Liana Gardner

*Note:* I came ran across this book in BookTrib LitPicks Summer 2024 Hottest Books list.

A memoir about adoption, identity, and the search for belonging.

The Trauma of Adoption

“The essence of trauma, at its purest level, is disconnect from the

*Note:* I came ran across this book in BookTrib LitPicks Summer 2024 Hottest Books list.

A memoir about adoption, identity, and the search for belonging.

The Trauma of Adoption

“The essence of trauma, at its purest level, is disconnect from the self.” ~Dr. Gabor Maté

The quote by Dr. Maté succinctly sums up the trauma of adoption—the feeling of disconnection from the self. When you’ve been adopted and have no memory of your birth family, there is a loss that has been sustained that affects the root of every human being … the knowledge of who you are. Sherlund is unflinching in her honesty, discussing the trauma of being separated from her birth parents and the ache of not knowing her biological family.

Quest for Identity and Belonging

For anyone who has questioned their place in the world, Sherlund’s journey will resonate. Seeking answers takes courage, especially when the truth brings pain and exposes your vulnerability. She grapples with questions about who she is, where she came from, and why she was given away, while confronting denial and shame. There is an innate longing to understand her roots.

Challenging the Happy Narrative

“Adoption loss is the only trauma in the world where the victims are expected by the whole of society to be grateful.” ~Reverend Keith C Griffith

This is where Sherlund’s work shines. What sets Abandoned at Birth apart is her refusal to sugarcoat the adoption experience and she dismantles the myth of a seamless transition into a loving family. Instead, the moments when love isn’t enough to erase the void bubble to the surface.

Relevance in Today’s World

There are approximately 150,000 adoptions that occur in the United States each year, resulting in millions of adoptee Americans. When DNA testing reveals hidden familial connections, Abandoned at Birth gains even greater relevance. Sherlund reminds us that adoption isn’t a fairy tale ending, but a lifelong journey of self-discovery.

The author’s authentic voice and unwavering search for the truth make it a must-read for anyone seeking to untangle and understand the emotions surrounding adoption.