| My husband and I are in the paperchase process of adopting from China. Like some other reviewers, I thought this book would give me an indication of how the process would play out once we're over there. What I found in this book were the snobby, close-minded and down-right insulting remarks from a couple who didn't really seem like they even liked their new daughter. For example, at one point, the husband wrote that they spent one evening "making fun" of the little girl. I was shocked, but keep reading, much to my regret. There were instances of a true disregard for the culture he was visiting. While in a restaurant one night, he was disgusted that there were some Chinese businessmen at a nearby table who were smoking. As he and his party were leaving, he made some "crude comments" to the men and "had a good laugh" about it afterwards. No wonder most of the world thinks Americans are rude! For the most part, he did nothing but complain about the entire experience. The food, the weather, the travel, the baby, EVERYTHING. I would say 97% of the book is comprised of complaints regarding China, and the other 3% is lame comments about 'how beautiful some of the country is'. Hypocrite. And as a few other reviewers have stated, they came home and immediately placed the baby in all-day daycare. They drop her off at 7 in the morning and don't pick her up until 5. What's the point of having a child at all? I can understand if your financial situation requires two incomes, but this couple didn't strike me as people who really wanted a child in the first place. Her 'biological clock' went off, and because of their ages, they decided to adopt. That's the feeling I get. I can understand the out of date information because adoption guidelines and such can change very quickly. But the attitude displayed in the 'journal entries' disgusted and angered me. China is trying very hard to be cooperative regarding adopting families, and is one of the 'easiest' countries to adopt from. (Only one short trip required, relatively low fees, abundant children available, babies are usually healthier than other countries, etc.) His total lack of courtesy and respect while visiting is insulting not only to China, but to the rest of us who are waiting to pick up our child. If he wanted 5 star restaurants and hotels, perhaps he should have tried adopting from a more well-to-do country. A couple of facts he should have kept in mind as he travelled. 1. International adoption is NOT easy. You are dealing with two different countries, which means two different sets of laws. 2. China IS an underdeveloped country. You're not going to have gourmet dinners every night. Roads are going to be bumpy and dirt covered. Not every building has air conditioning. 3. This is NOT a 'pleasure cruise'. Don't expect to be catered to and have people at your beck and call at any given moment. 4. Be respectful of the different culture. They have different customs, different routines, different lives. Just because YOU don't like it or agree with it, doesn't mean you should be insulting and rude. It's THEIR country. You're just visiting. Bottom line? Stay away from this book. It's not worth the paper it's printed on. I have NEVER thrown a book away before, but I tossed this one in the garbage, just so noone else had to read it. | 
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