I bought Finding Katherine a few weeks before we were leaving to get Ella with the intentions of saving it to read on the plane. Well, that was a silly intention since I devoured the whole thing within a few days of purchasing it! I was adoption memoir hungry and was absolutely entranced with Ellen Fitzenrider’s journey to bring home her daughter from Viet Nam.

As I waited for my travel date, Fitzenrider let me experience the Viet Nam that she lived. As much as this book is a personal adoption memoir, it is also a beautiful illustration of the culture, food, people and religion of Viet Nam. Her writing style is so descriptive and clear that I felt as if I was experiencing her trip right along with her.

The beautiful and emotional saga that begins with this single mom receiving a daughter different from the child she had been referred is simply moving. Fitzenrider’s spiritual journey is also documented in Finding Katherine. The Buddhist monks and nuns that she meets along the way play an integral role in shaping her stay in Viet Nam, as well as her life.

Now that I’ve been to Viet Nam and Ella is home, I see this book through different eyes. I am so glad for Katherine that she will have such a descriptive and beautiful account of her mom’s trip to meet her and their time together in Viet Nam. When she is older, I am sure that she will appreciate her mom’s writing and I hope that it helps her feel more connected to her birth country.

Finding Katherine is a perfect read when you want to have a little escape or learn about Viet Nam or Buddhism. Reading Fitzenrider’s honest, first hand accounts of her experiences lets you truly glimpse into Vietnamese society. I highly recommend this beautiful book and even though my copy didn’t make it, it would be perfect to read as you fly around the world to meet your child.



Related Links:
The Official Finding Katherine Website (you can purchase the book through this link)
Buddhist Adoption