Did I read this before? Or did I just pre-shelve it? I didn't seem at all familiar. There were parts I could appreciate, as someone who wasn't interested in reunion for a long time. As someone currently in reunion, I'm ambivalent about how the main plot resolved—too neat and tidy. Reunion isn't an event, it's a journey. It's not just about how you get there, but also about forming relationships afterward. It's a complex process that involves emotions, memories, and expectations. Sometimes, the reality of reunion doesn't match our idealized version. We may find that the people we thought we knew have changed, or that the circumstances have become different. But that doesn't mean we should give up on the idea of reunion. It's an opportunity to reconnect, to heal old wounds, and to create new memories. I guess I'm not mad I read it, but I don't feel the need to do so again. Maybe it's because I've already experienced reunion in my own life, and I know that it's not always easy, but it can be rewarding.

I truly adored this book. It was an absolute delight to hear the story gradually unfold from the perspective of the adoptee.

The unique viewpoint offered by the adoptee added a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative. It allowed me to gain a better understanding of the emotions, challenges, and joys that come with being adopted.

As I read, I found myself completely immersed in the adoptee's world, empathizing with their experiences and rooting for them every step of the way.

The author did an excellent job of crafting a story that was not only engaging but also thought-provoking. It made me reflect on the importance of family, identity, and acceptance.

Overall, this book was a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in a touching and inspiring story.

I truly loved the plot and characters of this story. However, it's important to keep in mind the time period in which it was written. Natalie is about to graduate, and she has been burdened with the desire to find her birth mother. After much thought, she decides to embark on this journey over the summer, and her parents give their blessings. The book has many layers, and there are numerous characters that one can easily grow to love. However, one line really stood out to me as being racist. She describes the shutters of her grandmother's old home on the island as "having kept out unfriendly Indians." Seriously? Even in 1978, that kind of language sounds extremely harsh and inappropriate. It's a reminder that we need to be aware of the language we use and the implications it may have, even in the context of a fictional story.

I loved the plot and characters—just keep in mind the time!

Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye by Lois Lowry is specifically targeted at a younger audience.

My Libby app recommended it as an audiobook with no waiting time, so I decided to give it a listen as I have always been a fan of Lois Lowry's works.

Natalie Armstrong is on the verge of graduating from high school and is set to begin college in her pursuit of becoming a doctor like her father.

Ever since she was adopted as a baby, Natalie has had some profound questions regarding her life and family.

Her parents, although upset, are understanding and allow her to use her summer to seek answers about her birth parents as long as she continues to work at her father's doctor's office.

Her journey commences with a letter from the lawyer who arranged the adoption, but unfortunately, 18 years have passed and he is now deceased.

Fortunately, it is a very small town, and Natalie manages to get on the right path.

Spoiler Alert/Trigger Warning:

*

There is an inappropriate age difference between Natalie's birth parents. Additionally, there is the death of a parent/grandparent.

Definitely, it is an older Young Adult (YA) book that tells the story of a young girl who is on a quest to find her biological parents. The narrative presents a nice and heartwarming tale. However, when evaluated by today's standards, it seems rather unrealistic, particularly considering the strict confidentiality laws that are in place. The plot is also very predictable, and at times, it feels almost too "sweet" and saccharine. It is quite evident that YA fiction has come a long way and evolved significantly over the past 30 years. Modern YA books often explore more complex and diverse themes, and they are not afraid to tackle controversial issues. They offer a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the lives and experiences of young people. In contrast, this older book seems a bit dated and simplistic. Nevertheless, it may still hold some charm for those who enjoy a more traditional and straightforward story.

I read this book in about 4 hours together with my 14-year-old daughter. It was part of her summer reading list.

It is a simply written story. The main character is a graduating high school senior girl named Natalie. She embarks on a search for her birth parents.

Natalie is, as usual, quite lucky. Her search turns out to be short and productive.

I think this book should appeal to my teen. She will likely be able to relate to Natalie's experiences and emotions. It may also spark some interesting discussions between us about family, identity, and the search for one's roots.

Overall, it was a pleasant reading experience, and I'm glad we chose this book for her summer reading.

*CW for the R word mentioned in the first 50 pages*. Keep in mind, this book was written in 1978.

I love Lois Lowry. Her prose is truly a delight, filled with eloquent and down-to-earth descriptions that draw the reader in. But it's her characters that truly steal the show. Every book of hers that I've read, with the exception of Messenger, has been a source of enjoyment or even love for me. And this one was no different.

The story follows Natalie, a girl on a journey to discover the identity of her birth mother and the reasons behind her adoption. Along the way, however, she discovers so much more. Lowry doesn't rely on action-packed, plot-heavy storylines. Instead, she crafts delicious slow-burners that unfold slowly and methodically, with a care and precision that is all too rare in YA literature today.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves well-written, character-driven stories. It's a beautiful exploration of identity, family, and the power of discovery. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Lois Lowry is truly a master in the field of literature. There is no doubt about that. However, I must admit that I didn't enjoy this particular novel as much as I had hoped.

The story follows a young woman who has lived her entire life as an adopted child. She decides to embark on a journey to find her birth mother. This is a sweet exploration of the risks that can surface when someone in a complex situation delves into their personal history.

Lowry does not in any way dissuade her protagonist, Natalie, from her search to make contact with her parentage. Instead, she presents a practical view of what could happen. This invites the reader to recognize, along with Natalie, that delicate and complicated situations need to be handled with care.

Overall, while I may not have loved this novel as much as some of Lowry's other works, it still offers valuable insights into the human experience and the challenges that come with uncovering one's past.

Another piece of teen fiction resurfacing from my youth!

Natalie Armstrong adores her parents and sister, yet she can't suppress the curiosity about her birth mother, who relinquished her for adoption just days after her birth. When Natalie graduates from high school, her parents provide her with the means to commence her search. But will the discoveries she makes offer answers to her questions?

This book is so outdated that all the outfits described seem awesome once more. I firmly believe they should re-release it with a stylish new cover. However, the internet would undoubtedly transform the way Natalie undertakes her search. Overall, it is very well crafted and thoughtfully written. I'm truly glad that I picked it up again. It takes me back to those youthful days when I first delved into its pages, and it still holds a certain charm and appeal that makes it a worthy read even now.

This is one of those books that I read when I was actually the intended audience, and it has truly stayed with me.

Seventeen-year-old Natalie appears to have it all. She lives in a loving family, has a comfortable life, and enjoys various privileges. However, deep down, she feels that something crucial is missing.

Adopted when she was just 5 days old, Natalie knows absolutely nothing about her birth parents. This lack of knowledge about her roots haunts her and creates a void within her.

Thankfully, her understanding and loving family agrees to let her embark on a search to discover the truth about her birth parents.

I have always been fond of her eccentric family. Each member has their own unique traits and idiosyncrasies, which add charm and warmth to the story.

From time to time, I go back and re-read this book. Although it may seem a bit outdated in some aspects, I still have a soft spot for it.

For the time when it was written, the difficult topics such as adoption and the search for identity were handled quite well. The author did a great job of exploring these themes and making them relatable to the readers.

Overall, this book holds a special place in my heart and continues to be a source of inspiration and entertainment.

Natalie is truly fortunate to have such wonderful parents, a lively and fun-loving sister, and an eccentric grandmother. She has been aware of her adoption since childhood. Her parents have openly shared with her the arduous journey they endured in their attempts to conceive a child and the numerous frustrations they faced while dealing with adoption agencies. When a doctor from a small town in Maine reached out to them, they eagerly seized the opportunity to become the parents of a baby girl who desperately needed their love and care.

Now, Natalie is on the verge of graduating from high school and will soon embark on her college journey. She has set her sights on studying medicine, following in the footsteps of her father. Life has been treating Natalie well, but there is one lingering issue that weighs heavily on her. She is experiencing a sense of being lost and incomplete. She knows deep down that there is more to the story of her birth and adoption, yet she is hesitant to approach her parents for fear of causing them pain.

After an initially uncomfortable conversation, Natalie discovers that her parents are actually supportive of her quest. Although they are hurt by her need to search for her birth parents, they selflessly offer her both time and financial resources to help her pursue her dream. Natalie begins her search in the small Maine town where she was born. However, it seems that every door she opens leads to disappointment. The search proves to be extremely difficult, but her determination remains unwavering.

"Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye" by Lois Lowry is a captivating and quick read that beautifully defines the concept of family and the sacrifices made out of love. I happened to come across this novel, which was published in 1978, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was written by Lois Lowry. This book has truly stood the test of time and is most definitely worthy of being added to any library or classroom collection that does not already possess a copy.

It offers valuable insights into the complex emotions and experiences surrounding adoption and family relationships, making it a must-read for readers of all ages.

The book is an extremely inspiring one, especially the character of Natalie.

The annotations in the book bring me a great deal of joy. By the way, I have also made annotations myself.

I have a deep love for this book and would not hesitate to read it a hundred times.

It has the power to touch my heart and soul, and each time I pick it up, I discover something new and valuable.

The story of Natalie is particularly captivating, and her journey serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for me.

The annotations add an extra layer of depth and understanding to the text, allowing me to engage with the book on a more profound level.

In conclusion, this book is a true gem that I will cherish and recommend to others without reservation.