Title: The Son with Two Moms
Author: Anthony M. Hynes
Publisher: Ebookpartnership
ISBN: 978-1783017454
Pages: 264
Genre: Young Adult/LGBT/Memoir

Reviewed by:  Rhonda Cratty

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“The Son with Two Moms” by Anthony M. Hynes is a thoughtful book of love, strength, and family. Written by an African American man, who was raised by two Caucasian, lesbian mothers. We learn, through his intimate family stories and life events, how he learned about life, love, family values, honor and courage. Bravely sharing not just a family story but how society reacted with fear, prejudice, love and acceptance.

Tony was unfortunately birthed by a mother with a medical disorder of schizophrenia. She and her family were unable to care for him, regrettably placing him in an orphanage for his own good. At the age of three, Mary Hynes and Janet Simons took him into their hearts and home. He developed friendships, played soccer, went to church and school. All which helped him to “realize that everyone has a different story, and different hardships to deal with on a daily basis.”

“The Son with Two Moms” illustrates the challenges of being part of a same sex lesbian family, as well as a transracial one. However, no challenge endured by Tony was as harsh as his grandmother’s. His Grandma thought white people should never adopt a black child, not to mention two white lesbians. The Grandmother brought in legal counsel resulting in a long custody battle, which focused on multicultural adoption. Mary and Janet’s adoption of Tony was eventually overturned. As a result, instead of being parents, they became his legal guardians. Many tangible issues arose as a result such as not obtaining a legally recognized birth certificate.

Tony Hynes also included as part of his story the situations of other multicultural adopted children that he had come to understand. Those stories, including his own, serve, as a foundation for his belief all adopted children should learn about their biological ancestors.  As his story unfolds Tony reflects on how the actions and attitudes of adults impacted his life. “How he felt it was his job to change the attitudes of people about black men and: Each child raised in a same-sex household becomes an example—an example for a specific type of family dynamic, an example for a state of mind, and in many ways—a stereotype.” A huge job for anyone to take on.

His writing is sensitive and truthful with societal lessons within the words that describe his life. However, his biggest obstacle he ever had to overcome was “losing his mother to cancer.” “The Son with Two Moms” is an excellent book with many messages for society. As I paged through the book, I kept thinking that throughout everything Tony went through. One quote from the first chapter stands out the most: “… I answered the question by stating that losing my mother was the most difficult thing I have ever had to endure.” Hynes’ message is universal, and is for his family.  His two moms – or should he say three? Highly recommended!