Book Review: The Waiting

I love videos on Faithit.com. While not all Christian, they are usually happy stories or encouraging stories or stories to make you feel good.

I stumbled upon this video last week and was so moved by it that I purchased the book for my Kindle -- something I don't do very often.

(I am a cheap Dutch girl and try to get all my books for free or as close to free as I can.)

In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl―who still thought the stork brought babies―was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: Lord, I’d like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won’t bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her.Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka’s phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka’s granddaughter), The Waiting brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets.

This book was written incredibly well, and it provided me, an adoptive mother, with insight into the heart of a mother placing a child for adoption because they think that is best thing for the child.

In general, I mostly read biographies. They are truly my favorite thing. I appreciate real stories of real people and their real lives. Mina's story was especially interesting because of the time frame it was in. This was a time before adoptions were done the way we know them. It was done during the Great Depression, when times were very tough.

In addition, Minka was Dutch and I really appreciated the glimpses into my own culture.

I strongly recommend this book! Hard to read in parts but a beautiful story of family, hope, and love.