Published in 1997, The Spirit of Open Adoption remains one of the best available presentations of the philosophy (not the mechanics) of open adoption. Gritter—a long-time social worker whose agency helped pioneer current open adoption practices—advocates for a value-based, child-centered approach to openness. Blending philosophy, spirituality, and personal experience, he makes a compelling case for ongoing, face-to-face contact. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of honesty, respect, and mutual commitment from all participants. Realistic about the pain and possible ethical pitfalls of domestic adoption, he also recognizes its potential joys.

Gritter writes to a wide audience, including first parents, adoptive parents, adoptees and adoption professionals. As a result, the book can be unwieldy and could stand a good edit. (This, not the content, keeps me from rating it higher.) Readers willing to slog through some of the more repetitive sections, however, will discover one of the classics of open adoption literature.