"A Living Remedy" is a heartfelt memoir by Nicole Chung that delves into themes of family, class, and grief. The story follows Nicole's journey to understand her adoptive parents' lives and the challenges they faced. Growing up in a predominantly white town in Oregon, Nicole eventually finds a sense of belonging at a university on the East Coast. As she builds her own life, she grapples with the stark differences between her upbringing and her current middle-class existence. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Nicole's father passes away due to health issues exacerbated by limited access to healthcare. Soon after, her mother is diagnosed with cancer, and the pandemic further complicates their ability to be together. Through these personal trials, Nicole reflects on the enduring strength of family bonds and the societal inequalities that impact their lives.

Against the backdrop of China’s one‑child policy, this book follows identical twins born in a rural bamboo grove who are separated—one growing up in China, the other adopted to the United States. A journalist’s investigation uncovers coerced relinquishments and child trafficking and examines the human costs of state policy, the ethics of international adoption, and the assumptions that shape how East and West view family and value.

The Leavers revolves around the story of a young boy, Deming Guo, whose mother, an undocumented Chinese immigrant, mysteriously disappears one day, leaving him alone in the Bronx. He is later adopted by a pair of well-meaning white professors who rename him Daniel Wilkinson to help him fit into his new life in upstate New York. The story explores his struggle with identity, the concept of home, and the harsh realities of immigration and cultural displacement.

This poignant narrative delves into the hidden stories of women who were coerced into surrendering their babies for adoption during the decades following World War II, a time when unwed pregnancies were stigmatized and shrouded in secrecy. Through personal interviews and meticulous research, the book unveils the emotional turmoil and societal pressures these women faced, shedding light on a chapter of history often overlooked. It explores themes of loss, identity, and the enduring impact of these adoptions on both the mothers and their children, offering a compassionate and insightful examination of a deeply personal and collective experience.

The book is a poignant tale set in 19th-century South Africa, where a young white boy, believed to be lost by his biological family, is found and raised by Fiela, a compassionate and strong-willed woman of the Khoikhoi community. The story unfolds as the boy, named Benjamin, grows up with a deep sense of belonging in Fiela's family, only to have his identity and future thrown into turmoil when government officials, enforcing racial classifications of the time, remove him from his home. He is then forced to live with a destitute white family in the dense Knysna Forest, leading to a profound exploration of identity, race, and the meaning of family, as both Fiela and Benjamin struggle to reclaim their lives and assert their rightful place in a society governed by strict racial divides.

The book follows the life of a young, imaginative girl who lives with her mother and her mother's abusive boyfriend. Seeking to escape her troubled home life, she often retreats into a world of make-believe and starts playing a game of dares with her friends. However, the game quickly spirals out of control, leading her into increasingly dangerous situations. Throughout the story, she grapples with her desire for a better life, the complexities of her family relationships, and the challenges of growing up in a less-than-ideal environment. Her resilience and creativity shine as she navigates the hardships of her reality, all while daring to dream of a happier future.

The book centers on a teenage girl with a traumatic past, who was convicted of a heinous crime at a very young age—the murder of a baby. Now living in a group home and dealing with the complex dynamics within, she struggles with the weight of her past and the challenges of her present. As she contends with a society quick to label her as irredeemable, she seeks to uncover the truth and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach. Her journey is one of resilience and the quest for redemption, as she navigates a system that is often more interested in judgment than justice.

The book is a poignant memoir that delves into the heart-wrenching experience of a young woman who, at the age of 19, is coerced into giving up her newborn son for adoption in the 1960s. The narrative follows her emotional journey through the secretive and oppressive adoption system of that era, as well as her relentless quest for reunion and healing decades later. As she grapples with societal expectations, personal loss, and the search for her now-grown child, the memoir reveals the profound impact of forced adoption on birth mothers and the enduring bond between mother and child.

Set against the backdrop of post-war France, this poignant narrative follows the journey of a young girl grappling with her identity and the shadows of her past. As she navigates the complexities of her new life, she uncovers hidden truths about her family and herself, leading to a profound transformation. The story beautifully captures the essence of self-discovery, resilience, and the enduring power of hope amidst the challenges of a world rebuilding itself.

Set against the backdrop of 1980s America, this memoir delves into the tumultuous adolescence of a white girl and her adopted Black brother as they navigate the complexities of race, religion, and family. Their journey takes them from a strict, racially charged household in Indiana to a fundamentalist reform school in the Dominican Republic, where they face harsh discipline and struggle to maintain their bond. Through poignant and often harrowing experiences, the narrative explores themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring power of sibling love.

This novel follows the story of a young Cherokee girl and her adoptive mother. When the mother's right to custody is challenged by the Cherokee Nation, she takes her daughter and flees, sparking a nationwide manhunt. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the meaning of family, while also delving into the legal and ethical complexities of Native American adoption laws.

The story follows an optimistic orphan girl who goes to live with her stern Aunt Polly in a small New England town. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, she maintains a positive outlook on life, teaching those around her to find joy in the simplest things through her "glad game." Her unwavering positivity gradually transforms the lives of the townspeople, bringing warmth and happiness to a community that had grown cold and indifferent.

"Adelphoe" is a comedic play that explores themes of family dynamics, education, and the challenges of parenting. The story revolves around two brothers who are raised differently by their father and uncle, leading to contrasting personalities and values. The plot thickens with a series of misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and comedic mishaps, all highlighting the generational gap and differing philosophies on raising children. The play ultimately advocates for a balanced approach to parenting, blending strict discipline with understanding and love, and underscores the importance of communication and forgiveness in familial relationships.

The novel intricately weaves together the lives of three generations of Native American women, exploring their complex relationships, personal struggles, and cultural identity. Through the perspectives of Rayona, her mother Christine, and her grandmother Ida, the story delves into themes of family, resilience, and the search for belonging. Each woman's narrative reveals hidden truths and deep-seated emotions, ultimately painting a poignant picture of their interconnected lives and the enduring bonds that tie them together.

The book delves into the heart-wrenching true story of a family torn apart by systemic failures and societal neglect. It explores the tragic journey of six siblings who were adopted into a seemingly loving home, only to face unimaginable hardships and eventual tragedy. Through meticulous research and compassionate storytelling, the narrative sheds light on the complexities of the foster care system, the challenges of adoption, and the often unseen struggles of vulnerable children. It is a poignant examination of love, loss, and the enduring quest for justice and understanding in the face of adversity.

"Summer" is a novel that explores the life of Charity Royall, a young woman living in a small New England town. Raised by a guardian from whom she seeks independence, Charity falls in love with Lucius Harney, an architect visiting from the city. Their romance exposes her to new experiences and emotions, but also leads to conflict and difficult choices. The novel delves into themes of sexual awakening, social class, and personal freedom, capturing the complexities of a young woman's transition into adulthood against the backdrop of a rigid society.

This book is a poignant memoir of a single man who adopts a three-year-old American Indian boy, only to discover several years later that his son suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that was not well understood at the time. The narrative chronicles the man's journey to understand and cope with his son's condition, while also shedding light on the devastating effects of alcohol abuse on unborn children. The book also delves into the broader social issues surrounding Native American communities and the systemic problems that contribute to alcoholism among these populations.

The novel delves into the life of David Carter, a museum curator in a small English town, who is struggling with the inertia of an unfulfilling career and a strained marriage. When he stumbles upon a family secret, it propels him on a journey through his own history, prompting him to reexamine the artifacts of his life and the fragments of his past. As David sifts through memories and the detritus of his mother's life, he confronts the complexities of love, loss, and the elusive nature of happiness, ultimately questioning what it means to truly begin anew.

The novel follows a 28-year-old woman on a poignant journey of self-discovery and a quest for truth after the death of her father. Upon uncovering a shattering family secret, she travels to the stark, wintry landscape of Lapland, near the Arctic Circle, in search of her real father. Her odyssey leads her into the heart of the Sami culture, where she confronts her past and the complexities of identity amidst the ethereal backdrop of the Northern Lights, seeking both closure and a new beginning.

The novel tells the poignant story of a thirteen-year-old girl who is abruptly sent back to her biological family after being raised by adoptive parents. Thrust into a life of poverty and unfamiliarity, she struggles to find her place in a chaotic household filled with siblings she never knew and a mother who is a stranger to her. As she navigates the complexities of her new reality, she grapples with feelings of abandonment, identity, and belonging, ultimately embarking on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Set in a small Sardinian village, the story follows Maria, a young girl adopted by Bonaria Urrai, a seamstress who secretly serves as an "accabadora," a traditional figure who aids the dying in their final moments. As Maria grows up under Bonaria's care, she becomes entangled in the moral complexities and cultural traditions surrounding life and death. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the ethical dilemmas of mercy killing, all while painting a vivid picture of Sardinian life and customs.

The novel weaves a compelling narrative that alternates between the past and present, uncovering the harrowing experiences of the Foss children, who are forcibly taken from their riverboat home and placed in a corrupt Tennessee orphanage. As the story unfolds, it reveals the dark secrets of the adoption scandal orchestrated by the institution's director, impacting generations. In the present day, a young woman named Avery Stafford stumbles upon her family's hidden history, leading her on a journey to uncover the truth and reconcile with her heritage. The book explores themes of family, identity, and resilience, highlighting the enduring bonds that connect us across time.

In this gripping thriller, a horrific crime scene leaves a family brutally murdered and a teenage girl missing, prompting Detective D.D. Warren and survivor-turned-avenger Flora Dane to join forces in unraveling the mystery. As they delve into the complexities of the case, they uncover dark secrets and hidden traumas within the family and the girl's life, leading them through a maze of suspects and motives. The narrative explores themes of survival, justice, and the impact of past abuse, culminating in a tense and emotional pursuit of truth and redemption.

The novel explores the intertwined lives of two families across continents, focusing on themes of identity, adoption, and cultural heritage. It follows Kavita, a poor Indian woman forced to give up her daughter for adoption, and Somer, an American doctor who adopts the child, Asha. As Asha grows up, she grapples with her dual identity and eventually travels to India to uncover her roots. The story delves into the emotional complexities of motherhood, the impact of cultural differences, and the search for belonging, ultimately highlighting the enduring bonds of family and the quest for self-discovery.

Set against the backdrop of a snowy Boston evening, this compelling narrative unfolds over a single day, exploring themes of family, identity, and destiny. The story revolves around a former mayor and his two adopted sons, whose lives are irrevocably altered when a car accident introduces them to a woman and her daughter, revealing unexpected connections and challenging their understanding of family bonds. As secrets unravel and relationships are tested, the characters navigate a complex web of emotions, ultimately discovering the profound impact of love and the ties that bind them together.