There's also a chapter on parental abduction. In other words, this book is very extensive.While it's a very "academic" book, it's not dull like a textbook. I found it very entertaining, with a nice centerfold of photographs. This book should definately have a place on anybody's true crime shelf.