The story of a single gay man's struggle to adopt a child.

Table of Contents

Foreword Preface Chapter 1. Closet Daddy Chapter 2. Sacrifices and Trade-Offs Kids versus Corvettes Chapter 3. My Journey to Vietnam Chapter 4. Being a Gay Dad Study by Gillian Dunne Testimonials Chapter 5. The Adoption Process Homestudy Dossier Medical Reports BCIS (Formerly the INS) Chapter 6. How I Chose Vietnam Destiny's Children What Countries Allow Single Men to Adopt Chapter 7. The Bottom Line How Much Does it Cost Chapter 8. What Are the Current Laws on Gay Parenting in Each State Chapter 9. Other Ways of Becoming a Gay Dad Surragacy Coparenting Chapter 10. Big Decisions Boy or Girl Baby, Toddler, or Older Child Transracial Adoption Domestic or International How Old Is Too Old Chapter 11. Preparing for Life With a Baby or Child Baby Shower Names Preparing Your Home Your Trip Day Care Your Social Life Chapter 12. How to Avoid Problems and What to Do if They Arise Chapter 13. My Decision to Adopt Again Chapter 14. Life with Kids Afterword Helpful Websites and Listservs Web Sites Listservs Index

Reviews

After adopting two Vietnamese infants, McGarry, a gay single man, felt the need to let other gay men know that parenting is possible for them, too. Chapter 1, "Closet Daddy," is an insightful reflection on parental instincts that gays often deny because of their community lifestyle or societal prejudices. The book goes on to cover the various elements of international adoptions: home study, countries that allow single men to adopt, cost, the current law in each state regarding gay parenting, how to prepare for the baby's arrival, and so on. When chronicling his trips to Vietnam to adopt his sons, McGarry uses diary extracts that are riveting and emotional. Unfortunately, the book suffers from many repetitions and, in some cases, contradictions. In "What Countries Allow Single Men," the author lists Cambodia, whereas the preceding chapter does not mention Cambodia in its discussion of the same list. As the book is only 107 pages, such oversights are unforgivable. Jean Nelson-Erichsen and Heino Erichsen's How To Adopt Internationally, revised earlier this year, covers the adoption process in greater detail, whereas Jesse Green's The Velveteen Father addresses fatherhood for gay men with more substance. An optional purchase for larger public libraries or where gay literature is in high demand.-Maryse Breton, Davis Branch Lib., CA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.