The Sixteenth Year: An Open Adoption Memoir

by Leah Outten

It was the year that changed everything.When a pregnancy test turns up positive, Leah has some tough decisions to make. Atjust sixteen, what will she do?Wrestling with her options for months, she then discovers open welcoming her daughter into the world while maintaining a connection with her daughter and the adoptive family after the placement. As her heart softens to the sacrifice she knows she needs to make in hopes to better her baby’s life, her life begins to shift too. She finally feels at peace with her decision, but can she trust strangers to uphold their promises?Leah pulls you into her story as she shares her heart. Vulnerable and tender, The Sixteenth Year offers a raw look into her story, not only through pregnancy and adoption but as a testimony of how God has used broken pieces of her life to heal and grow. From pre-pregnancy to life today and her bond with her teenage daughter, you’ll be inspired by her steps of faith, the grace discovered within her journey, and the transformational approach to adoption.

190 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Gina D'Arco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah’s story is well-written and captivating. She has such a powerful voice. As an adoptive mom, I would say this is essential reading for those waiting on a match. It’s invaluable to gain perspective from all sides of the triad. This would make a lovely gift for anyone touched by adoption.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first open adoption memoir, and it was flawless. Such beautiful storytelling, honest recollection and spiritual transformation. Leah is a strong, amazing woman who has a built a unique life with all of her kids. She has made relationships a priority and has given her kids every opportunity to make the most of a hard situation.

I am so proud of her bravery to tell her story, and I hope to read many more to honor beautiful birth mothers.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sixteenth Year is a story our world needs to read! A personal and raw account of one girl’s life-changing moments and the decisions that follow were gut-wrenching, thought-provoking, and deeply moving. It felt like an honor to get such a glimpse into what life was like for this 16-year-old who found herself pregnant, searching, and the 18 years that followed. There was so much joy and emotion and redemption in the pages of this book. Thank you, Leah for sharing your story. I pray many people, not just in the adoption or Christian communities, read it.

(I vote Kaylee writes a book now, too!)

[Gray Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's recount of her unplanned pregnancy, through her decision making processes, through her choice to make an adoption plan, choosing the family, making the placement, the highs and lows of an open adoption, all the way to the relationship she has with her birthchild now is simply beautiful. Leah doesn't sugarcoat her experience, rather she is honest, upfront and even matter of fact about both the difficulties and the joys that come with open adotpion. She is truly one example of how an open adoption experience can be such a gift to the adoption triad. Her book is written from her perspective and shows the love she had for her daughter from the moment she learned she was pregnant. A+++ Leah!

[Michelle Bedker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic, real and captivating read. An important book for anyone in the adoption triad (or anyone at all!) to hear Leah’s story and unique perspective. Highly recommend.

[Kristen Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was walking with Leah in her white Adidas with gray stripes as she snuck through the aisles of Wal-Mart to buy a pregnancy test. Leah is an incredible story-teller, and I experienced so many emotions as I devoured this book. This story is a gift to anyone who needs redemption and desires to extend grace to others.

[Taylor Palamaras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and inspiring story. Leah’s book gave phenomenal perspective as an adopted child. Everyone should read, whether you are in the adoption world or not. I loved reading your story!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually review books, but this one is one I truly believe people should read! Birth moms, adoptees, adoptive families, and supporters of any one of those categories can learn from Leah’s story. It was a beautifully written open adoption story, that was just a glimpse of how it can be done well! I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for anyone looking for a birth parent’s perspective in adoption. The adoption narrative is often controlled by adoptive parents sharing their experiences and opinions, so hearing from Leah was so valuable and refreshing. Leah shares her story so generously and beautifully. Her experience with the adoptive parents of her daughter was such an encouragement to me as an adoptive parent. My husband and I chose to do a consultation call with Leah after reading the book. Leah listened so emphatically and after sharing our situation with her, she offered great perspective and advice for how we could honor our child’s birth mother in our unique situation. Thank you for sharing your voice with the world Leah!