The Girl Behind The Door: A Father's Journey Into The Mystery Of Attachment
If tragedy is partly defined as “good intentions gone badly”, then John  Brooks’ family story is a showcase of tragic beginnings, circumstances  and endings. The book chronicles a story of love found, hopes dashed and  promise lost. Overall a sad story, but Casey’s luminous presence shines  throughout as the reader shares her day-to-day struggles, the softer  moments of connection and success, her parent’s befuddlement around her  behaviors and the misunderstanding on both sides. What makes the story  redeemable is the truth that it exposes. It is captivating, starting  with the tragic and ending with a new clarity of understanding.   After  reading this story, I have no question that we face a social epidemic  that not only includes children from Eastern European orphanages, but  any child of neglect, abuse or abandonment. Among too many there has  existed an emotional dysfunction stemming from generations of unattached  individuals grasping for survival in a world they cannot trust.  Unfortunately, adoptive parents are situated right on the front lines.    So adoptive parents are the bird in the coal mine. Many find themselves  at the epicenter of a social tragedy many years in the making—humans  who never felt welcomed or cherished upon entering this world. Once you  spend years struggling with children like this—who do not feel safe in  their own skin—you realize that the fundamental basis of civilization is  trust. This trust does not develop on its own. Without it we are less  than fully human, our energy spent on survival. This pattern will  continue unless we become accepting of the existence of this affliction  called attachment disorder. The Brooks’ story tells us this in a clarity  and honesty that is profoundly real.   If you are thinking of adopting,  or want an introduction to attachment disorder, I can think of no  better place to start than reading Casey’s story.-Marc DepreyLearning Media Coordinator, Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc.What a compelling story about a family in turmoil, how it came to be that, and the aftermath that followed. This is a sad but painfully honest story about mistaking a child’s pain for bad behavior. The author generously opens up his heart and vulnerability to reveal his daughter’s journey through life that ended so tragically, his desperate search for answers, the waves of guilt he endured, and his pursuit to help other families who are in similar situations. With narrative that was sometimes difficult to hear, this book provides valuable insight into attachment disorder--a must read for parents whose adopted children are displaying inexplicable troubling behavior.-Florence Osmund, BRAG Medallion honoree, publisher of the review site, florenceosmund.comYour book will be an eye-opener for so many people who are unfamiliar with attachment issues. The comments you have received are testimony to your credibility and understanding of the mental health issues that may be relevant for those who adopt.-Gloria Hochman, National Adoption CenterWhat a compelling story about a family in turmoil, how it came to be that, and the aftermath that followed. This is a sad but painfully honest story about mistaking a child’s pain for bad behavior. The author generously opens up his heart and vulnerability to reveal his daughter’s journey through life that ended so tragically, his desperate search for answers, the waves of guilt he endured, and his pursuit to help other families who are in similar situations. With narrative that was sometimes difficult to hear, this book provides valuable insight into attachment disorder--a must read for parents whose adopted children are displaying inexplicable troubling behavior.-Florence Osmund, BRAG Medallion honoree, publisher of the review site, florenceosmund.comThe Girl Behind the Door is a brave, frank, and compelling story of a teenager’s struggles with life, her tragic decision, her parents’ agony, and the lessons learned. Rarely have the subjects of suicide, adoption, adolescence, mental illness, and parenting been explored so openly and honestly. Casey Brooks’ life ended long before it should have, but in telling about it her father may just help save the lives of others.-John Bateson, Former Executive Director, Contra Costa County Crisis Center and author of The Final Leap: Suicide on the Golden Gate BridgeI wish all agencies doing international adoptions made this book required reading. As tragic as your story is, I think it is all too common.-Eileen McQuade, American Adoption CongressWhen I discovered that my 15-year-old son was suicidal, and that my enormous love was never going to be "enough," I was fortunate enough to work with an adoption therapist, who is herself adopted. John's compelling and tragic story holds this lesson for all of us, it is crucial to find a therapist who understands in-depth, the issues of adoption. They do exist, not in great numbers, and it can be the difference between life and death. I have such enormous respect for John and his willingness to share his story - it will save other lives.-Jane Ballback, Publisher and Executive Editor, Adoption Voices Magazine