Rebecca Reviews ~ The Nature of Small Birds | Susie Finkbeiner

Paperback, 368 pages

Published July 6th 2021 by Fleming H. Revell Company

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.  

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Rebecca's Review 3.5 stars

"Turns out that small birds are going to fly whether we like it or not. It's no different for our kids."

It's all about letting go, whether through life or death, we all experience the challenge of loving and letting go. It was no different for Bruce and Linda, whose decision to bring a small young "bird" into their home changed their life forever. Mindy had been transported to the United States as part of an historic "baby-lift" out of war torn Saigon. Her fragile psyche was evident, totally opposite from her outgoing older sister Sonny, prompting her new family to rally around her as a protective shield. But sadly, not everyone was a fan. At least not at first, maybe never.

Through-out the pages of this inspiring story, the roles of mother, father, sisters, are beautifully inspected under the microscope of good intentions, and yet there's always the notion that at some point, the little bird will have to fly on her own. . . . . . "We won't be afraid. We will trust in you" . . . the prayer every parent has reason to pray.

"It's the nature of small birds to sing their hearts out. And it's the nature of God to hear them."

In spite of the varying voices and timelines, this was quite a pleasant book to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.