I want to be extremely careful about recommending resources here on this site. For one thing, I don't want to run the risk of information overload. There is so much out there that it can become intimidating and downright overwhelming. That would not be a good thing, especially if you may already be feeling insecure about parenting in general and wondering whether you are doing "the right thing" where adoptive parenting in particular is concerned.

I like to think of myself as an odd cross between the late beloved Erma Bombeck, Dear Abby, and maybe a dash of Dr. Phil. Imagine that, if you dare! I deeply admired Erma Bombeck as a brilliant humorist who wrote with splendid honesty. Abigail Van Buren's syndicated column throughout the years has been an example to all writers and advice givers for its compassionate tone. And I admit to having an affinity for Dr. Phil's "get real" approach. As a fellow Texan, I think his down-home edge has more to do with where he's from than what he's studied in school. With all of this in mind, it occurred to me that writing for adoption blogs gives me the perfect opportunity to give voice to my own persona.

At first, I thought that I could start something like "Dr. Gray's Recommended Reading Corner", a place where I would list sites, links to articles, blogs, etc. I could even start a Dr. Gray Book of the Month Club. Now, that would give me the chance to live out my Oprahesque fantasies. We all have them don't we? Come on now. Admit it. You do, don't you?

I envisioned my site being one where authors who write about adoptive parenting would absolutely drool to have their titles receive a positive endorsement here, because that would mean their books, their blogs, their sites, would race to the top of some list or another. Oh! The power.

Screech! That's the sound of me crashing back to reality. If I followed through on this plan, it would mean that I would have to do all of the research and reading and reviewing and critiquing. Then I'd have to come here to this site as the expert and proclaim a particular book or other resource as worthy.

The "doctor as expert" approach to raising your child is the complete opposite of the message of self-empowerment that I want to promote among all parents, not just adoptive parents (please read my bio). So, my original fantasy is just not gonna work. My Oprahesque dreams will have to wait another decade, or two.

I'm going to have to do something different. That doesn't mean you won't be able to find useful resources here. What it means though is that we are going to advise and support one another as a community of adoptive parents. Yes, I will suggest titles, sites, and other resources. I will take the lead when that is what is needed. That is part of the expectation and the responsibilty of having a site like this. But, my suggestions are not going to be the final word on any resource. The final word on what is helpful to you, and what is not, will always be yours.

Here is the first site I want us to check out as a community. http://www.adoptshoppebooks.com/

I have been browsing through the titles in the adoptive parenting section on this site. I am interested in reading and offering a review of several of them. Before I start, however, I am seeking virtual reading partners to join me. I guess what I'm talking about is a virtual reading club? I'm sure that already exists in this medium, so I won't claim to have invented this notion. But, I do want to bring this concept to my site. Let's pick a title, read the book, engage in a lively online discussion, and render an opinion as a community.

So. Whadayasay? Any takers?

Dr. G.