Blog & Reader Reactions

Readers Respond

Katherine L. Bowers

5.0 out of 5 stars – Enlightening read.

Like a literary Joan of Arc, Mary Kalergis inspires her subjects to moments of great bravery. But unlike the military leader, she seems to have no agenda of her own. She just allows people to tell their stories with compelling honesty. It was through their courageous tales that I was able to explore the realities of adoption. Realities that, to me, are unexpectedly complex.

Software Maniac

5.0 out of 5 stars – This is an important work of art

“With This Ring” is an amazing second edition of a book of photos that I wish I had known about years ago. The pictures are professionally taken and beautifully done. I can’t believe the diversity of couples featured and the honest quotes between the married partners. The diversity is simply amazing; this book’s first edition was WAY AHEAD OF ITS TIME. Thank you, Mary, for making this book available.

J. Lowell

5.0 out of 5 stars – The perfect gift for every pregnant couple!

My wife and I bought this book in its first release. Amazingly, Mary Motley Kalergis has captured on film, the emotions evoked when a new life is brought into this world.

BeadMoonStardust

5.0 out of 5 stars – INSPIRED Reading…Truly A Gift to Society!

Seen and Heard…The title speaks to the content, which Mary Motley Kalergis welcomes from these ordinary/extraordinary Young People. I bought this for a dear Young Person in my life and began reading it when I got it home, prior to mailing it… What PROFOUND insight I was granted! What these children have to say will astound you with its depth, clarity, vision, and stark reality. Every voice illuminates a perspective worthy of considering. Each of them resonates with a sense of WHO they are–even as they question uncertainties about themselves and their futures — WHAT they know, HOW they see the world around them and all its beauty, hypocrisy and potential. Mostly this book is a testament to the LIFE of the generation now in our midst as young adults. They are an astounding ‘addition’ to a society that is destined to benefit from their outspoken, sincere sharing of what they believe.

This is beyond ‘Required’ reading…It is inviting, ‘Inspired’ reading…for anyone interesting in connecting on meaningful levels, and certainly for Young People looking for peers without the pressure…even ones they might never meet in their daily living experience.

Brava Mary!

Node Rogue

5.0 out of 5 stars – Intelligent, poignant, and to the heart . . .

“Seen and Heard…” is a book that every adult should have to either remind themselves of what it is like to be a teenager or to be able to take ten steps back and help them evaluate/relate with their own children. This book gives an intelligent and insightful look into the drama of the life and thoughts of American teenagers in this particular generation.

This book will not teach parents about how to be better parents, but it does express many different viewpoints about being a teenager in this diverse culture of ours. The comments offered by the teens in this book are intelligent and razor-sharp, running the gamut of the emotional spectrum. Very metaphoric, their comments along with the stark black-and-white photographs carry the emotion home to the reader to embrace.

This book is a very nice package which makes an otherwise unreachable time for most adults come alive again, or, better yet, realistic again.

Lynn H. Daulton

5.0 out of 5 stars – Five Stars

Love it, very informative, I really liked the prospective from all people involved.

Bobby Cohen

4.0 out of 5 stars – Beautiful Photos, Incredible Stories

I have been an admirer of Ms. Kalergis’ photography and books for many years, and I found Considering Adoption to be an excellent addition to the collection. The photographs were beautiful, evocative, and — most importantly in this case — wonderfully revealing. I always enjoy this author’s presentation style; her nearly invisible questioner, her faithful messaging of the answers from her subjects. Through this author, I enjoyed my first foray into what has now become commonplace for us all — a strong feeling of interactivity with the media. With this particular title, I was able to incorporate what I learned from reading the stories of this photographer’s subjects into the process of considering adoption…a lifelong goal of mine. Although the book featured The Story that is my worst nightmare, it was uplifting to read about the myriad families that each, in their original and inspiring manner, came together successfully. This is a book worth reading for anyone, like me, who is now, or ever will, consider adoption.

Frederick T Heblich Jr

5.0 out of 5 stars – Adoption: Fascinating Stories from Everyone Involved

Considering Adoption is a unique look at the topic of adoption from all points of view — from the adopted child, the person adopting the child, and the person who gives the child up for adoption. It is by turns fascinating, intriguing and heart-breaking. It is also a journalistic tour-de-force from a professional photographer with seven other books to her credit. Without intruding upon anyone’s story, Mary Motley Kalergis gives us a bird’s eye view inside these life stories through interviews that reveal and reflect. The text and the photographs combine to offer glimpses inside the human heart, which is a priceless gift.

Maryanne

5.0 out of 5 stars – A work of art and an essential read

Considering Adoption is both a work of art and a journalistic tour de force. Mary Motley Kalergis’s latest book combines gorgeous photography with insightful interviews to illuminate the subject of adoption as no one has done it before. Kalergis’s open heart and a passionate curiosity are reflected in every page. The result is a book that transcends its genre – not only is it an essential read for every person whose life has been or will be touched by adoption, but for those who want to expand their understanding of what it means to be a family.

Nura Yingling

5.0 out of 5 stars – A Must…

Not only will birth parents, adopting parents, adopted children and their family members find themselves within this stunning book…all of us can recognize ourselves in the faces and stories tenderly and powerfully presented here. The hope and the love, the longings and the losses of our shared humanness shine forth from Kalergis’ masterful portraits and intimate interviews. Revealing the intricacies of our connectedness with each other, this book is a must for anyone considering, experiencing or seeking to learn more about adoption.

J. Lowell

5.0 out of 5 stars – The perfect gift for every pregnant couple!

My wife and I bought this book in its first release. Amazingly, Mary Motley Kalergis has captured on film, the emotions evoked when a new life is brought into this world.

cajun16@hotmail.com

5.0 out of 5 stars – A fine photographic essay, alive with emotion.

As a lifelong photographer, I was excited to see how the author depicted the most fundamental and emotional event in human existence. My children were born during the “dark ages” when the father was considered the least important person in the birth process. This book goes a long way toward showing that, indeed, the father, as well as other family members can play a vital role in helping the mother bring forth a new life.

I gave the book to my 18 year old daughter who is pregnant with her first child. She had been reading many books on the process that touched on what to expect physically but after seeing “Giving Birth”, she began to fully appreciate the experience that she is soon to go through. Reading the excerpts of the feelings that the mothers and dads spoke about, she began to be more relaxed and her fears were lessened.

I highly recommend this book to anyone about to experience the birth of a child, personally or in a helping role.

N. F. Harris

5.0 out of 5 stars – Beautiful black and white photography of everyday miracles

Giving Birth provides a graphic but loving view of a cross-section of couples deeply involved in the process of bringing new life into the world. I’m sure the pictures could be somewhat disturbing to the uninitiated, but to the women who have had an unmedicated birth and can remember both the pain, wonder and pleasure involved, these pictures bring back exquisite memories. The text is lovely and touching. It adds a great deal to the overall experience of this outstanding book.

Laureen McKenzie

5.0 out of 5 stars – A wonderful way to share the birth experience with families.

I loved the choice of black and white photography as it allowed you to focus on the intensity of the moment. The comments by the participants added a personal and reflective dimension. As a midwife, it is a book I would recommend to all my expectant families to review. Children are very visual and it will help them to understand the process of birthing especially if they choose to be present.