Thanks!

“Readers worldwide may not remember the author’s exact words, but they will never forget how you made them feel. The highest compliment is not for the words you scribble on paper to inspire others, but the satisfaction of knowing that you communicated.” Judith Land 

“To be ecstatically happy, make life an exciting adventure. Dream, explore, and discover. Show enthusiasm for life. Jump for joy whenever the spirit moves you. Demonstrate that what is inside you is more important than what lies behind or in front of you. Release your cares and worries by celebrating small victories. Let everyone know how good you feel. Know that jumping for joy is the most dramatic and exciting way to tell your story—no words are necessary.” Judith Land

Adoption Detective: Memoir of an Adopted Child is my autobiography. It’s not a self-help book highlighting the keys to adoption success, a personal success story, a list of the top ten things to memorize, or a manual explaining how to win friends and influence people. My goal is simple—allow others to vicariously live their own lives to the fullest potential based on my personal experiences, both good and bad. My story follows the significant events in my life and explains how I felt at various stages of life, both then and now. I interviewed every person involved in my adoption. I used a tape recorder to capture their exact words when talking to parents, family members and relatives, neighbors, priests, foster parents, and social workers.

Exposing my deepest thoughts and intimate feelings to a global audience is challenging. The soul-searching autobiographical process reveals deeply held emotions and sentiments, exposing open wounds and tender feelings.

Knowing that I have connected with readers in 193 countries is personally rewarding yet humbling. Virtue, goodness, righteousness, integrity, emotional intelligence, and moral uprightness are the most excellent complements that anyone can receive. For that, I thank readers worldwide for their compassionate, informed responses. When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.

Still, when telling your most intimate thoughts to the mountains, don’t be surprised if the wind carries your secrets to the stars.

Judith Martin

“I cried when I read your book, but by the time I got to the end, they were tears of joy. Adoption Detective is a beautifully written memoir of an extraordinary person. I loved the story.” Camille Estrada

“Your book and your blogs have made an incredible difference in my life and others in my family. So many of us were previously uncertain and timid about how to act and think about adoption. You have helped me form my own opinions about family and relationships. I feel more certain. I have more confidence in the future.” Amy Kowalski

“This is the best book on adoption and a compelling must-read story for all adoptees. Thank you for being the reason I smile.” Antonio Pereira, Brazil

“You are a healer. In your book Adoption Detective, the things you say describe exactly how I feel. Whenever I read your writings, I feel better about myself, happier, and more contented in life.” Elizabeth Manning

“You seem to say all the right things that help other adoptees understand reality and keep life and relationships in perspective. You’re an incredible writer. Thank you for brightening my perspectives.” Sue Mercedes

“You lead by example. The challenges you faced were amazing, yet you seem unaffected by the traumatic events in your life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about adoption. You are a pioneer and hero to other adoptees.” Linda Forrester

“You are a good communicator and writer. I like how you anticipate many of the questions other adoptees would like to ask if we had the chance. Are you a professor?” Barb White

“If you write another book, I will buy it. Let me know.” Lynn Young

“Your book encouraged me to go to France to meet my birth mother. I’m so happy that I did. Everything turned out okay in the end. I met my mother, father, and grandparents. We are like friends now. Merci Beaucoup!” Juliette Bernard

“Our book club enjoyed reading Adoption Detective. You did an excellent job of describing your emotions. We liked the ending and the positive conclusions. Congratulations!” Judy Richardson 

“I would like to quietly sit beside you in the sunshine to absorb your karma because you are a spiritual healer.” Francis Whiting 

“I pray your loving spirit will carry others above the fray of confusion and unnecessary worry. I pray for you and your family—you certainly deserve it.” Ray Booker

“Judith, I read your blogs ALL the time. I thank you. You have real courage, and you have it in bulk. With your talent, you should be on the best-sellers list.” Lara Moore

“I’ve never seen someone ‘nail the emotions adoptees feel so perfectly’ why adoptees feel such a strong pull to know our biological mother and family.” Kristi Cunningham

“Judith—the letters at the beginning of each chapter brought tears. Your story is educational, inspirational, and multigenerational. I was unable to put it down until I finished. Your book has an enduring appeal that is certain to be enjoyed worldwide by people of all ages.” Laurie Larson 

“The depth of emotion evoked by your story is overwhelming. I cried for you and every child separated from their mother.” Joan Teller, Australia

“You are such an amazing, talented, and resilient person. Your story is such a poignant memoir. Because of you, I lost my fear, and finding my roots has been the best thing that ever happened to me.” Johnnie Esposito, Italy

“You give me hope for a better tomorrow. It’s nice to be validated.” Ellen Amado, Mexico

“Adoption Detective is an extraordinarily riveting story that immediately draws in the reader. The suspense never lets up. I value your honest reflections on your struggles and your serious and thoughtful critique of the institution of adoption.” Emma Miller

“You’re my favorite writer! I enjoy your story so much because I can relate. Your writings so move me, and I know others are too. I thank you for sharing your unique perspectives and inspiring thoughts.” Betty Livingston

Your story is beautiful and heart-wrenching. Your writings give me goosebumps as a poignant reminder of the significant moments in life, how we feel, and the passage of time. You inspire me to have the confidence to be my person, think for myself, and the strength to be a more independent, outgoing person like you. Thanks. Ava Comstock 

“Your quotes about adoption are always meaningful and incredibly insightful. You are a wealth of knowledge and information—keep sharing because I love your blogs.” Mary Decker

“A powerful personal story that belongs in the Pantheon of Adoption Classics. I was deeply moved by the heartbreaking narrative of this adoptee, but at the same time, the mystery buff in me breathlessly turned the pages to find out how or if Judy finally finds her truth. As you read this shocking and amazing book, keep reminding yourself: This really happened.” Donna Montalbano