To Have and Not to Hold ― The Bonding of Two Mothers Through Adoption

Finding out that you're pregnant is normally the beginning of a mother's journey. It's the start of a joyful adventure and a lifetime of love. But what about those mothers who, whether by circumstance or choice, give up their children for adoption? 

Lorri Benson's memoir To Have and Not to Hold chronicles her decision to place her unborn daughter for adoption. Years later, Lorri did everything she could to find and connect with her. 

With accounts from the daughter, birth mother, and adoptive mother, To Have and Not to Hold shows how adoption shapes everyone involved. 

"To Have and Not to Hold will pull you in, will make you cry and will teach you a lot. Quite a combination for quite a book."
—Adam Pertman, President of the National Center on Adoption and Permanency and author of Adoption Nation

Lorri Antosz Benson is a former syndicated columnist and talk show producer. She worked for The Phil Donahue Show for fifteen years, eight of which were spent as Senior Producer. Lorri received two Emmy Awards for her work with The Phil Donahue Show and was awarded the American Women in Radio and Television Commendation. She has been featured on the Today Show and the Montel Williams Show. Lorri and her daughter co-authored the book Distorted, a memoir delving into her daughter’s struggle with an eating disorder. Her work has led her to become an active speaker and expert on eating disorders and resources for parents. She participates in the National Eating Disorder Association, serving on the Parent, Family & Friends Network steering committee and as a columnist for their quarterly electronic newsletter. -