Adoption isn’t a subject I ever gave much thought to, but overall, I saw it in a relatively positive light. Relinquished taught me so much and completely made me rethink the way I feel on the subject. While incredibly well-researched, the writing never feels too academic or inaccessible, and the way birth mothers’ stories are interwoven throughout gives the book a really nice flow. Reading about the trauma experienced by mothers who have relinquished devastated me, particularly when many years had gone by with little to no progress on healing. The chapter I found most intriguing discussed how adoption is shown in pop culture, and how much it shapes the opinions of viewers. I can certainly admit to never giving birth mothers much thought in the past, but seeing the way they are presented with this new lens truly appalled me. I found it so interesting to see how the birth mothers interviewed came from vastly different backgrounds and situations, but all came to the same basic conclusion when reflecting on their adoptions: Abortion access is essential, and adoption is not a solution to unplanned pregnancy.

Through countless interviews with sociologists, adoptees, birth mothers, and other experts, Dr. Sisson has written a thoroughly compelling book that will make you rethink what you’ve been conditioned to believe and demand we work to change it.

A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!! I really enjoyed this book; definitely something I will tell my friends about!

I have very conflicting thoughts about adoption, and this book gives a lot of insight into that process.

Important and informational book about adoption. This topic is close to my heart. I read a lot of books about adoption so I knew I would have to get this one. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was heartbreaking but so important. Too often, adoption is considered the best option for an unwanted pregnancy with no thought for the harm it can cause. And when the consequences and considered, it mostly focused around the adopted child. This book completely focused on the impact to the birth mothers and was told mainly in their own words from interviews. It was really interesting to see the variety of views they still have on adoption, from still encouraging others to consider adoption to wanting the entire industry ended. Now that abortion rights are threatened, this book is incredibly important and timely.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An in depth look at adoption in America. The author does a wonderful job of telling stories of people who have been through the adoption process. A good read.

an incredible read that adds a new voice and insight into the conversations about pregnancy, abortion, and adoption. I learned a great deal and greatly appreciated the interweaving of the author's voice with voices from people who have relinquished their children. I was especially interested in the stories told by women who spoke twice with a 10-year gap in between. Thank you for sharing this book with me!

Adoptions is pushed so heavily by those on the right who oppose abortion, and this is a needed look at the often fraught world of private adoption. Thank you to the publisher for early access to this book in exchange for a review.

“Relinquished” provides needed insight into the ethics of adoption and experience of birth mothers. I was engaged by the included interviews done by the author with birth mothers over the course of ten years. Their stories were often heartbreaking, and what I looked forward to in every chapter. I found the writing style less engaging because of its heavy focus on research. Between the interviews the book reads like a doctorate thesis, but I think the information is important enough to forgive this. “Relinquished” is an excellent resource for anyone considering adoption, and it will be out 02/27/24.

Relinquished is an interesting and at times heartbreaking look at the topic of adoption. In reading this work, I have recognized that there is a lot I did not know about private adoption and about the way options are presented to those who are pregnant. I will definitely be looking deeper into this topic and I’m thankful to the author for writing.