In the previous post, I reviewed Bones That Float, A Story of Adopting Cambodia
Laura Christianson: Bones that Float is an intriguing title. What is the significance of that phrase? Read the interview…
Laura Christianson is an adoption authority who hosts a great blog for anyone interested in Adoption.
She’s the 3rd stop on our blog book tour for Bones That Float. Here’s her review.
Adoption Book Review: “Bones That Float: A Story of Adopting Cambodia”
I love books in which the author incorporates storytelling to convey a message. Bones That Float, A Story of Adopting Cambodia
Kari fields question from Laura in the coming days on her blog, very interesting stuff.
Laura Christianson is the author of two soon to be released books.
The Adoption Decision: 15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting
and
The Adoption Network: Your Guide to Starting a Support System
Judging by the solid advice on her blog, they will both be excellent, no doubt.
Christine has a very funny and fun to read blog called Mommy Matters.
Here’s what she wanted to know about Bones That Float:
[Christine] I know you cover this in your book, but tell me a little bit about the title.
[Kari Grady Grossman] Bones That Float is the English interpretation of a scared Cambodian phrase “chung un diet” which literally translates to bones that float. It means to have good karma, that your body has the good fortune to float away from all the suffering. My son’s birthmother wrote us a letter describing him as having bones that float.
[Christine] US adoptions to Cambodia were closed shortly after you adopted Grady? Why is that?
[Kari Grady Grossman] I wrote Bones That Float, to put this situation in its full historical and cross-cultural context. The media loves to sensationalize stories of international adoption into some economically driven baby-buying racket. It’s much harder to look at the truth of the matter.
More of her interview with Kari here… plus check out the comments at the end.
SHB:
Are there any actions people can take to encourage the reopening of
Cambodian adoptions for Americans?KGG:
My understanding is that this is now in the hands of the Cambodian government, and there has been a draft resolution sitting on their desks for 2 years. The US has a said it will not re-open their side until Cambodia makes it’s process less corruptible by a US standard.
I think it is inhumane for the US to hold children hostage in this political stalemate. We can continue to try and draw attention to the situation. Write your congressman, senator Landau and senator McCain.
Get the story to the media, somehow. I am hoping to do this with my book, as people read and learn the full context of the situation, I hope their compassion will be ignited to spread the word. I’d like to be on the Oprah Winfrey Show and tell everyone about the incredible ways that adoption benefits the entire country, as you so accurately pointed out in your post about “Cultural Genocide,” with the humanitarian aide and work being funneled to Cambodia by adoptive parents.
It is amazing to me that this story is never of interest to the media, but it is of deep interest to people.
SHB:
Have you seen what could constitute a legacy of the suspension in the making?
Read more of the interview click here
She’s shaking things up, which has to be the first uncomfortable, perhaps even frightening, step toward positive change … even more reason to support her work, which is easily done by buying, reading and discussing her book.
Now, to the interview …
SHB:
As someone spending time in Cambodia, what is your impression or experience regarding children being abandoned in the country today?
Read the interview click here
