Legends of the Twins Cirpaci

In 2001, the author and her husband traveled to Romania to adopt their two-year old son. Upon arrival, they received the shocking news that he had a twin sister with special needs living at the same orphanage. Legends of the Twins Cirpaci describes their frantic three-year effort to adopt her and reunite her with her brother, all in the midst of Romania's moratorium on intercountry adoption as the country attempted to join the European Union. The book also recounts the deleterious impact of Romania's harsh orphanage system on the children's development in various areas of their lives, and their courage in overcoming these challenges. Compelling and poignant, this is a story that every parent (not just adoptive parent) could benefit from reading. Unlike many adoption books, it also includes the twins' perspectives on what happened to them. As such, older adopted children might also find it helpful. Both biography and parenting narrative, it describes a nearly unbelievable (but it really did happen!) situation in a relatable way. Filled with humor and heart, Legends of the Twins Cirpaci is ultimately a triumph of the extraordinary power of care, the capacity of human beings to overcome severe deprivation, and the beauty of the human spirit.  Legends of the Twins Cirpaci is a heart-warming and sometimes heart-wrenching tale of a journey of love, determination, patience, and humor. Reading it is a reminder of all that family can be in its best incarnation, and that belonging does not depend on biology. A wonderful, funny read.

Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO, New America; author of Unfinished Business: Women Men Work Family