The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner

 

In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When Mindy, one of those children, announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adoptive family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival into their lives.

Though her father supports Mindy's desire to meet her family of origin, he struggles privately with an unsettling fear that he'll lose the daughter he's poured his heart into. Mindy's mother undergoes the emotional roller coaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy's sister helps her sort through relics that whisper of the effect the trauma of war has had on their family--but also speak of the beauty of overcoming.

Told through three strong voices in three compelling timelines, The Nature of Small Birds is a hopeful story that explores the meaning of family far beyond genetic code.

My thoughts:

As soon as I see a book written by Susie Finkbeiner, I automatically know it will be a must read for me.  She never disappoints, her characters come to life before your eyes, they become people you want to get better acquainted with and they will live on in your hearts and minds long after you finish the novel.

The Nature of Small Birds is the story of a family who adopts a young Vietnamese girl and is told through different family member and different timelines.  It’s a beautifully written story and one you will not want to end. This is one that you will definitely want to read.

I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.