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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Finding Max by Jennifer Wallig is a deeply personal story about a daughter spending years searching for answers to uncover her father’s biological roots after finding out as a teenager that he was adopted when he was an infant. This true story unfolds over a thirty-five-year period that began during the days of phone books and newspaper ads, and continues into the age of DNA testing and online genealogy. Along the way, her search leads her to discover something about her father’s biological family that reveals a far more complicated family history than she ever imagined. She shares some practical advice and tips for others trying to find their lost loved ones, but this story is really about resilience, hope, and the life-changing power of connection.
What first drew me to this book was its cover—a collage of personal photos that I immediately felt held so many untold stories. I wanted to know more about those stories, and once I read the description, I was hooked. As someone who loves genealogy, I found Jennifer Wallig’s writing to be warm, honest, and relatable because I could recall having similar moments while struggling to find the information I was looking for during my family history research. The story is filled with moments of truth and moving revelations, as well as plenty of humor and inspiration. I liked how it’s about learning, healing, forgiveness, and the unexpected ways family can expand, as well as solving its initial mystery. As a reader, I felt like I was doing the research alongside Jennifer because her writing balanced the highs and lows, drawing me in. If you’re interested in adoption stories, family history, or real-life journeys of discovery, Finding Max is a must-read.
