Patricia takes readers on a deeply personal journey as she reflects on her life and the discovery that she was adopted through the black market. We follow along as she begins unraveling a lifetime of secrets, including the possibility that her birthday is not accurate and that the birth certificate she always believed to be authentic is not. As she searches for her birth parents and pieces together her true identity, she must navigate the uncertainty, loss, and challenges that come without having the records and answers most people take for granted.
Honest, compelling, and beautifully written.

As an adoptive mom, I read and devour all books with an adoption theme. This was no exception. I was fascinated by the stories Meyer shared. The writing is expert-level, and I found myself staying up late to read through it! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Patricia Knight Meyer was adopted on the black market in the early 1970s, with her adoptive parents having obtained her through payment to a shady lawyer—she never had a real birth certificate. Moreover, her adoptive parents dealt with their own challenges and addictions and would likely not have been approved to adopt had they gone through official channels to obtain a baby. This book vividly conveys the fallout of the choices of all the adults involved and how adoption is virtually never a simple story of a child being given up to obtain a better life and living happily ever after….and black market adoption makes things even worse. Meyer’s search for her birth parents, though nominally successful, brings its own kind of pain as she learns that very little is as she imagined it might be and there would have been no such thing as an ideal childhood for her in any case. Her well-written story is consistently compelling and will lead readers to question many of their own assumptions about adoption.

I really enjoyed Wonderland by Patricia Meyer. It’s a powerful memoir that kept me interested from beginning to end, while also making me think about the bigger issues surrounding adoption.

The most heartbreaking part was learning about some of the adoption practices in the 1970s and how babies were essentially “sold” through a system that often lacked transparency. It was difficult to read at times, knowing how many lives were affected by those decisions and how much pain and confusion they caused for adoptees and birth families.
What I liked most about the book was how personal and honest Meyer’s story felt. She shares her experiences in a way that is emotional without being overly dramatic, and her journey made me reflect on the importance of identity, family, and belonging.

The book also sparked my curiosity about adoption laws and reforms. After finishing it, I found myself wanting to learn more about how adoption practices have changed and what efforts have been made to give adoptees and birth families greater access to information and support.

Overall, Wonderland is a touching and thought-provoking memoir. It tells a deeply personal story while also shining a light on an important part of adoption history that many people may not know much about.

A very insightful and harrowing read. I thoroughly enjoy biography books especially those by regular people like Patricia. It opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed and would never have thought would happen.

It took a while for me to get into this, but once the book hit its stride it was well worth the patience. The author is very honest about everything and highlights the many challenges which come with adoptive relationships, made more complex by the illegal nature of her own. This is no hero piece. It doesn’t glorify either biological or adoptive parental roles and I think that is so important. Instead, it focuses on the humanity of all players and the flaws which they inevitably bring. The author is also frank about her own failings, including as a parent, but does not use her adoptive status as an excuse. I found the book incredibly interesting and moving.

Wonderland: Memoir of a Black Market Adoption is a compelling and deeply emotional memoir that sheds light on the devastating realities of black market adoption and the lifelong search for identity and belonging.
Patricia Meyer recounts her personal journey with honesty and vulnerability, inviting readers into an intensely personal story while also highlighting the broader ethical issues surrounding illicit adoption practices. Her resilience and determination to uncover the truth are both inspiring and heartbreaking, making this a memoir that is difficult to put down.
The writing is engaging and accessible, balancing emotional depth with thoughtful reflection. While there were a few sections that felt slightly repetitive, they also reinforced the lasting impact that trauma and unanswered questions can have throughout a person's life.
This is an important and memorable memoir that will resonate with readers who enjoy true stories about family, identity, resilience, and justice. I would happily recommend it to fans of memoirs that educate as much as they move.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

What an incredibly moving and poignant book this was. Meyer writes with such conviction and bravery, sharing parts of her story that I can only imagine were difficult to live through, let alone relive to share with readers. Her tone of voice throughout was gentle and refreshingly honest, even in some moments where I felt like I was intruding on a private conversation. To tell her own life story with this much integrity, while also acknowledging her trauma, was inspiring to say the least.

I couldn’t put this down, I read it over a weekend and found myself gravitating towards it whenever I wasn’t reading. A real page turner with so many beautiful and heartbreaking moments. I feel lucky to have read this and gotten a glimpse into Meyer’s life.

A relentless assault of memories. Every page is filled to the brim with pain, hope, and very wounded people trying to do their best. Knight Meyer recounts her life as a black market baby in excruciating detail, refusing to shy away from the ugliness of both life and death.
I felt the occasional references to studies and articles paired well with the grounded writing style, since the author’s story isn’t just her own, but the story of thousands and thousands of other children sold on the black market. It was both informative and deeply moving. For someone picking up this book with only a passing knowledge of adoption trauma, this felt educational without being a lecture.
Knight Meyer does an incredible job of bringing every person to life, humanizing them no matter what. I found her insights on what she believed people meant or may have felt was interesting with the actions and words of those around her written so objectively. She gave the reader both a look into the effects of adoption trauma on her responses, and the ability to form my own opinion. Including her recollections of her thoughts along with current beliefs created a visible timeline of hurt and healing.
I cried for her pain and loss, so vivid I had no choice but to weep. I truly felt her pain, and her joy, through her words.

Review will be published July 3rd on Goodreads and September 6th onTwitter.

Wow, what a doozie. If “Before We Were Yours” met “The Glass Castle,” this is something like what you would get. Exceptionally well-written, often in ways that make it feel like a novel. Also because some of the things that happen in her life feel unbelievable. Or at least you wish that they were untrue. Meyer’s blunt but caring honesty about her own life and experiences, as well as the realities of trauma inherent in adoption (legal and otherwise) is handled with the utmost care. Highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've never read any other adoption story like this one! The fact that Patricia didn't have any legal papers until she was in her 40s is shocking. Her story really opens the reader's eyes about how adoptions can be incomplete and shady. I admire her for writing her story.

This is a well-written memoir about a topic that not enough people know about. At times this was difficult to get through because of the unimaginable trauma that the author faced, but it cast light on how complex and unromantic the adoption process and reunification can truly be. I really appreciated how honest Meyer was about her relationship with her (adoptive) parents, in that it wasn't black and white: there was genuine love and care there, but also horrific neglect and abuse. I will say that I expected a bit more of a deep dive into black market adoption as a whole to get more context for Meyer's personal experiences. There was some sprinkled in, but I think having more historical context or providing other examples of the industry would have strengthened the narrative a bit more. I still think this is an important book and one that I (as a non-adopted person) could see adoptees feeling seen in.

Plot: Non-fiction about the author’s black market adoption as an infant and her journey to grow and heal while seeking the truth.

Impression: Beautifully and engagingly written. I could feel Patricia’s longing to connect and rode the roller coaster of emotions with her through this process. She addressed some issues of adoption and reunification I had never considered.

Trigger Warning: mentions of sexual assault and verbal abuse

Star System: 5 star reads are books I can’t put down and/or make me cry. This is a book that will stick with me for either the topic, writing style, or emotional impact.
4 star books are unique or interesting and perhaps teach me something new. A feel good read is usually 4 stars.
3 star reads are good, solid books. I’m not necessarily learning or feeling anything new.
2 star books have some plot holes or timeline issues. These are the books that just aren’t believable.
1 star books are typically offensive

Meyer's intimate experience with adoption is both heartbreaking and insightful. Reliving these experiences must have made writing emotionally draining. I applaud her for her efforts as her refreshingly honest narration of such a tragic upbringing demonstrates her commitment to educating the public about how adoption affects children, from infancy to adulthood. Her desire to know her full history; the impact of addiction; the slow unveiling of deceptions make this story compelling.
As an educator, I appreciate the correct use of terminology. While I was unfamiliar with the modern vernacular surrounding adoption, Meyer explains terms from both the historical standpoint and the modern interpretation with respect to the individuals impacted. I especially appreciate the "Study Guide" at the end. It is very well written.
I highly recommend this novel.

This was such a gripping read. My heart broke, repaired itself, and broke over and over again. This kept me glued to my kindle. I absolutely love books like this and I have NO notes! Amazing. Will definitely be recommending to read this in my book club!

This memoir had me hooked from the very start! It felt like I was reading a novel. They say truth is stranger than fiction, and this story is a perfect example. I appreciate Patricia sharing so much of her life with us through this powerful memoir and opening my eyes to the black market adoption industry as well as the Baby Scoop Era. The very end had me so emotional and her release date is such a beautiful commemoration of someone very special to her. This is such an impactful story that needs to be heard!

What a read! Patricia has lived through it and it was an amazing insight to her life
Hard topics but a really good read

Meyer recounts her time growing up in a dysfunctional family after being adopted. Never having gone through the legal process of adoption and never having received any papers or birth certificate, she lives her life constantly wondering who her birth parents are and how she was adopted. Finally meeting her birth mother and birth father, Meyer finds herself in new relationships that aren't always what she hoped or imagined. Meyer's life journey throughout is honest and emotional.

I received a free copy of, Wonderland, by Patricia Knight Meyer, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have never really heard about illegal adoptions, before reading this book This was a heavy read but also a really interesting one.

Received an early copy of this memoir from NetGalley and could not put it down. Extremely well written and the story truly takes you on a wild rollercoaster of events. I especially appreciated the authors willingness to share personal details of her life that everyone can connect with. Although I have no connection to adoption, it’s still a gripping story that makes you emphatic to the trials adoptees go through. Highly recommend if you’re into memoirs like myself!

Prior to reading this memoir, I had no idea about the baby scoop era and black market adoptions. Honestly, everyone should read this memoir, especially if they are wanting to participate in any form of adoption. Patricia really writes a profound, tragic story that truly is compelling. No notes from me besides: amazing!!!

Thank you to Unsolicited Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to get my hands on this Advanced Readers Copy!

I knew, as a person born in 1972, that I grew up with a lot of adopted people. I didn't realize that it was a strange phenomenon. In Wonderland, I was introduced to the term Baby Scoop Era. It was interesting and heartbreaking to hear about these black and gray market adoptions. Patricia's story was fascinating. Wonderland is one of my favorite memoirs.

Some memoirs tell a story. Others make you feel every emotion alongside the author. Wonderland: Memoir of a Black Market Adoption is one of those books.

Throughout her childhood, Patricia Knight Meyer imagines the life she might have had if her birth mother had kept her, believing that somewhere a happier ending was waiting.

When she finally has the chance to meet her birth mother, reality is far more complicated than the dream she had carried for so many years. The memoir honestly explores the lasting effects of abandonment, the struggle to feel worthy, and the realization that answers don’t always bring the healing we expect.

This is an emotional, vulnerable story about identity, loss, and the lifelong search for acceptance. While difficult at times, Meyer’s honesty makes the memoir compelling and thought-provoking. It’s a powerful reminder that family, belonging, and self-worth are rarely as simple as we hope they’ll be.

Wonderland, a memoir by Patricia Knight Meyer @somebodys__baby, is an investigative journey into the author's life as a child relinquished and adopted through black market adoption in the 1970s. Patricia grows up with so many unknowns and it isn't until after both of her adoptive parents pass away that she finally is able to dig deep into her roots and find out more about her identity.

You know I love a good adoption memoir, and I've recently read a few books about black market adoption and the sixties scoop, so this one was a great addition to those readings. I appreciated the author's honesty around her emotions when processing things like finding her biological family and them perhaps not exactly living up to her expectations, or dealing with adverse childhood experiences. Her life and journey were not as easy or straightforward as she would have hoped and her vulnerability and heartfelt descriptions helped me connect with her on a deeper level. I did find that there were times where the author could have been a little bit more clear about her timelines or change of time period as I was often confused. I also felt that the prologue, foreword and author's note felt like quite a laborious start to the story, however, once the author found her footing and was in a more narrative style it was easier to connect with her writing. I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in adoption memoirs and the trauma that comes with secretive, black market or sealed adoptions. I also listened to parts of the audiobook version and it was a good option for those who enjoy that format. Wonderland comes out in November so preorder now or add this one to your TBR!

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @unsolicitedp for giving me the chance to read and review Wonderland!

This book was fantastic! I’m challenging myself to read more nonfiction this year and I came across this one and knew it was for me. My Granny was a black market adoption and she didn’t find out until she was in her twenties and had just given brith to my mom. Patricia’s story is heartbreaking to hear and has so many twists at some point I forgot this was a nonfiction book. Please if you are thinking about this book just go ahead and read it! Thanks NetGally and the publishers for the ARC for review.

This was really interesting and very unique. A story most people don't know and can't relate to but that is what makes it all the more captivating.

This is the intense and personal memoir shared by the author about being relinquished and adopted through a 1970's black market adoption. Patricia was trafficked in 1970, during the 'Baby Scoop Era.' Black Market adoptions were the unlawful transfer of infants to desperate adoptive parents by corrupt attorneys, who were forced to pay for a baby (at that time $30, 000 or more). These 'paperless' babies came with none of the paperwork that would have been received in a legal adoption (e.g., adoption records, birth certificate). Patricia was passed off to her adoptive parents curbside at the hospital.

Patricia takes us on a journey through her childhood, teen years, and early and middle adulthood. Patricia delivers an unfiltered, raw, and honest description of the effects of black-market adoption on the birth family, the child, and the adoptive family. She openly shares non-sugar-coated moments of trauma, addiction, abuse, and complex family dynamics. However, throughout the story evidence of self-discovery and hope, and resilience prevail

This story was not an easy read, but it opened my eyes to many different effects of adoption (not just Black Market) that I had never considered. I highly recommend reading the author's epilogue where she shares her fears about a repeat of the 70's Baby Scoop Era. I had similar thoughts throughout the book as I considered our current climate on the issue of abortion. Thank you, Patricia for reliving your painful experiences to enlighten readers.

Thank you NetGalley and Unsolicited Press for the Advanced Reader Copy.

Absolutely loved your memoir! I wouldn’t change a thing about it! Thank you for letting me review your book in exchange for an honest review!

Fabulous book! This is a fascinating look into the world of black market adoption. It recounts Patricia Knight Meyer's life with her adoptive family, which was often loving but also quite dysfunctional, and her search for her birth parents, including the ups and downs of the aftermath. As the author herself says, this story was not easy to read, largely because of the often cruel behavior of her adoptive mother. Throughout the narrative, however, Ms. Meyer writes with kindness and compassion and with a rather surprising degree of love and loyalty towards the woman she called Mommy. I particularly loved the second half of the book, where she forms new and fascinating relationships, and her story ends on a lovely upbeat note. She is clearly well educated and an excellent writer, and her narration of her book was also first rate. I listened to the audiobook for the first quarter or so, and then read the rest of the book. Both were enjoyable. Highly recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley, Unsolicited Press and YAYDNA Press for the e-ARCS of this book.

Fascinating. Nuanced. Layered. I admire all memoir authors for the ability to put their personal stuff out there, but I am especially blown away by Patricia Knight Meyer. The work that she had to do within herself and her own family to give words to her experience is admirable. This book is many things. Honest and raw. Heartbreaking and hopeful. Top notch memoir. I’d recommend it across the board to most people and all book clubs.

Wow, this book hooked me.

As the title implies, this is a memoir about the author's experience as an adopted child growing up in 1970s Texas as she untangles the weird web of her parents - both adoptive and biological. It details the side effects of the "Baby Scoop" - a phenomenon where attorneys and lawyers used black market tactics to facilitate under the table adoptions. It hit its peak in the late 60s/early 70s, but I have no doubt in my mind that this is still going on to this day (especially in the post-vlog era of 'kidfluencers' and mommy vloggers). There will always be desperate prospective parents and unplanned pregnancies, and to bridge this gap between the two is a sordid industry that takes advantage of both parties.

I'm glad that Patricia is here to share her story, as it's a refreshingly realistic account of how adoptions can really affect everyone involved, and not just the adoptee. I feel like adoption is often depicted as having a fairy tale-esque happily ever after, where the kids are happy with their new kind parents, and the parents are overjoyed with their kids. In reality, it's far more complex, and Patricia Knight Meyer does a great job illustrating her feelings, from as a child to an adult. There's love, but also hatred, anger, despondency and confusion, all the 'ugly' emotions that come with being raised by a turbulent couple as an adoptee.

I really liked that Meyer included her experience with finding her birth parents - something that is also often talked about in rosy depictions of adoptions stories but is equally as (if not more) complicated. Where do you even start with the emotional unpacking? I love how honest and frank Meyer is with the whole experience - from the first contact to the current day.

This book comes out in November, and I think if you're interested in reading more about what it's like to be an adopted child, this is a great, personal introduction to the topic. It's a very 'no frills' memoir about American adoption, and the questions it raises about a second "Baby Scoop" happening due to the overturn of Roe V. Wade is very real. I've heard and seen many stories of adoptions 'falling through' on social media, and while most of them are scams, I can't help but wonder how many of them do end up succeeding - with very little paperwork and documentation of the adoptee's existence.

I love a memoir, usually I only go for ones about celebrities I know of, but this memoir really caught my attention because I honestly had never heard of black market adoption. I didn’t know it was so prevalent and such a real situation. Having Patricia discuss her childhood and her adulthood and all of her struggles was so intense and inspiring. I really enjoyed her life story and reading her emotions while telling it. Learning about black market adoption and what Patricia went through figuring out she was adopted and going through finding her biological parents was a really interesting story. I’m really glad I got to learn so much information from Patricia’s story and I really feel like the book was so well written and kept me intrigued the entire time. I’m so happy I got to read this!!

Some books invite us to recognize ourselves in their characters. Patricia Ann Knight Meyer's Wonderland did something more unsettling for me: it made me recognize myself in the act of picking up the pieces.

The broken shark isn't moving merely because a beloved object is destroyed. It's that Patricia crawls around gathering every piece, thinking perhaps it can be repaired., and somehow imagining that she might need forgiveness. The child's logic is heartbreaking: Something is broken. I am here. Therefore I must do something about the brokenness.

This book gave me another way to understand something I had been carrying for most of my life.

Wonderland is a memoir about adoption, identity, family secrets, belonging, and the long search to understand what happened before we were old enough—or able—to ask the questions. But what stayed with me most was Patricia's compassion for the child she once was, and ultimately for the complicated adults around her.

She doesn't make the past simple in order to make sense of it.

That may be what moved me most.

As an adoptee and a memoir writer myself, I finished Wonderland thinking about the difference between what a child believes is happening and what she may only understand many years later—and about the extraordinary work of gathering the pieces without pretending they were never broken.

A brave, generous, deeply affecting memoir.