The author of this memoir both was adopted herself and then gave a child up for adoption. In the preview of the full memoir this weighs heavily throughout. Not having been adopted or having given up a child I can't relate to MacDonald's experiences but despite being long past both events she seems to still experience a tremendous amount of heartache and not feel like a complete human being. It presents an interesting view, but leaves you wondering if that's a more singular experience or one experienced by every adopted child.