Fall or Fly: The Strangely Hopeful Story of Foster Care and Adoption in Appalachia

Description

Chaos. Frustration. Compassion. Desperation. Hope. These are the five words that author Wendy Welch says best summarize the state of foster care in the coalfields of Appalachia. Her assessment is based on interviews with more than sixty social workers, parents, and children who have gone through “the system.” The riveting stories in Fall or Fly tell what foster care is like, from the inside out. In depictions of foster care and adoption, stories tend to cluster at the dark or light ends of the spectrum, rather than telling the day-to-day successes and failures of families working to create themselves. Who raises other people’s children? Why? What’s money got to do with it when the love on offer feels so real? And how does the particular setting of Appalachia—itself so frequently oversimplified or stereotyped—influence the way these questions play out? In Fall or Fly, Welch invites people bound by a code of silence to open up and to share their experiences. Less inspiration than a call to caring awareness, this pioneering work of storytelling journalism explores how love, compassion, money, and fear intermingle in what can only be described as a marketplace for our nation’s greatest asset. Review: Great book! - If you're looking for a book that will both grip you emotionally and inform you about a crucial issue in our society, then Wendy Welch's "Fall or Fly" is a must-read. This book offers an inside look at the world of foster care in the coalfields of Appalachia, where chaos, frustration, compassion, desperation, and hope collide to create a complex and often difficult landscape for families, social workers, and children alike. Welch's reporting is top-notch, based on interviews with over sixty individuals who have firsthand experience with the foster care system. Through their stories, we see the struggles and successes of those who have taken on the monumental task of raising other people's children. What makes this book stand out is its focus on the day-to-day realities of these families, rather than just the extremes of tragedy or triumph that are often highlighted in media depictions of foster care. In addition to the personal stories, Welch delves into the societal and economic factors that shape the foster care system in Appalachia, including the role of money and the particular challenges faced by this region. By shining a light on these issues, Welch challenges readers to think more deeply about the complex web of forces that underlie our society's treatment of vulnerable children. While the subject matter of "Fall or Fly" is undoubtedly heavy, Welch's writing is compassionate and sensitive, treating all the individuals she interviews with dignity and respect. This book is not just an eye-opening look at a critical issue, but also a call to action for readers to engage with the foster care system in their own communities and advocate for change. Overall, "Fall or Fly" is a groundbreaking work of storytelling journalism that offers a rare and valuable glimpse into the often-overlooked world of foster care. If you care about the wellbeing of children and families in our society, then this book is an essential read that will both inform and inspire you. Review: Wonderful book - This book is a perfect book for anyone considering fostering or adopting children through the state. It gives a real look and feel of what adoption and foster care is for the foster parents, biological parents and the children.