A New American Family

By most accounts Pete Likins has had a successful life. But his personal accomplishments are only the backdrop for the real storyÑthe story of his family, whose trials and triumphs hold lessons for many American families in the twenty-first century. This poignant but ultimately empowering memoir tells the story of Peter Likins, his wife Patricia, and the six children they adopted in the 1960s, building a family beset by challenges that ultimately strengthened all bonds. With issues such as inter-racial adoption, mental illness, drug addiction, unwed pregnancy, and homosexuality entwined in their lives, the LikinsÕ tale isnÕt just a family memoirÑitÕs a story of the American experience, a memoir with a message. With circumstances of race, age, and health making all of their children virtually unadoptable by 1960s standards, Pat and Pete never strayed from the belief that loyalty and love could build a strong family. Both Pete and Pat have served as teachers, and PeteÕs long academic careerÑholding positions as a professor, dean, provost, and then presidentÑ illuminates more than just his personal success. PeteÕs professional attainments produce a context for his family story, wherein high achievements in educational, athletic, and financial terms coexist with the joys and sorrows of this exceptional family.

Author(s): Peter Likins
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
Published: 2011-02-15
Pages: 200
Categories: Biography & Autobiography