The December 26 review of this book misses the point entirely, and contains some basic inaccuracies. First, the book doesn't purport to be anything other than a collection of photos. The book yields no profit for the photographer or the authors of the foreword and afterword; instead all profits go to Half the Sky Foundation to assist in its mission of enriching the lives of the children who remain in the orphanages. In general, the review is kind of a cynical little hatchet job. The photos are beautiful and evocative; the purpose is noble; the book is worth purchasing.

I am an adoptive parent of a child from China, and received this book as a gift. Sad to say, it's not worth the hype. It's just a collection of photos. I doubt any of these children had a say in their being exploited for the publication and profit of this book. The cover touts to show their "inner lives", yet I find nothing revealing about seeing their sobbing, scarred or desolate faces -- it's obvious some of them had no desire to be photographed. There are really no written words, only pictures. I certainly don't see why I would ever share this book with my daughter, or why she would have any interest in looking at it. While I agree it's wonderful that the Half the Sky Foundation benefits from the sale of this book, I would suggest skipping the book and just donating the $35 directly to the foundation. I consider this to be one more product marketed directly at the wallets of adoptive parents.

Amazing photos, important photos, and a wonderful treatment of a heart-breaking subject. This book should be read by everyone.

If you have a child from China, if you are interested in China, or if you just love good photography, this book is for you. What I liked best about it is that it captures, in black and white, the expressions of all sorts of children at SWIs-young girls and boys, children with medical issues, older children. And the expressions are so poignant-giggling, crying, looking scared (many), looking solemn,looking impish or happily playing dress up. If you ever need a boost during the long and sometimes frustrating adoption process or are questioning just why you are adopting, just thumb through the pages and look into the eyes of these lovely children. Kudos to photographer Richard Bowen and the Half the Sky Foundation for this terrific and important addition.

I have purchased three copies of this book - my daughter is adopted and was supported by Half the Sky but you don't need either connection to appreciate the incredible photography and haunting, touching, straight to your soul photos in this gorgeous book. The photos are all black and white with very simple backdrops and incredible focus on detail, showing the children of China's orphanages as people with individual emotions. Every single photo is a new story told through the eyes of each child.

By far a book I will treasure forever.