Raising a Thief - by Paul Podolsky (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A remarkable, true story about raising an unusually challenging child, in this case one who struggles to reciprocate love. Unfolding over nearly 20 years, Raising a Thief focuses on the struggles of a Russian orphan, Sonya, mistreated early in life, ultimately diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder, and the family that adopted and tried to raise her. Sonya's story will allow a reader to better understand the immeasurable impact of a caregiver early in a child's life and also grasp why some bounce back from terrible childhood adversity and struggle.

Review Quotes

"I am passionate about understanding how people think and why because this is the most important thing. This book offers an invaluable picture about how the earliest childhood experiences shape thinking. I recommend it for all parents."-Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Founder and author of the New York Times #1 Bestseller Principles

"Reflecting his background as a journalist, Paul brings a compassionate perspective to the process of adoption and the myriad challenges confronting families. Readers will be rewarded with a rich narrative and bold characters who explore fundamental questions that all of us must grapple with such as how we choose to build, sustain, and define relationships."-Neil Aggarwal, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University, Research Psychiatrist, New York State Psychiatric Institute"This story is a rare portrait of a family struggling to raise a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. Often this kind of challenge is hidden in the shadows, shrouded as a family's private pain. Instead, in this unflinching account that lays bare the hurdles―to appropriate services, to a child's developmental progress, to the family's foundation as a unit, and to their sense of peace and what it means to love―Podolsky shows us with depth and clarity what it entails. We are fortunate to have such a view from an author who writes eloquently, observes every nuance and thinks deeply."James Levine, PhD, LICSW, Founding Director of James Levine & Associates and author of Learning from Behavior.