Expectations

A parent would reach for this book when their family is in the middle of a complex adoption journey or facing a period of intense uncertainty and emotional upheaval. Written with raw honesty, Tony Bertauski shares a true account of the crises and unexpected turns that defined his family's path to adoption. It moves beyond the typical success story to validate the anxiety, luck, and resilience required when life does not go according to plan. This memoir is particularly helpful for parents and older teens who need to see their own complicated feelings reflected in a real narrative. It focuses on the reality of crisis management and the strength found in perseverance rather than offering a simple how-to guide. For families navigating the foster or adoption systems, it provides a sense of solidarity and comfort, reminding readers that they are not alone in the chaos.