Product Description

This family’s true story, told with exquisite detail, shares the sadness and joys of their long process to adopt an abandoned Chinese baby girl. Sarah Woodard reveals with humor, sensitivity and honesty the adoption process, the journey to bring home her daughter and the ultimate adventure of becoming a mother. It is an absorbing story, beautifully written, in which two different cultures combine and illuminate each other, culminating in a heart-warming ending. But, as this new family is being born, it is really only the beginning.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #679207 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

About the Author
$1 from each book sold will be donated to the "Home of Joy" project, an orphanage located in northern China. Donations will be used towards providing food, clothing, vitamins, medicines and needed supplies for children in the orphanage.

Customer Reviews

a "must-read" for those adopting from China!
I was so absorbed in this book that I completed it in one evening. While this is a slim book, it is a compelling read for two reasons: (1) it contains lots of helpful information that prospective parents would appreciate; and (2) Ms. Woodard is an exceptionally engaging writer. I especially appreciated Ms. Woodard's optimistic, yet realistic, tone ... I have read similar adoption memoirs that take a somewhat "Pollyanna-ish" perspective. Ms. Woodard is very open about her frustration with her daughter's initial adjustments, and I found that reassuring. All in all, this book is a valuable resource for those considering China adoption.

A wonderfully pragmatic memoir
I too read Daughter From Afar in a single sitting. I laughed and cried as Sarah and her husband negotiated each step of the adoption process and she described the uncertainty as well as the understanding that their daughter was meant for them. I found myself reliving the wonderful emotions of our first adoption, something that was filled with many of the same firsts and unknowns as well.

Sarah brings the process to life but sprinkles pragmatism and realism into the mix. Her book creates a realistic portrait of a family formed through adoption with the love and challenges that come with taking the leap of faith that is so necessary for adoptive families. I would recommend this book if you are considering adoption or you have adopted. It will make you look at your children and smile as you remember how it all started, or give you an understanding of what could be.

Very realistic view of international adoption.
This is a great book recounting the journey of one couple in their quest to adopt from China. They are respectful of the culture, country and the people and feel very real emotions throughout the process. I enjoyed reading about their fears, concerns and dreams concerning their coming daughter, and never once got the feeling that they decided to adopt simply because it was 'expected' of them to have children.

I recommend this book to anyone who is adopting from China or even thinking about adopting from China.