Monica Hall - Adoption: Occupying Two Roles Within the Adoption Constellation
Interview with Greg Gentry with Fireside Adoptees: Monica Hall is an adoptee, birthmother, author, entrepreneur, speaker and coach. She was born in Canada and adopted to the US, spending her early formative years in Alaska during the lawless oil boom of the 1970s. Monica’s rape and pregnancy as a young teen resulted in the tragic relinquishment of her daughter under religious coercion from her parents. Her new memoir, Practically Still a Virgin, traces trauma and dysfunction, as well as hope and healing in the course of Monica’s life.
Greg Gentry’s Review of Practically Still a Virgin: Monica richly recounts the complexities of reunion with her own biological family, and the joy of connecting with the daughter she relinquished. Monica Hall has written such a remarkable book. The juxtaposition and interlacing from occupying two roles within the adoption constellation, both skillfully and thoughtfully woven together in a narrative of discovery and deep self-reflection. I set the book down at many points, feeling along with Monica, my fellow adoptee, as she recounted her story and struggle to find meaning and wholeness in very painful life-events. There were some very unexpected twists which left me wide-eyed. Perhaps the most important thing I personally took from Monica was a deeper understanding and empathy for my own birthmother, who was also very young, like Monica. There were tears as I read the heart-wrenching account of relinquishment and reunion, and I couldn’t help but feel all of this to my core. I highly recommend Practically Still a Virgin.
