Martian Child

I read the book back in 2005 I think it was. Possibly 2004? I was at a 2nd hand bookstore and the adoption section was right next to the kids books (how convenient!). As my two daughters sat and read I went and explored. The book "Martian Child" jumped out at me. I started reading it as I sat in the kids section. At that point we were on the way to being foster parents and adopting but as of yet had not gotten all of our paperwork through the bureaucracy. I was trying to avoid "points of view" that colored foster parenting with a negative hue. I so believe that it's important to know all you can know but at the same time I believe it's important to go into things with some positive truth from the heart. Up to this point I had had my fill of the negative.

So there I was carefully reading this book and I couldn't put it down. David's writing held me captive although there was one chapter I struggled with. It likely was my difficulty in understanding the depth of what was going on from my inexperienced point of view. His metaphor and meaning hit me deeply. He had a sense of humour and a grasp on life renewed through adoption. He was unfailing in his love but true to the depth of his frustrations.

I was disappointed though in the movie. I don't think it did justice to the book or the subject matter. I adore John Cusack and Joan Cusack... Bobby Coleman, the child star in the movie did a superb job. All are very talented and I was inspired by the movie at times but overall it disappointed. Now as a foster parent, foster/adopt parent and a continuing advocate of fostering I thought it left too much open and unexplained for those who don't know what it is like. The story line was changed possibly because society isn't ready for the truth (sadly enough!). While the truth may have muddied the waters of what this was really about there were some parts of the book that needed to be explored more thoroughly. The issue of family needs to be challenged though overall so I think the truth needs to be told more fully or not modified to such an extent that it's so politically correct. Where was the wonderful Jewish grandmother? Far too many of the struggles were watered down and the joys not explored enough. "Somewhere" was not given his rightful role. He was such an important part of things, the four legged peacemaker. Moreso Dennis was so much more real and less Martian in the book although yes, this was his deep cover and a hugely intelligent cover at that which the movie did explore. I just wanted more of the human endeavors that were shown in the book.

I recommend the book be read first and then watch the movie on DVD. After it is over watch the special features so you can see the Author and Dennis in real life. And then see how the movie was made and the inspiration in how it was made. I think going beyond the movie into the world of parenthood and childhood by seeing how Bobby was discovered and how he so courageously took on this role gave more meaning to the movie. Children are so under rated in our society... so under appreciated for what they are. So in the end I think it is important to see this movie then dig a bit deeper and find inspiration in the special features grasp a bit more of what it's all about.