Praise for Finding Joi
A memoir that moves readers to tears and laughter — a deeply honest chronicle of adoption, self-discovery, and reunion that resonates across every corner of the adoption triad.
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What Readers Are Saying
"You felt that way, too, Joi?"
"I was comforted as I kept thinking, You felt that way, too, Joi? As different as our experiences were as relinquished and adopted people, a lot of what we felt was the same. The deep seriousness of this memoir is threaded through with anecdotes that bring both tears and laughter. I am so glad that Joi took the time to chronicle her journey so carefully so that she could share it with us."
— Pam Hasegawa
Spokesperson, NJ Coalition for Adoption Reform and Education
A Voice for the Adoption Experience
Honest. Moving. Important.
"Bravo! Joi's honest, moving story of self-discovery, adoption, and reunion is a moving, important addition of books by and about the adoption experience written by adopted people themselves."
— Alison Larkin
Comedienne, Award-winning Audio Book Narrator, and Bestselling Author of The English American
"Joi Fisher's memoir is one of the most insightful books of an adoptee's journey that I have ever read. Joi speaks to her experiences on so many levels that it is a MUST READ for everyone touched by adoption — adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, siblings, and more. I couldn't put it down!"
— Tom McGee
Co-facilitator, Morristown Post Adoption Support Group; Adoption Activist, NJCARE
From the Podcast World
"Who Am I Really?"
"Finding Joi is filled with heartfelt questions, everyday situations, and emotions that shed light on the myriad challenges adoptees face in searching for answers to our existence. Joi's story resonated with me on many levels. Regardless of success, accolades, or stature, at the end of the day, all adoptees want to know — 'Who Am I Really?' I hope that Joi's story encourages other adoptees to share their truth and find peace in their discovery."
— Damon Davis
Host, "Who Am I… Really?" Podcast
Educators & Advocates Respond
A Journey That Transcends Adoption
Principal Baruti Kafele
"I have known Joi for quite some time but was not aware that she was adopted until a couple of years ago. Through reading her book, I found her story to be rather fascinating. Through her pen, I walked along her journey with her. Her story is one of compelling complete self-discovery. Not only is it a fascinating read, but there are a plethora of lessons for the non-adopted reader to take away as well."
— Educator / Author
Penny Callan Partridge
"I love reading about adopted people helping each other. Joi's book will help others by passing along so honestly the lessons she's learned."
— Co-founder in 1973 of Adoption Forum of Philadelphia
Discover More
Read Finding Joi on Amazon
A Memoir Unlike Any Other
Finding Joi takes readers on an intimate journey through one woman's search for identity, belonging, and healing. It is a story of courage, vulnerability, and the universal desire to know where we come from — and who we truly are.
Who Should Read This Book?
Adoptees navigating their own journeys of identity
Adoptive parents seeking deeper understanding
Birth parents, siblings, and extended family members
Anyone curious about the full complexity of adoption
The Belong Project
It Is Time to Normalize the Conversation
"Adoption Loss is the only trauma in the world where the victims are expected by the whole of society to be grateful." — The Reverend Keith C. Griffith, MBE
Joi wants to shine a light on the hidden struggles of adoption and enlighten people on how complex trauma affects everyone in the adoption circle. It is time to heal hearts, bridge gaps, unify the community, and acknowledge both the challenges and the joys in all things adoption.
A Foundation for Change
Children Are Not Born a Blank Slate

"Contrary to what some parents might believe or hope for, children are not born a blank slate. Rather, they come into the world with predetermined abilities, proclivities, and temperaments that nurturing parents may be able to foster or modify, but can rarely reverse." — Jane Brody, The New York Times
This truth lies at the heart of The Belong Project. Understanding who we are at birth — our nature, our origins, our biological story — is not a threat to the adoptive family. It is a vital part of every adoptee's journey toward wholeness and healing.
The Belong Project
Six Key Care Strategies
Joi shares six powerful strategies to foster healing and advocacy within the adoption triad. She hopes that at least one of them resonates with you today.
B — Believe & Bridge
Believe adoptees' stories. Bridge the gap within the adoption triad.
E — Educate & Equip
Educate the public about the real impact of adoption. Equip adoptees with tools to thrive.
L — Lend & Liberate
Lend your voice to advocacy. Liberate hearts suffering in silence to change the legacy of loss.
O — Operationalize & Organize
Operationalize care across all sectors. Organize systems of lasting support.
N — Normalize & Nurture
Normalize the conversation. Nurture and care for vulnerable populations.
G — Give & Grieve
Give adequate resources for adoptees to thrive. Make space for the triad to grieve their losses.
Join the Movement
One Conversation at a Time
The Belong Project is an adoption awareness campaign built to foster lasting results in the lives of the adoption triad — adoptees, adoptive families, and birth families alike. Every conversation has the power to heal, to connect, and to transform.
Joi's voice, her story, and her vision for BELONG are an open invitation — to listen, to learn, and to take action. Together, we can change the legacy of adoption loss into one of understanding, compassion, and belonging.