This book has made me so angry, and I would assume most readers have felt, or will feel the same after reading it.

I never gave much thought to Russia's orphanage, adoption and foster care systems. I would think Russia as a civilized country would have satisfactory, if not great, programs in place with competent professionals managing, and caring for the children.

That was definitely not the case in the 90's, or the first decade of the 21st Century, when John Lahutsky was growing up in the system. The treatment he and his fellow orphans received is the stuff of nightmares; poor nutrition, lack of health care, negligent, if not cruel care, little to no hygiene, virtually no exercise, stimulation, play, education or love. Many of these children suffered horribly and died slowly and unnecessarily.

Because John was verbal, sweet and bright, he managed to survive and get the attention of volunteers. And then the excruciatingly slow bureaucratic process of helping him beat the system began.

Definitely a MUST READ! ( )

As a mother of adopted children, I was actually shocked to read of the horrific conditions Vanya endured in Russia, after the time I had adopted my children. How could things like these happen in the 1990's? This is a book about hope and resilience and happy endings for some, but it was a very emotionally heavy story. I read it in one sitting as I could not put it down. I was recently in Russia this summer (Murmansk) and was dismayed at the horrible conditions there, in this age; and to realize that Russia apparently has not improved today is very sad and, frankly, disgusting. How John/ Vanya survived his life in Russia is truly a testament to the human spirit. He is a very intelligent, articulate, friendly boy, who overcame so much. I would love to meet him. The conditions in Baby House 10 and the mental institution for adults that he was sent to, were deplorable and almost unbelievable. The children were not stimulated at all, rarely touched, rarely spoken to, barely fed, almost never taken outside the room they lived in, and not outside. The people who worked so tirelessly to rescue John, and those still advocating for children in Russia like him, are true angels. I recommend this book, especially to those interested in adoption, particularly from Russia. Wow, this story will stay with me for a long long time. ( )

Well-written account of a child freed from Russia's miserable state institutions. ( )

Amazing. ( )