Been there, done that

This is just one of those stories that breaks your heart, but then puts it back together when you realize that this kid, with every imaginable strike against her, has made something of her life. She is an excellent writer, and although she likely had a ghost writer, I would not be surprised to learn that she did the whole thing on her own. That is the kind of person she is.

Having an adopted daughter who went through a lot of trauma in the foster care system, and having a lot of residual problems because of everything that went on in her young life and with her adoptive parents, this story really struck close to home. So many times I found myself thinking, "Yup, been there done that," "Oh yeh, I sure know how THAT feels," "Uh-huh, you did the right thing," and on and on. I am so happy for Ashley and admire her strength so much. Not being a professional narrator, she did an admirable job of telling her story.

22 people found this helpful

Wow! Haunting, riveting, memorable!

What a bright young girl who was passed from foster home to foster home and happened to be a gifted writer and grow up to tell it all.

If you ever wanted to be in the heart and mind of a child living a life very different from the norm, Ashley provides an articulate recounting. From her early days with her troubled mother to all the stops along the way to adulthood and a family who (finally!) loves her and adopts her, this story is irresistible.

The voice of the young narrator is perfect -- you feel as if Ashley is sitting next to you, wistfully sharing the truths and realities of her unbelievable life.

Highly recommended.

12 people found this helpful

Moving, heart felt and very real.

As a social worker this audio book really hit home. Our children are our future and they sometimes need to be protected. If we are their protectors then we need to make sure that we are doing our job. Ashley is a remarkable young woman and is a reminder of when systems go wrong there ARE people affected. Her, her birth family, her adoptive family and the many of thousands of children in foster care.

9 people found this helpful

Incredible Story

This is a cohesive, well-told, and incredibly lived story. It's hard to believe that the author was so young when she wrote it.

5 people found this helpful

Great Read!!!

This story was so informative about the lives of many in the foster care system. It sheds a bright light on the harms and abuses that many children struggle with on a daily basis. Ashley is a wonderful author and writer.

4 people found this helpful

Excellent Listen

This is an excellent audiobook. Heartbreaking though!

3 people found this helpful

Wow, an awesome read!

I loved this book, it was an excellent story and written so well! Ashley is a great narrator too. Her details made me feel like I was there. This book inspired me to be a mentor for a foster child.

2 people found this helpful

As a new court appointed special advocate (CASA) in California I found this book both heart wrenching and extremely insightful. I admire Ashley Rhodes-Courter’s courage to tell her story, so that others may get a glimpse into the thought processes of these children and the challenges they have to endure. Our system still needs work and as the saying goes “it takes a village...” Miss Rhodes-Courter’s story is a testament to that, and has strengthened my resolve to be of service to these children, to the best of my ability.

2 people found this helpful

THANK YOU!!!

I read this book when it first came out in 2008. It was a class assignment to read every week and I just in 8th grade. This book spoke to me! Not because I had a similar story, but for a reason I wouldn't learn until much later in life. I am now 24 and have a longing to be a foster and foster-adopt parent. I never thought it would be the path my life would take, but Ashley's books have solidified my goals of fostering. Thank you for sharing your story, your books have truly shaped my perspective and goals throughout my life.

1 person found this helpful

Eye-Opening

This is a fascinating story about a dysfunctional foster care system and the horrors faced by children it was meant to protect. It’s an important read.