Orfan Paperback – December 1, 2010

Corie Skolnick's "Orfan" is an absolute treasure that skillfully navigates the intricate emotions and complexities of adoption and identity.From the first page to the last, Skolnick's vivid storytelling and masterful character development ensure that readers are not just reading a story, but experiencing an emotional journey alongside the protagonist, JD.Skolnick's portrayal of JD, an adoptee grappling with the layers of his identity through various stages of his life, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The author's ability to create such relatable, multi-dimensional characters is nothing short of brilliant. Each character, from the nurturing neighbors to the flawed yet realistic family members, is crafted with such detail that they leap off the page, enriching JD's world and the reader's experience.What sets "Orfan" apart is Skolnick's handling of delicate themes like loss, grief, trauma, and resilience with a finesse that is both gentle and unflinchingly honest. The narrative moves at a compelling pace, weaving moments of sorrow with those of joy and hope, illustrating the poignant lesson that life's challenges are also its most profound teachers.Beyond its engaging plot, "Orfan" serves as a critical piece of literature for understanding the nuanced experiences of adoptees and the spectrum of emotions involved in the adoption triad. It is a book that fosters empathy and deep reflection, making it an essential read for anyone touched by adoption, as well as those who appreciate stories that delve deep into the human psyche.Corie Skolnick’s talent shines brilliantly in this novel. She has not only written a book that entertains but also enlightens, making "Orfan" a standout work that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact.This is not just a book you read; it’s one you feel, one you remember. I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this beautifully crafted novel, which proves to be a beacon of understanding in the often misunderstood world of adoption and personal identity.

Ok, here are my thoughts:ORFAN took hold of my heart last night.This tale of JD blanketed me from head to toe with another person’s struggles (from birth, at that!). I opened my heart and soul to this fictional character and to all who had passed through his life and I was left emotionally spent!While Ms. Skolnick weaved her story about the baby who captured hearts, broke hearts and made hearts harder than rocks without even doing anything (just by being born!), my own heart was racing around a myriad of emotions as I did everything I could to reach the next page faster.All the while, JD’s heart was feeling the aftermaths of abandonment, losing loving parents, coping with racism with his caretaker, acting out, finding a best friend, finding love, losing sight of his own identity and finding it in the unlikeliest of places!All the while I was losing track of time, becoming more and more immersed in this tale of , abandonment, grief, racial identity, all things” family” and L<3VE.All the while, he was shy and smart, funny and perceptive, a trouble-maker and a joy to have a round. He was a ray of hope to some while still not being able to find his own light. Complex. Detached, yet willing enough to step forward and make connections.All the while I was crying (no, sobbing!!!), laughing, praising others for helping JD and pretty much falling in love with some of the characters in the book. Ohhhh, and did I mention that the thing I wanted to do most from cover to end was be JD’s family and love him forEVER?Auughhh! Wow. Powerful stuff here. I am not one to get too emotionally attached, but a great story tends to envelop me (again, the blanket). If it strikes a chord, I recommend the read. If it strikes too many chords and becomes a familiar drumming, humming or tune, I am a crying mess on my bed with my heart bled out to the floor… weak, spent. This was a live jazz session with the great Coltrain playing JUST FOR YOU. You cannot help but feel something and everything at the same time.And still I read on through the night.Every character’s storyline and every chapter produced another piece of my blanket; produced another part of JD’s life quilt. His losses were my losses. His love, my love. I cried with JD and I cried without him.I wanted to help JD; protect and keep him safe; love him so that no other harm or ugliness or prejudice and hate ever crossed his path! I know that is no good, either, since I would be an enabler to his grief and trauma.JD, however, became stronger than I, the lone, sobbing reader. Deep down inside, as I read, I knew that in the darkest of times, JD would survive and be stronger for it. Stronger in the long run in self identity, stronger in family, stronger mentally, stronger in love because he was always meant to be exceptional and special and strong.The end: JD’s quilt will be built stronger, fortified with his new family’s nurturing and loving hearts and open arms. Now I could go to sleep and feel that JD will be ok. *ü*

I am so grateful a friend told me about Orfan written by Corie Skolnick. I'm an avid reader, reading 4 or 5 a month and for the last seven years, at least one of those books each month (sometimes two or three) is on the subject of adoption or the Baby Scoop era. This creative and truly remarkable story was different than any I have read before, and I simply ate it up. Great characters, spot on dialogue and truly incredible story with brilliant twists and turns you do not see coming! It is written so well and the story flows beautifully making it quite the page turner. This is a book that will make you cry, think, and put a big smile on your face. I think those are always the best books, ones that grab you, won't let you go, and then keep you thinking about the characters and the story for days. I will not forget Jimmy Deane for a long time.

Orfan is delightful, with many unexpected twists and turns. Another title could be The Trials and Tribulations of Jimmy Deane. We meet Jimmy as he is born in Chicago to an unwed mother and follow his life's mishaps, though no fault of his own, while living in Florida and California. The author obviously has an amazing grip on the pervasive discrimination that continues to exist in Chicago and other cities. Ms. Skolnick gives a raw, amusing, and often surprising look into an orphan's life. While reading we hope to discover if Jimmy will find people who truly care about him. Although the story does get a bit far-fetched near the end, there is much to ponder in Dr. Pierce's wisdom, "The real tragedy is when you lose someone and you don't hurt. When you feel nothing."