Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Relinquished by Gretchen Sisson

Book Club Discussion Questions

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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. What did you believe about adoption before reading Relinquished? Have your beliefs or opinions changed since reading the book?
2. Do you have any personal experiences with adoption, as an adoptee, and adoptive family members, or a relinquishing family member? If so, did you feel your experience was reflected in the stories shared here?
3. Which of the mothers' stories did you find most compelling? For which mothers did you feel the most sympathy and compassion? Did you ever feel angry, frustrated, or uncomfortable with the mother sharing her story?
4. The subtitle of the book references "the privilege of motherhood." Who do you think has the privilege of being a mother in American society today? Should parenthood be a privilege? If so, who should have it and how should it be earned?
5. Chapter 1 ("The Domestic Suppliers of Infants") chronicles the lengthy history of family separation and adoption in the history of the United States. What, if anything, surprised you the most about this history? In what ways do you think this history is or isn't relevant to adoption today?
6. Many of the mothers whose stories are included in Relinquished grappled with feelings of sadness, grief, and regret around their adoptions. Yet, we do not prohibit adults from making decisions that they might regret in the long run. How can we balance values of autonomy and choice with values of informed consent, protection, and support?
7. Chapter 5 ("Mothers, Martyrs, Myths") deals with pop cultural stories about adoption. Do you remember seeing any of the examples mentioned, or any similar stories in books, movies, or television shows? How did you feel about them at the time? How do you feel about them now?
8. Relinquished is critical of many elected leaders (of all parties) and their messaging and legislating around adoption. After reading the book, how to you think about adoption in the context of your broader political beliefs?
9. In many ways, Relinquished is oriented around the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed for a range of statewide abortion bans across the country. How has this book impacted your ideas about abortion and pregnancy decision making? Given the Dobbs decision and your reading of this book, what would you like to see policymakers consider as they propose legislation impacting reproductive choice, pregnancy, and families?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of St. Martin's Press. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.