I've been hiding something from you all.
Last August, I got this vague idea in my head that it would be cool to put together a book of essays about international adoption. And then, as is usually the case when I have an idea, I thought about all the details that would have to come together for it to actually happen, and I got tired.
Then I emailed my friend Dianna (as I do every day), and mentioned something in passing about this idea. Dianna, you see, is a woman of action. Despite the zillion other things she had going on in her busy life, the next thing I knew -- maybe ten, fifteen minutes later -- we had a list of possible contributors, a spreadsheet, a cover artist and a timeline for our book release. Shortly thereafter, we also had a graphic and Web designer.
And what do you know? Almost nine months later, our book is now complete! Yes, that's right! We have a BOOK!
And it's preeeeetty:
Buy it here! It is ready for your pre-order! Operators are standing by!
(Books will start shipping in June.)
All profits (as in, 100% of the profits!) go to OrphanCare International, the same lovely people who distribute the educational scholarships in Noelle's province, for which many of you have generously donated, and who are building playgrounds at the orphanages in Vietnam, for which many of you have also donated! (And those are just two of their many, many projects for orphans and families around the world).
I happen to think this book is pretty fantastic, and I can say that without really bragging since the vast majority of the writing is not my own. We have lots of different types of families represented -- families who struggled with infertility, families who have children from multiple countries, families who have a mix of biological and adopted children -- and their stories are told in many different voices -- by moms, by dads, by single parents, by adult adoptees. And as you've probably guessed, at least one of the stories does not have a happy ending (yet).
I'm so proud of this project, and I hope you'll buy our book, whether for yourself or for someone you know or for 1,000 of your closest friends. But don't do it for me. Do it for the children!
Wow, congratulations!
I would actually love to order a copy, but I can't see if they offer international shipping (to Europe). Do they? Or will there be other places where the book will be sold?
Posted by: nicolien | May 06, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Oh my gosh! This is so cool! What a great idea! I cannot use enough exclamation points!
Posted by: -R- | May 06, 2009 at 07:56 AM
This is awesome. I can't wait to read it!!!
Posted by: Julie | May 06, 2009 at 08:54 AM
you're so sneaky... this is wonderful! congratulations!
Posted by: beyond | May 06, 2009 at 10:06 AM
This is so.cool.
Posted by: Swistle | May 06, 2009 at 10:21 AM
How wonderful! I know a few families who have adopted internationally, and I'm sure they would love this book!
Posted by: 3carnations | May 06, 2009 at 12:18 PM
That's very cool! Congratulations!
Posted by: fats | May 06, 2009 at 04:33 PM
Fabulous! What a wonderful gift to many people. You go, girl!
Posted by: Linda | May 06, 2009 at 09:17 PM
Thanks, you guys!
Nicolien, the book can be shipped internationally! You'd just need to add $8 to the cost to cover shipping. Thanks!!
Posted by: Lawyerish | May 08, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Congrats! Am so happy for you! Once I get paid, I will definitely be buying this book! Would you sign it if we sent it to you, and paid for shipping back?
Posted by: danielle | May 08, 2009 at 10:53 PM
OOooh, that book is written for meeeee! How brilliant!
Posted by: twangy | May 09, 2009 at 04:08 PM
This is so fantastic! Congrats on bringing this precious project to fruition. Can't wait to read it (and am hoping there will be a sequel that includes your own happy ending someday).
Posted by: AmyB | May 11, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Grat news, congratulations! You keep a secret well! ;-) I will go buy it! I love the title. I really believe certain things are meant to be and that thing work together for a reason.
Posted by: Mauigirl | May 11, 2009 at 05:34 PM
I'm late to this, but congratulations! This is so exciting - what a way to channel your excitements and frustrations into something that will have an impact on so many people. That's really great news.
Posted by: Jen | May 12, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Oh my gosh, Danielle, I would be more than happy to sign the book for you if you want! That's so sweet of you!
Also, y'all, there is now a special International Sales button on the site, so buy away no matter where you are!
Posted by: Lawyerish | May 13, 2009 at 01:48 PM