My sister and husband have tried for years to adopt and are now fostering children. Daddy, Come & Get Me is a beautiful and heartwarming story about the journey of a family that was meant to be together. ( )

What a great book! I laughed and cried and just simply couldn't put the book down. It was great to read Gil's account and worries about adopting their daughter. I passed the book on to my husband, who usually doesn't like this "mushy" stuff, but he is also totally engrossed in this story! ( )

There is absolutely no other way to start this review except with a brief word about the cover. I can't decide if this is brilliant marketing or totally unfair marketing: who could look at that cover and not be driven to pick up the book? Look at those eyes. I just want to reach in and cuddle. Sadly, there are no pictures inside the book. I really wish there were.

This book is written for a very specific audience and, if you fit into that audience, you will love this book. So, how do you know if you fit the audience profile? Are you a deeply religious person who recognizes the influence of a higher power in your life? Are you seriously considering adopting, or have you already adopted, internationally? Are you interested in the experiences of others' and open minded about belief systems that might differ from yours? A 'yes' to any of these puts you in the perfect audience. I did fit the audience profile and totally enjoyed the book.

Gil and Fran's journey through their adoption process alternated between frustration, confusion, hope and faith. In the telling of his story, Gil doesn't pull punches. He willingly shows the good and the bad and leaves himself open and vulnerable in the process. It is a very honest exploration of a very personal experience.

Interspersed in Gil's story is the possible story of the birth mother, Dolores. Giving voice to her struggle and love for her baby added a lovely tribute to her and the trials she must have gone through. It also introduced us to a bit of the culture of Guatemala which added dimension to what could otherwise have been another 'first world' saving 'third world' story. I was pleased that Mr Michelini avoided this.

As the back cover states, this is a spiritual memoir. The spirituality of this family is front and centre. In every aspect of their lives, in every situation, this family finds omens and signs from God. This can either add or distract from the story depending on your own personal belief system. In fact the title of the book comes from a dream/vision that Gil had wherein he heard his daughter calling from a mountaintop, 'Daddy, come and get me.' ( )

This was an enjoyable quick read book. How appropriate that I finished reading it on Mother's Day. Quite an intriguing story of the international adoption process. I know of many who have adopted and the rewards have been great. Caring for orphans is trully a gift from God. I admire all those who have opened their hearts and homes to a child as the Michelinis have done. God bless you. ( )

This was enjoyable book. It was easy to read and well written. Michelini tells of his desire to adopt internationally. His wife is at first not in favor of the adoption, but she comes around. They use their faith as a guide. It takes them a year to complete the adoption. I liked the fact that the author gives you a peek into the life of the birth mother and her heart wrenching decision to give up her daughter. ( )