Jennifer Wallig’s Finding Max is a deeply personal story of resilience, family, and the pursuit of truth. The book follows her decades-long journey to uncover her father’s birth family after discovering he was adopted. Through dead ends, closed doors, and unexpected twists, Wallig persistently searches for answers, navigating complex emotions and relationships along the way. More than just a genealogy search, this memoir delves into identity, loss, and the meaning of family, making it an emotional and compelling read.

Wallig’s writing feels like sitting down with a friend who’s recounting an incredible story. She lays everything bare; her frustrations, her heartbreak, her victories. One of the most striking aspects of the book is how raw and real her emotions come through. When she first confronts her grandmother, Grandma Gini, about her father’s adoption, the moment is filled with tension. The way she describes her grandmother’s measured response, her patience, her reluctance, and the underlying pain makes it feel like you’re right there on the couch with them. It’s these deeply personal moments that make the book more than just a search for lost family; it’s a search for understanding.

The most powerful part of Finding Max is how it doesn’t follow the traditional “happy ending” structure. Wallig faces countless obstacles, including legal roadblocks, sealed records, and painful family secrets. At one point, she writes to an old address found in a decades-old letter, only to have it returned with a cold “No such number” stamp. The disappointment is palpable. And yet, despite all these setbacks, she never gives up. The book teaches an important lesson: sometimes, the answers we seek aren’t the ones we expect, but they can still bring closure in unexpected ways.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is how Wallig blends memoir with practical advice for those searching for their own family histories. She doesn’t just tell her story; she gives readers tools, offering insights into adoption records, DNA searches, and the emotional complexity of reconnecting with birth relatives. Her experience with rejection and resilience is invaluable to anyone considering their own search. She also takes the time to reflect on how she might have done things differently, which adds another layer of honesty to the story.

I’d recommend Finding Max to anyone interested in genealogy, adoption stories, or personal journeys of perseverance. It’s a book for those who appreciate real-life mysteries, those who have ever wondered about the past, and those who believe that family is more than just blood. Wallig’s writing is heartfelt and engaging, making the reader feel every high and low of her search. Whether you’re personally connected to adoption or just love a good story about uncovering long-hidden truths, this book is a must-read.

Pages: 228 | ASIN: B0DG3FSQNV