This book was so captivating that I could not put it down! I could relate to personal experiences. I felt as though I truly understood her journey and life, loves and I read every page including the epilogue! JL

It takes a courageous author to write any memoir. But "Choiceless" is no ordinary memoir and Ruby Lee Cornelius is no ordinary author. For this memoir, she dug into her long-hidden secrets and heartwrenching emotions. She exposed her hatred and disappointment with the relatives who failed her when she fell in love and gave birth to her mixed-race daughter. She explored the painful decades of her life since the birth and forced relinquishment of her precious daughter and the reality of abandonment by the child's father. Her survival has been an angst-filled struggle to find her true self, to experience love as a wife, parent, and grandmother. With an abundance of courage, Ruby Lee Cornelius has given us a book with an unrestricted look at teen love, discrimination and racism, misguided community morality and the power of female determination. As a professional investigator, I met many mothers and fathers searching for the children they had adopted out as teens. Good people, but none as courageous as this author. GC

This book changed my life! It grabbed my attention easily and I found myself identifying with the author in so many ways. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon my own life events and choices. I'm reading it over again...and probably again! MU

As an adoptee this book took me on a journey of what possibly my birth mother experienced! I felt a sense of healing by reading this book! Thank you Ruby for telling your truth and most of all being courageously vulnerable! Andrie

This honest, revealing telling of a time of love, passion, hardship, and renewal. Exposes the emotions behind a young woman’s life and our society’s removal of available choices in a heart wrenching situation.   JC

This is a story of race, class, religion, love, loss, fear, bigotry,
and the quest for reconciliation between mothers and daughters,
fathers and children, brothers and sisters, and ultimately reconciliation with one's self.
It is a history of that time told in a voice that would resonate
with the likes of Howard Zinn.
It is a true window into working class America, the window is a little dirty,
a little cracked, but is clear enough that if you care to look you will see your own reflection looking back at you.-GH

A memoir of a unique life: The author writes with painful clarity about her experiences as a young Midwesterner forced to give up a mixed-race baby. This is an unblinking story of the layers of joy and sorrow in connections that are made, lost and re-established. Amid changing times and locations, the complexity of the ties that bind -- or free -- us are examined in a way that recognizes the richness of life, love and loss. A moving and worthwhile read. Anonymous Review

This book is incredibly heart-wrenching. It will bring you from moments of intense soul crushing pain to times of incredible joy, and in the end make you feel like a better person having experienced it all through the author’s eyes. Crysta

A wonderful book about loss, redemption, sharing, growth, and sobriety. Ruby and I were born the same year, same town, in Wisconsin. I happened to contact her about a week ago and she recommended that I read her book. Soul cleansing. Even though our lives took different turns, I felt her pain and growth. DM

This book touched me in many ways. I was one of the children born in the same “house for unwed” mothers that the author so vividly describes. In fact, Ruby and my mom became good friends during their stay, and remained close friends many years after. The author paints a perfect picture of the struggles of adoption in the 1970’s, interracial relationships, racial tension, a parents tough love, and a reunion never to be forgotten. An emotional roller coaster to say the least! Since finishing the book, my mom, her neighbor, my wife, and both sisters have read the book….it’s that good!! Thanks Ruby for opening up your heart and letting us in!  Dave S.

I started reading around 2:00 pm and (except for a break to make supper) read straight through until I finished. I couldn't find the words to express how I felt. It is so beautifully written, poignant, heart-wrenching, uplifting. I just can't begin to tell you how deeply it affected me. Diane H

Love this book! I cried because of all the hardships Ruby went through. I rejoiced over Ruby’s victorious breakthroughs! I know this has made Ruby a strong phenomenal woman. We may not know why we go through certain storms in our lives, but God knows His plan for us to make us better. You are better Ruby. Linda H

I absolutely could not put this book down once I received it. This is a beautifully written story of love and loss, hopelessness and renewed hope. The honesty and vulnerability of the author had me wanting to reach through the pages and embrace her. I highly recommend this book!   Heather W

I just finished reading Choiceless by Ruby Lee Cornelius. I couldn’t put it down. I was deeply touched by this heartfelt story of love, loss and courage to move forward. What an amazing story! What an amazing life! Thank you Ruby for sharing your life with us!   Kathy A

This book, Choiceless, has given me a bit of an insight into what it means to be a girl, woman. It is emotional on so many levels, joy, heartbreak, redemption. I recommend to men so that they may better understand their role in what should be a healthy relationship between sexes. Read and learn!  Ed H

Started the book this morning and I am totally engrossed- Ruby writes beautifully.  She has a fan in the Pittsburgh adoptee community.   Cheers-Tracey W

This is the first book I’ve read in years, just very little time to read. But I find the time for this one, I can’t put it down! The writing is amazing as well as the story.   Misty G

I finished your beautifully written memoir! After all the hurdles and obstacles that you were faced with, you are an overcomer and a true inspiration!   Sue L

 The author is truly gifted at being able to describe the emotions she was feeling. Puts you right there with her. I am certain we will be watching the movie one day.  Hope she continues to write more books. A truly amazing author!    Sandy H

I just finished reading the book Choiceless, by Ruby Lee Cornelius The book allows the reader a glimpse into the life of a young girl and the world she lived in during the 60’s. A well written book of love, loss and finding and losing. I was not able to put it down. A must read.   E J

I’ve been reading your book most of the day. What a beautiful heartfelt story! So well done! A piece of American history, a heart wrenching tale of deep love and bravery, and a wonderful read. Thank you for your courage in writing it!    Joan S

Your book was a great read, Ruby! I’m kind of sad that I finished it! Thank you for your courage in sharing your story!  Mary CG

A simple but important book that should be a staple in schools. It tells of one woman's journey through a time of falling in love "with the wrong color person". You watch her go through the stages of naivete, reality, and coming to know herself so she could find what really made her happy deep inside. It's a heartbreaking journey but ultimately our faith in the human spirit comes back. It reminds us of what is really important.and it is a story that needs to be told. You'll be glad you bought it. Share it.   Linda S

“What an amazing book! The story of your life touched my heart. I laughed and cried along with you.”  KA

The writer, Ruby Lee Cornelius, will take you along, allow you to feel all the emotions, and may open your mind to the multifaceted experience of adoption, and all affected by it. I giggled, growled, and teared up as well! A must read, in my opinion  Traci

In starting to read this book I thought I would be able to process it quickly, not so. You know the absence you feel when you are involved in a good story and then it is over? I felt drawn into the story on many levels. I could see the rooms clearly in my mind that Ruby wrote about that she spent time in. I could feel her helplessness, fear, despair, and her longing to please everyone, but herself. Many times I had to stop reading and process in my mind all the choices that were made and watch the outcome unravel. The details are touching and in depth. A great read all around.   Diane P

Congratulations on a great work which I think we help others in their walk to understand and come to a place of peace with difficult life decisions. It truly matters to know that you are not alone in making mistakes and then doing your best to make the best life you can in spite of them.   Rose Anne

Thank you, Ruby Lee, for Choiceless A phenomenal read for me!! Couldn’t put it down. This book taught and touched me at a soul level.   Traci H-M

Excellent writing! The author has a gift of describing events, emotions, places etc. so that you can actually picture where she has been and feel what she has gone through. It is a heart wrenching story of love, loss, coping through alcohol, and finally healing. An excellent read for anyone (male or female) who have gone through losing their baby through adoption or abortion. The author was brave enough to face all her secrets and pain so that she could finally heal. I believe this book will help so many who have been haunted by these events face their own misgivings, doubts and fears and realize they are not alone. It taught me that secrets, no matter how private or humiliating we may believe they are, need to be set free, need to be faced so one can finally heal. I believe this book should be a required reading in high schools across America. Choice or no choice, life drastically changes for all involved when another human being is created, especially the innocent one.  SH

Triumphant!  Jon G