Barb Baltrinic, author
Meet Dorothy, my mother. This memoir is about my mother's life choices and her relationship with me. The book also follows my journey after her death in uncovering her many secrets. The book is truly documenting my journey of discovery, the many dead-ends I faced, my use of DNA to unravel the truth, and the eventual successful ending to my journey.
​
Please let me know if this book would spark your interest! They always say if Oprah discovers your book, it will be a success! Be my "Oprah!"
​
​
​
Maternal Failure
A Memoir by BarbBaltrinic ( 2018)
I wrote this book at the urging of my two half-brothers who I only met five years ago. The process for finding them and building relationships with them after a 60+ year separation, and my own research into seeking our paternal identities makes me a qualified writer of such a book. My story is heart-wrenching, yet positive, and I believe will provide other adoptees, or “bio-families” the courage to seek their lost relatives. It is also an interesting story for the general public as the search and connection of bio-families has become the basis for many current television shows including Long Lost Family, Who Do You Think You Are, Finding Your Roots, and Genealogy Roadshow.
I believe my memoir will be appealing to a wide audience, especially by those who either have been adopted, those who surrendered children for adoption, those searching for birth families, or those trying to better understand the baggage that is carried by a main caregiver who never learns to bond with her child. It also offers a glimpse into the post-World War II Era and the impact on those who broke the social norms. I have included the emotional, and sometimes physical abuse I received, my need to constantly fight for my mother’s love, and my own survival in this dysfunctional relationship. I also share my use of DNA testing to assist me in my search for my own paternal relations.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
The focus of my book is my relationship with my mother, who not only had me illegitimately, but also gave up two illegitimate sons prior to my birth. Each of us were surrendered for adoption, however I was removed from the process under complicated circumstances. The memoir is in four parts:
Part I: Three Strikes, which is about my mother’s upbringing, the poor choices she made, the process of surrendering three children for adoption in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, and the views and prejudices against unwed mothers by the public, family, and social agencies including Catholic Charities.
Part II: Barbara’s Story, is my story of being brought up by a mother who was unable to bond with her child. I became my mother’s scapegoat for all that was wrong in her life as she was unable to accept responsibility for the choices she made in her youth. I also include the questionable “stories” she gave me about my bio-father.
Part III: Uncovering My Mother’s Secrets, is about my tireless search in seeking the truth of her many secrets, most of which she took to her grave. The book follows my search and eventual meeting with my two brothers, and the process I followed in trying to uncover the identities of our fathers. It also includes my thirty year search for my bio-father and the many mistaken routes I followed in finally finding who he was. It was through DNA searches that I finally found the answers I was seeking. In the process I also found a sister I never knew I had. The book has an Appendix: Research and Poetry, which are documents I refer to within my book. These documents were completed in an Adult Psychology class and in the National Writing Project which I took just prior to or immediately after my mother’s death. The documents were instrumental for me in understanding my mother and her inability to love me.
​
Available on Amazon.com
​
​
ADDED NOTE: THIS BOOK PLACED 5TH OUT OF 250 NOMINEES FOR BOOK COVER OF THE MONTH IN JULY, 2019 FOR THE ALLAUTHOR.COM BOOK COVER CONTEST.
​
ADDED NOTE: THIS BOOK WAS SELECTED TO BE FEATURED IN THE MEDINA LIBRARY'S AUTHOR FAIR IN NOVEMBER, 2019.
​
​
​
A PATRIOT'S PRICE, by Barb Baltrinic
I released my second novel, A PATRIOT'S PRICE, in February, 2016. The novel serves as a follow up to my first novel, A FOUNDER FOR ALL, which is about Abraham Clark, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The focus of the novel is the son of Abraham Clark, and although it is based on factual information, I have also developed a fictional story line of Andrew's survival after his capture and imprisonment on the British prison ship, HMS Jersey.
The book is divided into three parts:
The first is a series of flashbacks in Andrew's struggle between the "now" and dealing with his imprisonment, and the "then," when his mind slips back in time prior to his capture including his time as a young son of a founding father, privateer, the Army, Sullivan’s Expedition, and his capture. He falls into the pits of despair and finds himself hating New Yorkers who did nothing to stop the conditions on the prison ships; his captors, the British; George Washington, who was only interested in saving the American officers; his father who did not use his influence to save him; and finally, God, who he felt had abandoned him.
The second part deals with Andrew's struggle for survival, and his growing hatred for everything and everyone, including George Washington, his own father and God. We would now call this PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.)
The third part of the book focuses on the slow healing process as Andrew comes to terms with recognizing those who actually helped him, and his own role in the war. His path to peace only happens when he realizes he, too, had a role in heartbreaks caused by the war. He also realizes his once strong faith can also lead him back to the world. The novel is a psychological look at what a young soldier faces in war. The term "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" was not used during the Revolutionary War, however this story presents Andrew, a young man who is suffering this and the very slow path to a healing process. It is also filled with researched information about the times and includes some primary documents.
I AM LOOKINGFOR VENUES TO SHARE MY NOVEL. LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE A GROUP THAT WOULD LIKE A "BOOK TALK."
REVIEWS OF "A PATRIOT'S PRICE"
I couldn't put it down. I like it even more than the first novel. Sue Brose
Congratulations! I just bought it yesterday and so far have found it one those books I do not want to put down. Donna Bowman
The Revolutionary War was the start of our country. There was violence that was the war effort. The life of the people of that time is well established in the writing and bring the times to life. Many historic facts told in a historic story. Helen Pratt
An emotional tale of survival, perseverance, and faith during the Revolutionary war. Historical books always talk about the battles, but do you ever stop to think about the prisoners of war? A great change of perspective! Kindle Customer
By Carol Ann Schugon November 10, 2016 Enjoying your second book.
Just wanted you to know I gave my 91 yrs old dad book number 2 today to read. As he is reading 10 pages in he keeps telling me, "That's a good book here." It was a perfect time for him to have a good book to read. Thank you! Beth Dudich Stanley
November 10, 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Enjoying your second book.
​
5.0 out of 5 starsA great change of perspective
February 29, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
An emotional tale of survival, perseverance, and faith during the Revolutionary war. Historical books always talk about the battles, but do you ever stop to think about the prisoners of war? A great change of perspective!
ARTICLE IN STOW SENTRY, MAY 8 2016:
MUNROE FALLS RESIDENT PENS HER SECOND HISTORIC NOVEL
Barb Baltrinic recently released her second novel, “A Patriot’s Price.” The novel serves as a follow-up to her first novel, “A Founder For All,” which is about Abraham Clark, signer of the Declaration of Independence. The new novel’s focus is the son of Abraham Clark, and although it is based on factual information, she has also developed a fictional story line of Andrew’s survival after his capture and imprisonment on the British prison ship, HMS Jersey during the Revolutionary War.
The book is divided into three parts: The first is a series of flashbacks in Andrew’s struggle between the “now” and dealing with his imprisonment, and the “then,” when his mind slips back in time prior to his capture. The second part deals with Andrew’s struggle for survival, and his growing hatred for everything and everyone, including the British, the New York residents who knew what was happening on the ships; George Washington as he only worked to release his officers from imprisonment; his own father who did not use his political influence to help with his release, and God who had abandoned him. The third part of the book focuses on the slow healing process as Andrew comes to terms with recognizing those who actually helped him, and his own role in the war. The novel is a psychological look at what a young soldier faces in war.
Baltrinic, is a graduate of Cleveland South High, and Kent State where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She is a National Board Certified Teacher. She was a member of the National Writing Project through Kent State. She taught public speaking and English in the Akron Public Schools for 35 years, and presently is in her seventh year as a full-time liaison for the LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education at The University of Akron.
She resides in Munroe Falls with her husband, Michael Baltrinic, a former teacher. They have two grown sons, Mike and Mark.
Her novels are both available on Amazon.com. She is available for book talks and presentations. Check her website at http://baltrinic.wix.com/bbaltrinic
A Founder for All,
by Barb Baltrinic
Take the time to step back into the 1700'S, in the state of New Jersey, and follow the life of Abraham Clark. Abraham Clark was a common man who played an extraordinary role as a founding father in our nation. He came from humble roots and is one of those "unknown American heroes." Readers of "A Founder for All" will learn much about this distinguished founding father, his role in the formation of our government, his life and family, the Revolutionary War, his constant focus on protecting the common man, and many little known tidbits of information which never made it into our history books. You will walk away having a better understanding of the sacrifice so many of our founding fathers made, and a better appreciation for the history of our great country. Abraham Clark was truly a founding father for ALL men!

Consider becoming a book donor to a local school. Read details on the page titled BOOK DONORS.
BOOK REVIEWS on A FOUNDER FOR ALL, from Amazon.com and Createspace:
​
1) ​I love historical novels, especially those of the Revolutionary War period. The biographical information about Abraham Clark is enhanced by the author's imaginative recreation of his life interwoven with the stories of each of his family members. The book paints a realistic picture of the struggles and challenges the families faced at a critical time in our history. The main character consistently followed his principles of justice and fairness to all which influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and most importantly the Bill of Rights. You become so allied in his thinking that you feel you know Abraham and root for him as well as members of his family. It's a winner! I couldn't put it down and even shed a tear or so when he died. Anne Sperry
2) Barb Baltrinic is able to seamlessly blend fact in fiction in her story. It's a fun and interesting way to learn about our beginnings without the normal dry tone of a history book. I would definitely recommend that the book be used in classrooms. Autumn Howard

3) I was drawn into A Founder for All immediately upon reading the first page. Barb Baltrinic makes learning about history interesting and real for the reader as one "sees" history through the eyes and words of Abraham Clark and his family. I learned more about our country's history during this time period that is not taught in history books or school. What I found interesting is that many of the very same issues that were discussed, debated and argued about in the 1700's-early 1800's are the very SAME ones our political parties are at odds with today. It is sad to see that in many ways history keeps repeating itself. Robbyn Watkins​

​4) A Founder for All is a well-documented accounting of Abraham Clark's life, family and his contributions during a volatile time in history, the Revolution. In view of today's challenges of laws, what an under taking our forefathers had. Abraham Clark underwrote to a set of standards for all men which Barb Baltrinic shares in Clark's life story. Helen Pratt

5) Barb in the beginning states that the book itself is historical fiction not a true biography, it is an excellent read. She has done a wonderful job bringing together actual letters,historical facts and family history while weaving throughout the reality a wonderful narrative of morals and ethics which have become a rare commodity with today's politicians. John Glanzer​
6) This is a wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The book is very well written. It is packed full of many interesting details not only about the history of the Declaration of Independence, but about the Clark family as well. Kathy Roach​

I'm normally not one to read history but the way this book is written was totally different; you followed Abraham Clark's life from the time he was young all through the Revolution until he passed. He earned a reputation for being a fair and honest man. This is one that I will read again as well as have my children read it. Andrea Carver

​7) Interesting. I don't usually read historic fiction, however I learned a lot from this book. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I found myself looking up more information about Abraham Clark and the prison ship, Jersey because I became so interested. Put me down for the next book by Barb Baltrinic. Susan Brose

8) Barb Baltrinic's book, A Founder for All, gave me an even greater appreciation of the sacrifices made for freedom by our Founding Fathers. I was inspired by the story of Abraham Clark, his signing of the Declaration of Independence and his commitment to helping the 'common man'. This book has challenged me to help preserve those hard fought for freedoms's today. Bernie Pozderac

9) The book ," A Founder for All", by Barb Baltrinic is informative and is also interesting reading. The events that happened before, during, and after the Revolutionary War are related as lived by Abraham Clark and his family.. This made the facts of the war very personal as we see them through the suffering of a particular family. Abraham Clark had much influence on the contents of the Declaration of Independence, which he was privileged to sign.He always spoke for the 'common man'.​ Barb's book gave me a greater appreciation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution because she made, very real, the difficulty under which they were written. Elizabeth Buck​
10) It was an interesting story that zipped along. The historical information was very accurate sometimes covering actual historical documents, which at times did slow parts a bit. I think it could be beneficial as a supplement to a middle school American history or American Literature class. What helped to authenticate it were the actual letters from Abra that Mrs. Baltrinic was able to find for publication. What better for students to use along with the actual Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights for common core standards. The story Mrs. Baltrinic fabricated for Abra seemed realistic for the times. Cheryl Stires
11) I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Founder for All. Barb made the times during the Revolutionary War, the forming of the new government, and Abraham Clark's family life come alive in his part in drafting the Declaration of Independence and helping to design the Bill of Rights. She weaved her family's history and her historical research into a book that I did not want to put down. I was so eager to read what would happen next during this turbulent period in our early American history. What a great read! Marna Wheaton
12) It was a pleasure meeting you at "weekend of the Pooka" in Bedford."A Founder for All" is a great book and a lot of fun reading it. Keep the good work and I will be looking for your next book. Sharon Gaitan
13) Great novel based on the life of Abraham Clark with lots of historial information. Fast reading that will take you back to 1776 and the struggles of independence. Enjoy the trip back in time. Luis Gaitan
14) I truly enjoyed reading A Founder For All. Barb draws you into the very period of the Revolutionary War. She uses accurate historical facts and documents to recreate the every day life of one of the bravest of our founders. After reading this, you appreciate how truly a difficult struggle every day life was for many families and how much they lost to gain our independence. An excellent read. Donna, of Canada
15) Having had Mrs. Baltrinic as an English teacher for two of my four high school years at Ellet High School in Akron, Ohio, I always had this inkling she would write a book. Her passion for knowledge, learning, and her students was never doubted day in and day out within the four walls of her classroom. I will never forget walking one morning in my sophomore honors English class with Mrs. Baltrinic to find the World Trade Towers had been crashed into and were both collapsing. In that moment, she became a part of my version of American history. It's only natural I commend this amazing work of historical fiction that I am ever so thankful Mrs. Baltrinic has written. As a middle school Social Studies teacher and history buff, I am always searching for the latest historical fiction book that will not only educate my students and myself, but bring history alive. This work of historical fiction does just that. I admit that I have read this book several times; never ceasing to learn a new fact about the foundation of our country. Understanding the trials and tribulations Abra Clark encountered in order to cement a better future for his family, friends, and fellow citizens astounds me, but also makes me appreciate our founding fathers even more. These men could have easily sat back and let the British do as they wished. Instead, this novel highlights what these men, as well as their family and friends, overcame to proudly wave the red, white, and blue. I am a tad biased since a prior teacher of mine wrote this book; however, even if the author's name was hidden, I would recommend this work as a resource of Social Studies classrooms across the country , as well as a leisure time reading piece. No reader will be disappointed as they turn page after page; engaging in the realness with which Mrs. Baltrinic so astounding writes with regard to the forming of America. I commend Mrs. Baltrinic on a job well done and look forward to the upcoming novel. Alicia Latchaw-Strzelecki
16) Author did a good job in novelizing this patriot's story and the hardships of these patriot families. Thomas Ecker
​
17) One of the most entertaining way to learn about a founding father of our nation and the history of our nation during the Revolutionary War of Independence. Well written and researched, it matches many historical accounts of what happened in the NJ area before and during the war.
FYI, this is not a family tree of the Clark family, but a historical fiction of the daily life of Abraham Clark, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. Jeremy E (Amazon customer)
​
​
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I'm normally not one to read history but the way this book is written was totally different you followed Abraham Clark's life from the time he was young all through the Revolution until he passed. He earned a reputation for being a fair and honest man. This is one that I will read again as well as have my children read it.
​
ByDonnaon
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
I truly enjoyed reading A Founder For All. Barb draws you into the very period of the revolutionary war. She uses accurate historical facts and documents to recreate the every day life of one the bravest of our founders. After reading this, you appreciate how truly a difficult struggle every day life was for many families and how much they lost to gain our independence. An excellent read!
​
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
ByAmazon Customeron April 12, 2017
​
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed this book. Great engaging way to learn history!
​
​