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Julie Ryan McGue
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Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship Paperback – October 31, 2023

by Julie Ryan McGue (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 28 ratings
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Belonging Matters supports the adoption community while creating a conversation with those not directly touched by adoption. The collection explores the pursuit of identity and the boundaries of family and kinship. It challenges the reader to embrace all of who we come to be, and to discern with whom and where we belong. Because belonging defines the human experience, and it is what nourishes our spirit, fuels us with purpose, and compels us to soar beyond the limitations of our lived experience.
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  1. Print length
    278 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    October 31, 2023
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    195871481X
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1958714812
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From the Publisher

Belonging Matters Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship
Belonging Matters Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship

Belonging Matters Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship

Belonging Matters Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship

Belonging Matters Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship

Belonging Matters Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship

Editorial Reviews

Review

2023 Non Fiction Book Awards Silver Winner
2024 Honorable Mention in the Books Shelf Nonfiction Writing Contest
2024 Literary Titan Book Award Winner
2024 Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards
2024 Firebird Book Award Winner
2024 Finalist in the Annual National Indie Excellence Awards for Book Cover Design and in the Personal Growth category
2024 Finalist in the International Book Awards in Parenting & Family category
2024 3rd Place Winner in Next Best Read Nonfiction Writing Contest
2024 Nonfiction Winner, Honorable Mention in New York Book Festival competition

"Julie Ryan McGue's anthology, Belonging Matters, offers a narrative where the pursuit of identity intersects with human connection. Through a collection of personal narratives, McGue explores the intricate themes of adoption, familial relationships, and the quest for belonging. At the core of Belonging Matters lies McGue's own odyssey—a journey fueled by an innate yearning to uncover the essence of her identity. With unwavering honesty, McGue invites readers to embark on this transformative voyage alongside her, where the revelation of one's origins becomes a catalyst for introspection and personal growth. The book resonates with authenticity, reading almost like a personal diary. It weaves together moments of vulnerability and resilience as McGue navigates the complexities of reuniting with her birth family. While deeply personal, the significance of Belonging Matters transcends its narrative. Through eloquent and empathetic prose, McGue illuminates the threads that bind us—the yearning for connection, the pursuit of meaning, and the power of love. The anthology intricately portrays childhood experiences where McGue grappled with discomfort in her own skin as an adopted child. She delves into family reunions, Holidays, planting tulips, rejections, and the challenges of navigating through the COVID era. These stories, totaling over 70 "chapters," offer a comprehensive exploration of her life's story. Each chapter stands as a vignette, painting vivid snapshots of poignant moments, humorous anecdotes, and profound reflections. Moreover, McGue shares a poignant story about finding inspiration in an unexpected place—the ladies' room. This small anecdote encapsulates the essence of most of the stories—down-to-earth and seemingly mundane moments that hold profound meaning within the overall tapestry of her life. In an era where the sense of belonging often feels elusive, McGue's words serve as a reminder that, indeed, belonging matters."
- American Writing Awards Book Reviews

"Belonging Matters is rich with compassion and wisdom, offering profound insights that not
only provide guidance but also resonate deeply with all who seek to navigate the intricate tapestry of family relationships, personal identity, and the art of adaptation. Julie Ryan McGue has written an inspiring book. Finding acceptance is not merely a personal journey buta transformative gateway to exploring the world around us. It fuels our spirit and ignites our passions,
encouraging us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace new experiences. Each adventure, as depicted in the book, offers a chance to discover breathtaking destinations and a
deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. It's a journey of self-discovery that is both intriguing and introspective."
-Midwest Book Review

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Muse Literary (October 31, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 278 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 195871481X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1958714812
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 28 ratings

About the author

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Julie Ryan McGue

Julie Ryan McGue

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Julie Ryan McGue is an award-winning American writer. Her most recent novel, Belonging Matters, a collection that explores the pursuit of identity and the boundaries of family and kinship, is a Silver Winner in the Non Fiction Book Awards, an Honorable Mention in the Books Shelf Nonfiction Writing Contest, a Literary Titan Book Award Winner, a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, and a Firebird Book Award Winner. Julie was born in Chicago, Illinois. She and her identical twin sister were adopted together. Julie's debut memoir, Twice a Daughter, is about the search for birth relatives. She writes about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Her weekly blogs focus on identity, family, and life's quirky moments. If she's not at her computer writing, she's out exploring with her camera, or on the tennis court. She is the mother of four adult children, a grandmother, and splits her time between NW Indiana and Sarasota.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
28 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book compelling and well-written, with one review noting how the author weaves personal stories throughout. Moreover, the book is heartfelt and compassionate, with one customer highlighting how it speaks to those seeking a sense of belonging.

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11 customers mention "Insight"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book compelling and thought-provoking, with one customer highlighting its ability to weave personal stories and another noting how it provides insight into diverse adoption experiences.

"...It's a touching tale that will make you think, and perhaps even cry a little." Read more

"...The author’s ability to weave personal stories, social reflections, and thought-provoking discussions of her adoption and kinship creates a tapestry..." Read more

"This is a beautiful exploration of the complexities surrounding adoption, family, and identity...." Read more

"It’s really powerful to understand what you can not experience. Adoption is something we all know exists but rarely stop and think about...." Read more

5 customers mention "Heartfeltness"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartfelt and compassionate, with one customer noting how the author's empathy and wisdom shine through, while another mentions how it speaks to those seeking a sense of belonging.

"...discussions of her adoption and kinship creates a tapestry of emotion and understanding...." Read more

"...The author’s compassionate approach moves readers beyond traditional narratives to explore what it means to belong...." Read more

"Regardless of its origins, McGue's book is a heartfelt testament to the importance of family...." Read more

"...that reach beyond the realm of adoption and speak to anyone seeking a sense of belonging...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...A beautifully written and insightful read." Read more

"...Very well written." Read more

"Informative and well written..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Yvonne Glasgow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing essays of real life
    Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    While I am not adopted nor a twin, I found myself deeply drawn to the author's essays in this book. Though there is some overlapping as you read through each short essay, you really get a sense of what it was like for Julie, not only learning she was adopted but also the struggles she went through pertaining to her health matters.

    Each essay looks at either life as a twin, life as an adoptee, or life trying to figure out your history to keep yourself alive -- the battle, the struggle -- but Julie goes through these things with her head held high, as you can read in her words. And, even when she finds the answers, there are more questions.

    If you are curious about the world of closed adoptions and what people go through with them, I highly recommend this book. It's a touching tale that will make you think, and perhaps even cry a little.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible insight !
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I was captivated by the honesty and depth of this book. The author’s ability to weave personal stories, social reflections, and thought-provoking discussions of her adoption and kinship creates a tapestry of emotion and understanding. It's a bold reminder that the essence of family goes beyond biological bonds.
    One person found this helpful
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  • DML
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully compassionate
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is a beautiful exploration of the complexities surrounding adoption, family, and identity. The author’s compassionate approach moves readers beyond traditional narratives to explore what it means to belong. A must-read for anyone seeking deeper insight into the human experience, 5 stars indeed!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Blissful Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Adoption and emotion explained
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It’s really powerful to understand what you can not experience. Adoption is something we all know exists but rarely stop and think about. This book gives the reader a glimpse of what being adopted is like and how important it is to belong.
    Helpful
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  • Cinzia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt and compelling
    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Regardless of its origins, McGue's book is a heartfelt testament to the importance of family. Belonging Matters is a compelling read that provides insight into the diverse experiences within the adoption community. The author's empathy and wisdom shine through, making this a moving and insightful story.
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  • stephorrion
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very touching book, great story
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Belonging Matters is a collection of conversations that reach beyond the realm of adoption and speak to anyone seeking a sense of belonging. The author’s experiences and stories are insightful and heartwarming.
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  • Anthony
    5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A poignant masterpiece. The author’s ability to tackle sensitive topics around adoption and her family relationships is admirable. This book serves as a guide for anyone who wants to understand the complex nuances of identity and belonging. A beautifully written and insightful read.
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  • Lori
    4.0 out of 5 stars Exploring the Meaning of Family & Belonging
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    This was a thoughtful and eye-opening read that explores adoption, family, and kinship through a series of personal stories and conversations. The book brings together voices from adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents, offering a wide range of perspectives on identity, loss, love, and belonging. I really appreciated how it tackled both the challenges and the beauty of adoption with honesty and depth. It made me think more about what truly defines family and connection. A great read for anyone interested in the complexities of adoption and what it means to belong.
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