Hope's Boy: A Memoir Audiobook

" Pretty good, but not the best book about foster care that I've ever read. Maybe I'm just jaded and I need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Anyway, at least we do a way better job than this in SLC these days. "

" I learned so much about the American foster care system. It was also inspiring to read about Andrew Bridge and how despite his childhood's trials and tribulations he moved forward. A great read! "

" I loved this book. A beautifully written story of a lost childhood and the hope that held him through it. I recommend it for everyone! You won't forget it. "

" An autobiography of a boy who grew up in foster care. This book breaks your heart every few pages, from the sad situation with his grandmother, to the tragedy of his mother's mental illness, the heartlessness of the foster care system, and the many missed opportunities. The writing style was mediocre and it sometimes skimped in parts that I wanted to learn more about. In many places the author attaches motivations/feelings/etc to people that come across more as his own projections. Mostly, I felt like the book was to tell his mom that he forgives her (which is certainly a valid purpose for an autobiography). This man's story definitely made me want to learn more about the U.S. foster care system, especially from a less memoir/more objective nonfiction perspective. "

" Good book about a child's love for his mother, despite her inability to care for him. Amazing story of a young man who saves himself from the foster care system and has returned to that system to help others. "

" Thought provoking and something you "should" read - but sad and not really telling the entire story about foster children. This book might make you feel that you need to be doing more to help children (and that is good) - but it is a depressing story about how things can go badly for some children. I know several foster parents who very much love "their kids" and provide very well for them. The reality is that there is good and bad in this world; this story emphasizes the bad and left me feeling depressed. "

" I picked this book up in the bargain section of Barnes and Noble on a whim since I've been on a memoir kick lately. I remember seeing the author on a talk show and his story is quite remarkable. I highly recommend this book if you don't mind reading about a very traumatic childhood, which thankfully for Andrew Bridge, leads him to Harvard Law and a career as an advocate for foster children. "

" Heartwrenching account of growing up in foster care. Andrew Bridge shares his brave and important story of hope and of Hope's love. Unforgettable memoir. "

" I found this book interesting. Unfortunately I see too many young people like Andrew daily. The system isn't fixed it just shuffles along. "

" I loved this book. My friends loved this book. You'll love this book. "

" loving this book. i love a good true story with a fabulous sense of 'hope'. i love strife, as long as there is hope. "

" This was a good book, but I guess I was expecting it to be better. I know that's a weird critism for an autobiography, but I wanted to know more about his mother. Even though his time in foster care wasn't great, I am positive that others have it much worse. "

" True story of a boy's struggle/survival during his time in foster care. "

" A wonderful memoir that sheds light on the American foster Care system and a boy's resiliency into becoming a children's rights advocate. "

" True account of a boy who was passed through the child foster system. Sad and heartbreaking at times. Found myself routing for Andrew Bridge's as he took his life into his own hands and determined to make a positive future for himself. "

" I learned a lot about the limits of foster care. "

" This book gives the first person report of life as a foster child. Much food for thought. "

" If you are interested in foster or foster/adoption this was a very interesting book. Very graphic and he did not have the best experiences in life but I found it to be a good book. "

" This book was so sad, I kept wanting to reach out and give Andy a hug. "

" I'm kind of addicted to memoirs, whether they're very good or not. I think it's my desire to peak into other people's lives (I guess most of reading is that, actually). This one is good-- I couldn't stop reading to see what he would do. And it has moved me to read up more on foster care in the US. "

" Brave, but slightly depressing. "

" I saw him speak on the steps of the capital in Sacramento. He is the most articulate advocate for foster children that I know of. I recommend this book not only to every social worker but every one who cares about kids and families in crisis. "

" Heard this author at Lewis Ginter Bot. Garden lecture- a very quiet-spoken, intelligent, and courageous man who relates his life as a foster child. As an adult lawyer, he has made advocacy for foster children his life's work. "

" Good. Powerful, but sad. Hope's boy overcame so much! "

" You can read my thoughts here. (3.5/5) "

" Heartbreaking, but a great story. A good reminder for those of us insulated in our suburan lifestyles. "

" Heard this author at Lewis Ginter Bot. Garden lecture- a very quiet-spoken, intelligent, and courageous man who relates his life as a foster child. As an adult lawyer, he has made advocacy for foster children his life's work. "

" Great story of a boy who overcomes a hard childhood in foster care and becomes a successful lawyer. Although the book is powerful and has a great take home message about the successes and short comings of the foster care system, I didn't absolutely love it. "

" A super quick read. And a good story. "

" only OK....I know this is on a lot of book club lists....mediocre "

" I loved this book. I think anyone who wants to be a Social Worker or is already one should read it :) "

" A very quick read. It is really sad but it's the hard truth. "

" I just finished this. It's a good read if you are interested in child welfare and specifically foster care. "

" I enjoyed this book's humor and wit. The violence in this book tugs at your heartstrings. For me the beginning was fast and enjoyable but the ending was slower. All in all this book doesnt "WOW" me. "

" Heart-breaking biography of Andrew Bridge who grew up in foster care and his work to change the foster care system. "

" Amazing! I also had the pleasure of listening to the author speak about his life and his now current work with the foster care system. He continues to devote his work to protecting children and the mothers they love. "

" Such a sad story! At times I wanted to put it down because the author's childhood was so painful to even read about, but I kept reading in hope that he would overcome his circumstances--and he did. No child should have to endure the things he (and so many others described) endured. "