Assessment:
Idea/Concept: Molony draws from her first-hand experience serving as a foster and adoptive parent in this poignant memoir. She details the intricacies of the foster care system and the hurdles of formal adoption, while also candidly exploring the unique emotions experienced by parents during a “paper pregnancy.” Molony openly addresses her fears and anxieties relating to adopting a child, while speaking candidly about the psychological, physical, and emotional struggles her son endured after she and her husband welcomed him into their home.
Prose: Molony's prose is clear, communicative, and effectively serves the author’s intent: to tell her own story of fostering and adopting a child, while helping prospective parents to navigate a complicated, emotionally draining, process.
Originality: Though stories of fostering and adopting children aren’t uncommon, Molony offers a uniquely intimate perspective on a life-altering experience.
Execution: Molony's audience may, naturally, be somewhat limited to readers who are considering becoming foster or adoptive parents. Molony relies on her faith as she learns to become the parent she wants to be, which may also somewhat restrict her potential audience. Nevertheless, Molony's genuine voice and candor will find a grateful readership.
Date Submitted: January 30, 2020
