Practically Still a Virgin: An Adoption Memoir

Just finished reading practicly not a virgin, it is so so good. The author shares intimate stories and events from her life that left me feeling as though there are others out there like me. She speaks to the pain of growing up an adoptee and to the pain and shame that comes along with not feeling good enough. She is honest and without shame in her writing and that is inspiring. The author speaks to often private battles with emotions and feelings that adoptees and birth moms often keep to themselves for fear of not being understood or invalidated. It was beautiful to see her story and her growth. This book made me think and laugh and brought me to tears on many occasions. I definitely recommend this book and I am looking forward to part 2.

A must read for anyone working through past family trauma. This book is honest and relatable, and Monica is so brave for sharing her arduous journey with the reader. For those struggling to come to terms with their past and working through traumas, this memoir provides a great perspective and validation, with hope woven throughout a beautifully written and heartfelt story.

Monica Hall’s story is incredibly captivating, honest and emotional. I couldn’t put it down. I empathized with her at many points throughout the story as she poignantly describes core events of her life. While I am not an adoptee or birth mother, her story was nonetheless meaningful for me and gave me a lot to think about, including my perspective about adoption which has undergone some significant readjustments thanks to this book. While the author’s experience has clearly framed her own perspective and life, she nonetheless leaves plenty of room for the readers to form their own opinions. Monica’s book is a wonderful read for anyone wanting to heal from past traumas, hurts, or find compassion for those that have. Absolutely inspiring! I was so encouraged and inspired by her story. It’s a must read!

This is a incredibly well written book. The honest simplicity of the authors' true experiences shine out on every page. It has made me rethink so many things. For 50 years, adoption has really had only one narrative. Ms. Hall's memoir adds a very relevant and pertinent new voice to this narrative: a truth that needs to be heard and understood. This book is also an inspiring story of recovery, grit courage and determination: as well as humility and grace while overcoming some incredibly challenging circumstances. I am a retired high school English teacher, and my students had lists of outside novels that they would choose to read over the course of the school year. if I were still teaching, this book would certainly make my list! The study and discussion questions at the end of the book are also very well constructed: and provide ways to extend and expand the readers' understanding of the issues raised in this memoir. I highly recommend this book without reservation. It is an easy read, but one that will stay with the reader for a long time.

I really like "Practically Still a Virgin: An Adoption Memoir", well done! I read the book during my long flight to Vietnam and it is an incredibly moving and deeply personal account that delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the search for self-discovery.The author's narrative is both captivating and enlightening, as they bravely share their journey of grappling with questions of identity, familial bonds, and the inherent longing for connection.This book is not only a compelling read but also a source of inspiration for anyone navigating their own path of self-discovery and acceptance.I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the enduring quest for belonging.

Practically Still a Virgin was well written in such a descriptive and storytelling manner I couldn’t put it down.I think about Hall’s life, her story and how authentic she is.Her self-determination is empowering.Being a teenager can be hard enough without ALL the trials and tribulations that she endured through the course of her life from a very young age.She struggled with Drugs and Alcohol and toxic relationships. At 15 she was faced with an unplanned pregnancy and having to make the biggest decision of her life.Like her birth mother, Hall choose adoption for her baby girl, which is a brave and loving choice, but not an easy one.She made a promise to herself and to her daughter that when her daughter turned 18 she would find her.Until that day she could think of nothing more, she thought of her daughter every day for 18 years and prayed she had given her a better life than what she could provided her. A better life than what she had.A well-crafted memoir, offering the reader an intimate history of Hall’s personal journeys, triumphs and tribulations .

An incredible book written by a great friend. So proud of you, Monica! This book opened my eyes to a world in which I’m not familiar. It was intriguing and educational. I highly recommend taking a deep dive into this book!

This book was both heart-breaking and hopeful. Monica was adopted and then as a teen, relinquished her baby. There are layers of loss that are difficult to comprehend unless you’ve been there yourself, but Monica Hall tells her story well. Whether you’ve had a similar experience or not, you’ll feel the highs and lows of the story .The author does a wonderful job of bringing the reader along on her journey . Her voice is authentic and vulnerable across the ages she speaks from.I am not a mother but I am an adopted person and felt so much connection to this memoir. I commend Monica for speaking her truth & would recommend this to anyone who enjoys memoir, anyone considering adoption on any level, anyone who is adopted, anyone that just wants to understand the human experience from a different (or similar) lens.Bravo.

Practically Still A Virgin is a captivating read leaving you wanting more. Hall’s ability to evoke compassion for the Adoptee as well as the First Mother leaves the reader feeling softened to the experience of all impacted by relinquishment and adoption. Her say it like it is writing is a powerful force pushing the story forward. I would highly recommend.

A very well-written book and easy to read. They say, we never truly know somebody. Well, in this book, I got to know so much about Monica through her life story. I can’t imagine not knowing my family, who I look like and have similar mannerisms to. Reading how she longed for these connections for such a long time is heartbreaking. There is also a mother’s love in this story. A mother does not have to give birth to you to love you unconditionally.We never truly know what people go through or have been through in life and this book is a testament to that. I was engrossed in Monica’s story right from the beginning. Thank you for bravely writing your life story for others who may have had the same experience and longing in their life and for giving them the courage to search. And, also for giving the rest of an understanding.

Well written and captivating. In Hall's debut memoir of a young lady, actually a child, who embarks on a hard, dysfunctional journey but coming out surprisingly well. A heroin story of trauma, strength and a person's ability of concur.

A powerful and moving story about the search for identity and belonging. This bittersweet memoir will stay with you long after you finish reading it.