I have some friends I’d like you to meet – Kavita, Jasu, Somer, Krishnan, and Asha. I met them here at the beach on vacation; I’ve only known them for a few days. As much as I’d like to speak to them and allow you to do the same, we can’t; they are alive only in a well painted portrait of words. But, they’ve spoken to me.
There aren’t many books in which I find myself drawn in some way to all the characters. Maybe one or two resonate with me, not all. Shilpi Somaya Gowda’s Secret Daughter
A poor rural Indian family unable to provide for more than one child and knowing for varied reasons (as is the case in many places) that that one child needed to be a boy. And, a California couple, both doctors, unable to heal their most emotional case yet–their own infertility. Their families become forever intertwined through adoption.
It is a story of motherhood and of the discovery of what motherhood really means. You follow the journey as an Indian-American girl sees life in a new way as she learns her own story and the love of her past for the first time and concludes that sometimes “the family you create is more important than the one you are born into.”
Part of me wishes I were the reporter and that I could sit down in a crowded restaurant in Bombay with Kavita over a cup of hot chai and hear more. Maybe I’d bring Lydia with me and let her hear it all too, see it in Kavita’s own eyes. I know that her story of commitment and surrender is not Lydia’s story–we don’t know what her story is despite my efforts to learn more. And, I know better than to pretend that they are alike even if Kavita were Chinese instead of Indian. Still, I imagine the meeting and the blessing it would be to us.
Part of me wishes I could travel to California and join Somer at Starbucks over a cup of iced coffee. I’d ask her how she would have parented differently knowing what she knows now. Though our worldviews differ, and I have four little ones while she has one who is grown, we share the common bond of raising a daughter we wanted before she was even born whose skin, eyes, and frame do not resemble ours but who fits perfectly in our arms.
Part of me wishes we could be instantly transported to wherever Asha’s work has her now and talk while we walk together in the early morning. Asha’s self-discovery is not based first on her position before her Maker as we pray Lydia’s will be. Yet, I wish I could ask her her thoughts on language classes and holidays and traditions and searching.
But, I must settle for the page before me, pages about women and families based only on research, women and families who do not exist though represent thousands and thousands around the world, pages I will likely read again perhaps along with Lydia in 12 years or so. All so that as she enters adolescence and asks more questions, and I’m in a new season of parenting an adolescent girl with a history I do not share, I’m there as questions come up. Maybe I’ll be able to answer some, and I’ll simply be with her when I can’t, while pointing her to Truth all along.
I want you to read this book. I just do. I want lots of you to read this book so I can either sit down and chat with you about it or email about it since my husband no longer wants to hear me talk about it (he keeps reminding me that this people are not real).
I can be sure that one of you will get to read Secret Daughter
To enter, leave a comment on this post with why you’d like to win or what interests you about this book.
If you want a second entry, share a link to this giveaway on Facebook and leave me a second comment here telling me you did.
I won’t make you become a follower here for an extra entry to win. But, hey, it would be nice.
Enter before Friday, July 29th at 10pm EST. I’ll choose a winner randomly using random.org after that. And expect an email from me asking you how you liked it after a little while, okay?
The books sounds captivating. Your descriptions are so amazing. I loved reading this post. Put me down for an entry please!
I love books that introduce me to foreign cultures … and I have read a number of books by Indian writers … but not this one! It sounds like an awesome book. And you could meet me for coffee to discuss it! :)
First of all, I love a good book. Second of all, I am a third culture kid who though is now an adult, appreciates what two different cultures add to a person and how they react to life. Also, I am both a biological and an adoptive mom who will certainly pass this book along to my precious daughter who is comtemplating adoption.
Oh, oh, oh!!! Me, me, me!! If I don’t win this book, you can be sure I’ll be buying it!! Sounds like a good one!!
Okay. You’ve definitely intrigued me. Sounds like a gripping story. (I did a FB link, too)
What an interesting sounding book! I would love reading about adoption through the eyes of another culture other than just China (which I am inevitably drawn to.) Perhaps then my husband wouldn’t roll his eyes at me and my fascination with that culture and adoption–because truly it is the mother-child relationship/bond that fascinates me most.
Thanks for pointing out this book!
-Valerie
Reading is just about my favorite thing in the world. If I don’t win, I’ll definitely be checking this out from the library!
Just having a “blah” day today…battling the feeling of insignificance in “just” being a mom. I KNOW it’s not true, just a tough day. Just reading your review of the book makes me cherish motherhood all over again. Put me down for an entry. I sure could use a good book to snuggle into bed with!
As an adoptive mom to a daughter and an avid reader of adoption stories, this sounds right up my alley! Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
sounds like a great read. Have you read “No Riding your Bike in the House without a Helmet”? I’m reading it now–LOVE IT!!!
You’ve peaked my interest and I don’t read nearly enough.
verguldi@verizon.net
Sounds like a great read! I would love to read it as an adoptive parent… thanks for the fun giveaway!
I recently read this book – loved it! Seriously amazing!!
Just downloaded it– Let’s chat via email soon :)
I am going to get the book and read it and then lets talk.
I sometimes wonder how much the unknown of Caroline’s history is more my issue then it will be hers. Our girls will grow up as American girls and really might not have as much interest in what happened as we do.
I did not ask the orphanage for her clothes that she was found in and I often feel guilty for that but I know that when she was found she was sent to the hospital
My goodness! Sounds like a great book. I just love when you read a book and feel like you really know the characters. It makes you want to just curl up in bed with the book and leave this world for awhile.
You can always start another online book club! It seems like forever since we did that one long ago.
I would love to win this book since we are in the process to adopt our daughter and because God has been stirring my heart about India!
Right now, reading gives me hope and strength while we wait for our official waiting child match…
8 years of fertility treatments. tears. Dreams of being a Mommy.
Sealing documents, applying for our passports… this IS going to happen! Life is good. Karma is better.
I’ve already read this book and loved it !
There were so many parallels with the way my daughter was abandoned,her age at adoption, etc.. Great book !!! I saw it at Target on day as I was passing by the book isle and I randomly bought it. So glad I did !!!
EVERYTHING interests me about this book? The biggest thing? Now that our church camp is over, I might actually be able to read it (or anything) now! :)
You know this topic is one I am VERY interested in, and I LOVE a book that has been highly recommended by a friend. So, this is a win-win-win, for me. So, even if I don’t WIN, I will be reading this book! :)
oh- and I linked on FB too….I am ready for some beach reading!!!!
Sounds like a great book, and I’m going to the beach soon so I need a book to read. I’d love to win it!
I love how you describe the book – it sounds soooo good. Hope I win – thanks
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
I have 3 preteen adopted daughters and your description captivated me… “sometimes the family you create is more important than the one you are born into.” How to help them heal from their losses or at the very least keep them in a safe place in their hearts.
I would love to win a copy of this book – I have heard some good stuff about it and reading about other moms and other cultures, adoption related or not, always interests me :)
I just FB link’d it…. :)
We are in the process of adopting a beautiful baby girl from Korea and I would love to read this book! It sounds like an incedible read with eye opening truths and an unforgettable life story! (whether real people or not :) )
This book sounds amazing. Definitely on my reading list now. And i think, a pick for book club!
Pick me!!! I am from California, currently living in Texas. We are taking a road trip to CA in September and this would make a wonderful road trip book!
I just posted something on FB also!
Oh this is a MUST read! I want to win! :)
Sounds like an excellent book! I would love to read it! (and win it! lol)
Our two youngest daughters were both born in China….this might prove to be quite relevant to all of us.
I just posted a link on FB!!! :)
I was not familiar with this book so: Thank you for blogging about it. As the mom of 4 kids (3 girls) who joined together to create a family, this sounds right up my alley.
I would love some more summer reading. As a mom to 2 beautiful adopted daughters, I would LOVE to read this. Maybe I’ll just buy it if I can’t win it:)
I’m always interested in a book that draws you in to ALL the characters! I am also, of course, interested in books about mothers & daughters and the special relationship they share!!
Hadn’t heard of this book yet and it sounds so interesting, would love to read it! Thanks for sharing.
Just searching for a beach book last night, leaving the 31st. Adoption story…one I can not wait to immerse myself in. Yay, and thanks for sharing!
I am an adoptive mom and was an adoption professional before I became a mom. I love reading and can’t get enough of the adoption books. I hope one day to have a daughter, but would love to read this book.
Blessings,
Laurie
Fiction can be such a good medium for drawing us in and making us consider problems from many different perspectives. This book sounds like a good way to help me better understand the issues that my daughter’s birth family might have faced, and those that she may face as she grows and becomes more aware of what adoption means. So, I’d love to win for that reason… and my summer reading stack is dwindling! Thanks for the giveaway!
Oops. That last comment from Sarah should have been from me, Laura. I forgot to log her out of google!
Yes, I’m very interested…have I told you that if we go for a number four I’m thinking boy from India? Just gotta pray God supplies the finances and leads Scott to this conclusion. Anyways, I might be making this a book club suggestion, so you think non-adopters would be interested?
Lynne
Saw this book in the store…would love to read it! Its description reminds me a bit of “Beyond the Blue”. Will definitely read it, one way or the other. Thanks for the recommendation!
Oooh! I’m gearing up for my annual family vacation with lots and lots of beach reading time. This sounds like a perfect addition to my stack of books. And I promise some lovely email correspondence after I read it. :)
I would love to win this. I haven’t read any good fiction in a while. I mostly read blogs and Bible studies so this sounds like a work of fiction I’d enjoy as it relates to something near & dear to my heart.
I am an adoptive mom to three beautiful children and love reading all things adoption related.
Sarah
Ohhh, here’s hoping I get picked!
Youe description has convinced me that I need to read the book. It is calling to me on various levels, the clearest (tho not the simplest) as an adoptive mom to a child from another culture. I would be most grateful to win a copy, and will pass it/pay it forward to others afterwards (if I can bear to part with it, that is!)
Mary
Just linked to your giveaway on my FB account. Thanks for the extra chance. Mary
I can’t get enough books about adoption and how families are intertwined together through adoption. Put me down for one entry! Can’t wait to read!
I just shared this link on fb. Thanks for the extra chance to win this book.
I could use a good new read! sign me up!!
Would love to read this book because 1) I havent read a book that sucks me in in a long time, 2) I have only read books on napping schedules, child development, and discipline in the last 9 months, and 3) I am drawn to this story as we have been discussing and praying about our plans to adopt.
Your review of “Secret Daughter” surely has me wanting to read this title. Added to my TBR list! Hoping, of course, that I win the giveaway!
FYI…found this giveaway at the Fence and voted for you there, too.
Shared on my Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/#!/abitosunshine/posts/213316318720333
This book sounds so interesting. I would love to win it.
l_dog542 at yahoo dot com
OK, I never win a thing…ever. And I’m not even just talking about your blog giveaways. So, I was in Target the other day and I saw this book and knowing what I know about my luck, I bought it. I will enjoy reading it for my “late summer” read! :0)
I would love to read this. I love reading stories that the characters really come to life in.
cmw_2289 at yahoo dot com
I want to read more about the reasonings behind not wanting a girl and the different cultures. Book is on my reading list :)
Lmbrunken AT gmail DOT com
Shared on fb
http://m.facebook.com/?w2m&_rdr#!/home.php
I am a GFC blog follower!
ruthcox at abitosunshine dot net
I’d like to win b/c I’m always in the market for a new book. Thanks!
aleksa91 hotmail com
I don’t just WANT to win this book, I NEED to win this book. I have nothing to read!
I just posted the contest on my facebook page!
This book sounds like a great story of family dynamics and emotional journies….my favourite kind of book to read. Thanks for the review and I hope to read it! amanda.ae@gmail.com
This book sounds great – I love that it is based on real women and could introduced me to the different struggles moms have worldwide!
wilburnnewsome atyahoodotcom
after reading your post I can’t wait to read this book and chat with you about it!! Thanks for the chance to win it
I would love to read this it sounds wonderful, I love stepping into others worlds and lives
robinblankenship at gmail dot com
I would love to read this book-my sister recently adopted an asian baby and this book sounds so good
laurie1993@verizon.net
i love to read and this book sounds superb!
brianaduda at gmail dot com
this book sounds good, I would love to enter suelee1998 @ gmail.com
I’ve been an avid bookworm all my life, and love a good book – usually a book has to ‘sell’ me in the description or at the very least, from the first chapter. You have me sold on this book from your awesome description, and the fact that the book draws you in to the story. I love books like that! Please throw my name into the hat for the giveaway. My husband and I have been talking at length about adopting a sibling for our one-and-only miracle child, and I bet this book will only enhance those discussions. ;) I’m now following you. ;)
Aloha: Back to School Shopping – Let the Foraging Begin!
I tried to comment before… Hm. Sorry if it is a double post. I want to win because I need an escape! I can’t afford Disney, so a good book would be perfect!
Wow, you just made me REALLY want to read this book with your description/review. What is up with your husband, anyway, that he doesn’t want to discuss it endlessly? Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy.
This book just sound compelling to me! I LOVE a book with interesting characters that I come to love! based solely on your post I would LOVE to read this book!
beckeesdeals at gmail dot com
Oh! This sounds great. I love stories about different types of families.
With adoption near and dear to us – this sounds very good! I’d love to read it!
Just posted on Facebook – Becky Wagner Bilby
Seeing how much you love this book makes me want to read it, too!
Hook me up, random generator!!
This sounds like an amazing journey. I have a boy and a girl and I sometimes struggle with balancing raising both to be strong and compassionate while fighting aged stereotypes. I too will be checking this out from the library if I don’t win.
I want to win because this book sounds great
sarahlovesvegas@hotmail
I’m an adoptive mom to a daughter from China, and the adoption theme in this book is intriguing
As both an adoptee and adoptive parent, I would be very interested to read this book! THanks for the opportunity!