David McKinstry has always wanted to be a father. Growing up in Canada in the 1970s as a gay man, David realised that adoption was the only way to have the child he so desperately longed for. In this memoir that spans two decades, David documents the adoption process and writes from his soul as he explains everything he went through to get the family he has always wanted.

This dragged a little for me, although I found parts of it incredibly moving and interesting. Susan's story, in particular, really got to me. I think that perhaps people who have adopted or who are trying to adopt would enjoy this more than I did, but I still took something from it and had to admire David's perserverance and determination to give children without parents a loving, caring home.

I'd have loved a little bit more about David himself, but overall this was a really interesting look at a very private and personal event that he did not have to share. I'm sure this story will help give others hope, and I like that he didn't sugar coat anything, even in the end.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC via Netgalley.

Sweet memoir about a man desperate to adopt, but fighting the system--both domestically and internationally--against prejudice. Also talks a lot about the AIDS epidemic, losing friends and lovers, and the impact that had on his life.

I feel humbled to have read this book. I really felt for David. He wants to be a Dad, has wanted to be a Dad since he was a kid and just keeps coming up against brick walls. This book is a real eye opener about what people, especially gay men go through to adopt. I’d no idea how much red tape and stress and even pain it involved. Rebel Dad is a very emotional book. I was right there with David as he tried to make his dreams come true. I was shocked by the fact adoption agencies kept saying ‘no’. There are so many kids neglected and mistreated by their parents and David wanted to be a dad so much. You’d think that would be a good thing? Rebel Dad is a brave, gutsy and at times very sad book. I loved it.

David wants to have children. It is a wish that he has had since childhood. David is a gay man. When he tries to adopt, he is met with a no at adoption agencies. He ends up going to international agencies looking to adopt.

David ends up with two boys to adopt which he does. His journey is fascinating. You feel his emotions and see through his eyes what he goes through to adopt. It is groundbreaking for lesbians and gays to be allowed to adopt. The book is about David as he goes through the complicated routines by government and adoption agencies. At the time he was trying to adopt, he was not thinking of this as a political activity. It was definitely worthwhile reading for me as I was not aware of what one must go through trying to adopt. Read it!n

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 star review. It was an enjoyable and I would recommend. to others. Generously provided to me through NetGalley