Dreams of My Mothers: A Story of Love Transcendent

by Joel L.A. Peterson

Dreams of My Mothers is based on the true story of two mothers' transcendent love for the same boy. It is a love that reaches across the globe, propels them and him on a riveting and unimaginable path of transformation and triumph. It is a story that will speak to everyone who reads it; a story that tells us that love alone is not enough. Transcendent love is exceptionally rare, requiring sacrifice beyond normal boundaries, a faith beyond all doubts, and most of all, the courage to dream beyond all hope.

Author Joel L. A. Peterson gives us a vivid and gripping story of a biracial, impoverished boy who, through the love and courage of his mothers, overcomes questions of identity, race, physical handicaps and prejudice to become a new American success story. It touches on all the issues of who we are--as a people, as a nation, and as individuals. Dreams of My Mothers is a story particular to a few, but relevant to all. It is American, yet global. It is a story that feels intensely personal, yet universal in its themes and humanness.

And the triumphs are real.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, War, Adoption

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

As a first-time book author, writing has not been Joel L. A. Peterson’s primary profession. But you would never know that from reading his debut novel. In his book Dreams of My Mothers he brings his unique personal background as a biracial international adoptee and combines it with his penetrating insights into multiple cultures as well as his extraordinary international professional experiences to create an exceptionally enthralling and inspirational story.

Peterson was born in Korea to a peasant Korean woman. His biological father, an American GI, is unknown. Adopted into a small town in Minnesota when he was nearly seven years-old by a family of strong Swedish heritage, he grew up in America's heartland, giving him compelling experiences and rare insights into what drives culture, personal identity, and the power of a mother's love. Peterson used events from his personal background to craft his first fictional novel, shedding new perspective on the evolving dialogue in America about race, family, identity, and the myth and reality of the American Dream.

Peterson is the founder and CEO of Student Planning Services, LLC, a leader and paradigm-changing provider of comprehensive education support services. At the same time, he continues to be the managing partner and CEO of Pintoresco Advisors, LLC. Peterson is a former US Navy officer, was a senior executive with global corporations, and is an insider in the elite world of global mergers and acquisitions. Peterson is a PhD pre-doc in Education Policy at Claremont Graduate University and earned his MBA from Virginia Tech and BA from the University of Virginia. He lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Darleen.

Reviews

[Sheri Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only once or twice a year does a book come along that makes me set aside priorities and stay up late into the night reading it in one sitting. I literally could not put this book down. The underlying events of the story are phenomenal and would be an excellent book on their own, but what sets this book apart is how amazingly well-written it is, not only in its very creative organization and storytelling, but also in its prose – which is more like poetry that touches the heart and soul of the reader – and keeps the reader asking, “What happens next?”

Imagine coming to America at the age of 6 – picked up at the airport by a family you’ve never met, who speak a language you cannot understand, but who are laughing and smiling and trying their best to make you feel welcome. What are the circumstances that lead a mother to send her only son on such a journey, and what chain of events led a family of six in Minnesota to welcome him? It’s a fascinating story that confirms – while imparting a 21st Century spin – that the American Dream is alive and well. But more, it’s a story that’s a testament to the courage of the human spirit, the bond between mothers and their child, and the power of dreaming beyond hope.

I give it my strongest, highest recommendation and know it will be a runaway bestseller!

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recieved this from Netgallery.

Opening line: "Elmore Linquist was driving way past the speed limit as he pushed his two-year-old Chevy Bel Air through the streets of Minneapolis."

Summary: This story is about a young Korean-American boy named Young Nam. His mom became pregnant with him from an American soldier stationed in Korea. He promised her that he would fly her to America but promises get broken. The story progresses with how she has coped with caring for a baby who is mixed race in a country where that is looked down upon. Eventually, she gives him up for adoption because her love for him is not enough to give him what he needs. He is then adopted by a Swedish family and renamed, Noah.

My Take: It could have been better written. The long lectures were too much and seemed forced into the story. Some characters didn't really need to be there. The father who was MIA for most of the story was found but didn't give any information as to how he was found and got his testimony for the story. Very religious which sometimes took away from the story. I am not a very religious person and it was too much for me at times. It was a sweet and sad story and I really enjoyed reading it but not really my cup of tea.

Highs: The story was sweet and sad.

Lows: I am not a very religious person and this book has a heavy dose of God and what his plan is for everyone. A little heavy handed in that aspect for me at least. This annoyed me so much...the history of the french press. I have no idea why we needed to know the history of the french press other than that Noah (the main character) loves it. Some of the backstory/history lessons were not needed. It added to an already long winded chapters. Also the back and forth between years would sometimes get confusing and the POVs would sometimes switch in the chapter.

Closing line: "The sleek jet arched across a cloudless sky, leaving contrails that gleamed white and misty in the thin, high air as it carried Noah Linquist toward an unrevealed future, contained in the dreams of his two remarkable mothers...And known for certain only by God."

[Karen Mathison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul-searing, but ultimately amazingly uplifting and heart-warming! I am definitely recommending this book to my book club.

This is the first book I’ve read about a different aspect of war and occupation, an important aspect, and that is about the children left behind fathered by U.S. soldiers. Some of these children made it back to the States.

In “Dreams of My Mothers,” the author explores one such situation. The pain a poor Korean mother, Hee Ae, is faced with raising her green-eyed biracial son, when she doesn’t have the capability of caring for herself. “Dreams of My Mothers” follows the love of the boy’s – we come to know him as Noah – Korean mother and his adoptive mother, Ellen, as both women hope and dream of what’s best for Noah in their own world-spanning different ways. Who is Noah? Is he Korean? Is he American? The author exposes the cultural biases on both sides of the ocean, and how Noah is affected by it from infancy to young adulthood to maturity.

Here is a book that will deeply touch your heart on so many
levels while providing insight into the lessons Noah learns about himself and life while growing up in the heartland of America; lessons that apply to us all.

Lovingly, yet powerfully and beautifully written and filled with life lessons and anecdotes you’ll want to write down and keep forever. This book, its characters and their stories, engrossed me and affected me as few I’ve ever read. It is a must read for anyone who believes that dreams, hope, and the human heart can change the world.

[Courtney Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book and it is very powerful. At first I was struck by the fair-haired heroine, Ellen, and how strong and self-sacrificing she was. But when I came to the end of the book, my opinion completely changed about Hee Ae. She was a heroine also. She made the ultimate sacrifice for her son - she gave him up for a better, richer life. I cried for Young Nam and felt so proud of Noah. Beautifully written. The images stay with you long after you finish the story.

[Lisa Koble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read Dreams of my Mothers; not only because I grew up with the author, attending elementary and high school with him in the same rural Midwestern town he describes in the book, but also because I knew the book’s story would be fascinating.

My earliest memories of the author include the stories he would occasionally tell of his own Korean mother and the life he lived before coming to America. I remember at the time being somewhat dismissive of his stories; thinking “How can he possibly remember these things?” I couldn’t remember things that happened to me as a child of three or four; how could he? Yet the difference was that the life he lived was so beyond anything I could have ever possibly imagined, circumstances I had no idea existed, that the images were imprinted on his young mind in ways I could never have understood then.

The first three chapters of the book immediately pull the reader in with snippets of the main characters’ lives at varying intervals. The irony of Noah Lindquist having been “born lucky” is immediately apparent. As we read the heart-wrenching details of Young Nam’s life as “the bastard son of that Korean peasant woman” we also get glimpses of his future and know that his life turns out in unimaginable ways. Mothers everywhere will shed tears for this little Korean boy.

This is a story of courage on many levels. A story that feels so intimate and personal. It is clear that the character, Noah Lindquist, feels extremely lucky and grateful for the life he has lived. All that he has achieved despite his early days will serve as an inspiration to people everywhere fighting to overcome poverty and discrimination.

Young Nam/Noah Lindquist certainly was “born lucky” in the sense that he had something most of us will never have; the unconditional love of not one, but two mothers. I highly recommend this book. It’s one that will keep you up at night reading “just one more chapter.”

[Pam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful spiritual journey where two women whose lives ran parallel but on opposite sides of the world and how love can reach the farthest side of the universe, how tragedy was overturned and pain and sorrow washed away. the childs mother was a alcoholic fueled whore full of self loathing and hatred because her husband had left her , the child was starving his belly full of worms and malnutrition and his mother beat him all the time, then she left him one day and he ended up being badly scalded when a pan of water fell on him but an article in a church magazine caught the eye of a young woman and his life changed forever.

[Lori Lightfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this amazing story. I had mixed emotions as far as hurry up and finish or slow down because I didn't want the story to end. I absolutely loved it! Thank you Joel for sharing your story. I learned so much from this book. There is a lesson and a message for everyone to learn from Dreams of my Mothers. Congratulations Joel! I look forward to following the path of your beautiful book.

[Wendy Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary tale (based on true events) about love, redemption, tolerance and courage. Riveting as you follow along on the adventures of a boy spanning two continents. Anchored by two mothers who are literally and figuratively worlds apart, yet share a bond with their love for a boy... Uniquely written in the tandem of "now" and "then", this is a page turner that will have you laughing and crying and wanting more. Beautifully done!

[Ann Westman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling, revisiting, soul searching, heart-aching, breathtaking are the emotions I felt throughout the whole book. Joel's words deeply went into my heart, it was so gut wrenching, broke me down only to help me bring me back up! This book is a must read for those that want to feel, need to feel, should feel the love of a little boy for his two moms. Beautifully written!!

[Brenda Gant · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dreams of My Mothers" is the amazing story, based on true events, of a biracial boy born in Korea into circumstances so dire it is hard to imagine. First-time author Joel Peterson brings to life this incredible tale of struggle of a much-marginalized, poverty-stricken child, and his transformation into a highly successful global executive through the overwhelming love and heartbreaking sacrifices of his two mothers, especially the encouragement of his adoptive Minnesotan mother.

"Dreams" educates the reader to the harsh realities of half-Korean, half-American children left behind by U.S. GIs. Although it was a wrenching experience to leave his Korean birth mother, the lead character is fortunate to find an American mother who accepted him as her own, and, through her examples and lessons, encouraged him to become a success. Sprinkled throughout the book are mini history lessons and background information on such diverse subjects as GI life during the Korean conflict, the sense of duty in Korean society, how Lutheran and Swedish ideals informed the Swedish American community’s thinking, and even the development of the cellular industry in the United States.

"Dreams" is truly a remarkable book about the sacrifices mothers sometimes make for the best of their children and their far-reaching influences in their children’s lives. Author Joel L. A. Peterson’s writing makes the reader reflect on how circumstances, relationships, and our society inform – and form – our characters and what our mother’s role is in the shaping of who we are.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This compelling autobiographical novel tells the story of a little boy born to a poor Korean mother and an American GI who abandons her. Unable to look after the child, the mother reluctantly gives him up for adoption to an American family, and he grows up, much loved, in Minnesota. He goes on to be both happy and successful though ever mindful of his roots. So far so moving, but for me the author’s style left much to be desired and detracted considerably from my enjoyment of the narrative. For a start it is far too detailed. Our hero eats sukiyaki? A full description of sukiyaki follows. He works for AT&T? A lecture about the company. The Korean language – let’s have a lecture about Chinese, Japanese and Korean and their differences. One of his friends learns Aikido – yes, you’ve guessed it, a lecture on Aikido follows. Details of planes and cars and accessories too often impose themselves. Not needed and they slow the storyline. The old adage “show don’t tell” is the lesson the author needs to learn. There are also some very unlikely scenarios, as for example when the adoptive father goes into the operating theatre where his wife is having a Caesarean and sees all the gory details before she is sewn up. I really wonder why such interludes are there at all as they add nothing to the story. A good editor could have helped this book enormously. So for me a good story spoilt by an irritating style. Other reviews have been fulsome to say the least – but this book just didn’t work for me.

[Betsy Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. This first-time author told a beautiful story beautifully.

A few reviewers have complained that the narrator goes into too much detail about "irrelevant things," talking about the back story of everyday items. For me, however, this is exactly in character with how a person like the narrator would approach the world. Here is a kid who spent the first 6-7 years of his life in abject poverty in a then-poverty-ridden country, who suddenly gets thrust into middle class America. He spends basically the rest of his life decoding things, whether it's everyday items, social interactions, status symbols within different classes of people, etc. For the narrator, this approach to detail is more than just a survival skill; it is what allowed him to rise meteorically in the business world. So no, it may not be how most readers approach the world (or how most novelists approach writing), but it is incredibly true to the narrator's relationship with the world and its everyday items, and the focus on these items and their back story made the book feel even more authentic to me.

I could not put this book down. The story is tremendously compelling -- simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting. I have to admit, for part of the book I was questioning all the jumping around in time, but the payoff in the end, when the storylines come together, makes it worth it. All in all, it's a story that will stay with you long after you finish the book, and it has a good chance of being a blockbuster movie some day if done right. I highly recommend it.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads.
From the moment I opened this book and read the poem at the front, I was spellbound. Each page I turned afterwards rewarded me with flawless writing and a magical journey through the eyes of the main characters of the book.
I was instantly drawn to the character of Noah and felt as though I wanted to comfort and protect him, take him in my arm and even adopt him!
The great thing about this book is that firstly I despised his Korean mother, yet before long I felt nothing but pity, agony and concern for her. Joel Peterson made it easy for the reader to associate with the characters (even if the reader has not been in the same situation) and feel empathy towards them.
With the background knowledge Joel offers, he brings to life the lives of these people and I found myself being given a reality check and a history lesson from another point of view that my schooling failed to give.
This book is certainly an eye opener and tugs at the heart strings which to me makes a masterpiece of writing.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who can read!
This being Joel Peterson's first novel, I congratulate him and look forward to reading his next.

[Debby Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaways and I was so pleased that I did. An interesting read from start to finish. This fictional story is based on the author's own experience being adopted by a family in Minnesota at a young age. The main character is a boy whose mother is Korean and his father is an American soldier. Noah is not accepted by his mother's country and does not have any connection with his biological father. His mother does her best to raise him and eventually comes to the difficult decision to place her son for adoption so that both of them may have a life. Across the world in Minnesota, another mother decides to adopt a child from a foreign country in an attempt to replace a son lost. This story brings forth all sorts of emotions to the reader. You can feel the great sorrow of his natural mother, the mixed emotions of his adoptive parents and how Noah feels torn between his native and adoptive countries. The writing is excellent and the story easily flows. I would highly recommend this book to everyone and find it difficult to believe this is the author's first book. This book is truly a story of love transcendent.

[Jaimie Bruzenak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful inspiring autobiography, written as fiction. It was a little hard to read because the author jumped around time periods and families. Plus he threw in so much background about anything odd that was mentioned - for example, that French presses used by Noah on a private jet were actually invented by an Italian. That was distracting.

The story itself was wonderful. It's the story of a Korean-Anerican boy born out of wedlock to a mother who was already shunned. His mother took out her frustration and rage at her situation by beating Young Nam, who was also badly burned at 6 months old when his mother left him alone to go out with a girlfriend. Children of with an American father were not even considered citizens of Korea and could not receive medical help or an education so Nam's future was extremely limited. Young Nam's resiliency was amazing, though. At 9 he is adopted by a Minnesota family with strong Swedish Lutheran morals and work ethic. While he has been ripped away from the only person who loved him, the Peterson family would provide a nurturing, accepting and loving place for "Noah" to grow up and excel.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won a copy through Goodreads!

3.5-4

This was an interesting book. It’s about a biracial Korean/American child named Young Nam. His mother, Hee Ae, got pregnant by a soldier that ended up abandoning her. She struggles to take care of herself and her child for many years before making the painful decision to place him for adoption. He is then adopted by a couple/family living in America, and renamed Noah. We explore Noah/Young Nam’s life through the years, as well as his relationship with each of his mothers, Hee Ae and Ellen.

In the beginning the constant changing of point of views and years were a little confusing, but over time I came to enjoy that aspect of moving from one to another. Like others, I felt there was way too much descriptive detail throughout the book. That’s really the only complaint I have though. I enjoyed the story!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads First Reads book and an amazing story.

This is a story of a young scared boy who's world is his mother. It is about a heartbreaking sacrifice of a loving mother who feels she has no other choice then to give her son away for a better life. It is about another mother who is opening her and her family's world to adopting a young Korean/American boy to give him the love he deserves and a chance for a better life. It is a wonderful story about two very strong mothers who gave the same boy all the love they could give a boy to make him a better man.

There were a few parts where the author went a little off track and into too much detail about things that really didn't need to be in the book but it didn't take away from the story.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a powerful biography. It could have been written so many other ways that would not have so well stold the story of a young Korean boy, born of a Korean mother and an American father, deserted by the father when he returned from his war. The story continues with his birth mother giving him up for adoption so that the young boy could have what she could not give him - what love it took to do this. It continues with the story of the American mother and the preparation by God for her to receive and raise this child as her own with her won family - what love and courage. And the story continues with the life of this young man. Wonderful telling, wonderful story.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"

[Diane Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams Of My Mothers is a shockingly engaging, powerful, and compelling novel. It is a truly remarkable story, based on actual events, about a mother's love and how it can transcend any culture, place, or time. Heart wrenching at times, it is an inspirational testament to the human spirit and its ability to unselfishly act in unfathomable ways at the least expected times.
First time author, Joel L.A. Peterson, exhibits an impact and level of sophistication in his writing that one would expect only from a well-seasoned author. A must read for anyone who has ever struggled to find his or her place in the world or believed that dreams could ever triumph over reality.

[Judy Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel Peterson's book is a heartwarming, but also, at times, heartbreaking story about the life of a child born in a war torn country by an Asian mother and an American serviceman and his adoption into a very white, northern state, American home. Mr. Peterson weaves the story of his two mothers, an unknown father, and his family of adoption and interesting historical facts to create a story of which the reader can almost believe was the story of his own life. I loved this book! It is well written, easy to read and hard to put down!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams of My Mothers is based upon a true story of boy coming of age. Two women are his mothers from opposite ends of the world. It is a story of finding identity, dreams, redemption and love of the 2 women.

This book will appeal to both men and women and is sure to be a best selling book. It is hard to put down and the story stays with you long after you have read it.

I was happy that I won this book through the Good Reads First Reads Giveawy. I, also, thank Mr. Peterson for writing this great book.

[Sandy Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Joel Peterson's DREAMS OF MY MOTHERS via a Goodreads giveaway. The novel, based on a true story, tells the story of a Korean, biracial boy, who is adopted by an American family in 1970. With a strong emphasis on the stories and roles of both the mothers in his life, the well written novel shares honest insights into everyone involved. It will open your eyes and your heart. Definitely a good read…

[J.M. Infusino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were a couple of times that I had to go back a few pages to keep up with the time line. Your book makes me wonder just how much of my Grandson remembers about his time in China. I pray that he remembers none of it. You gave the pain and joy as if we were right there with you.


Thank you for letting us go with you on your journey from a child to becoming an adult.

[Joy Zheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unique situation your described in the book really attracted me into the story. The images are vivid, making the story emerging out of the pages.Different perspectives and feelings of storytellers make the story distinct – not a familiar “American Dream” type story, but a story about thoughts on life and love – the everlasting and consistent topics of human beings.

[Linda G Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I've read such a moving and motivating book. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I literally could not put it down once I started it. I was moved to tears more than once, and the story will stay with me for a very long time.

[Denise Berube · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb touching read of resilience, survival and sacrifice, it will take your heart in its grip and won't let go till long after you have finished the book.

Thank you to Goodreads First Reads and Joel L.A. Peterson for the opportunity to read this book.

[Delorse Asay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever!

[Amanda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Perfect gift for Mother's day.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Biographical-Fiction book!

[Nicole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!