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They Cage the Animals at Night

The True Story of an Abandoned Child's Struggle for Emotional Survival

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They Cage the Animals at Night

By: Jennings Michael Burch
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
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About this listen

The heartbreaking, iconic true story of an abandoned little boy's horrific journey through the American foster care system.

One misty evening, Jennings Michael Burch's mother, too sick to care for him, left her eight-year-old son at an orphanage with the words, "I'll be right back." She wasn't.... Shuttled through a bleak series of foster homes, orphanages, and institutions, Jennings never remained in any of them long enough to make a friend. Instead, he clung to a tattered stuffed animal named Doggie, his sole source of comfort in a frightening world.

Here, in his own words, Jennings Michael Burch reveals the abuse and neglect he experienced during his lost childhood. But while his experiences are both shocking and devastating, his story is ultimately one of hope - the triumphant tale of a forgotten child who somehow found the courage to reach out for love and found it waiting for him.

©1985 Jennings Michael Burch (P)2018 Penguin Audio Biographies & Memoirs Child Abuse Dysfunctional Families Parenting & Families Fostering Grandparenting

Critic Reviews

“A deeply moving and inspiring story.” (Alan Arkin)

“Everyone who cares about the quality of life and the future of nation should read this book.” (William R. Bricker, National Director, Boys Clubs of America)

“This heartbreaking, shocking, ultimately triumphant tale is an extremely important book.” (Lucy Freeman, author of Fight Against Fears)

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amazing story

I couldn't stop listening. it was written so well, and spoken so well.
highly recommended this book, it kept me there with him through the whole thing. sometimes crying, sometimes laughing, sometimes angry, sometimes happy. my heart was with poor Jennings the entire time ❤

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