Hope's Boy: A Memoir - Softcover

Bridge, Andrew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340961767 ISBN 13: 9780340961766

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, 2008

Synopsis

From the moment he was born, Andrew Bridge and his mother Hope shared a love so deep that it felt like nothing else mattered. Trapped in desperate poverty and confronted with unthinkable tragedies, all Andrew ever wanted was to be with his mom. But as her mental health steadily declined, and with no one else left to care for him, authorities arrived and tore Andrew from his screaming mother's arms. In that moment, the life he knew came crashing down around him. He was only seven years old.

Hope was institutionalized, and Andrew was placed in what would be his devastating reality for the next eleven years--foster care. After surviving one of our country's most notorious children's facilities, Andrew was thrust into a savagely loveless foster family that refused to accept him as one of their own. Deprived of the nurturing he needed, Andrew clung to academics and the kindness of teachers. All the while, he refused to surrender the love he held for his mother in his heart. Ultimately, Andrew earned a scholarship to Wesleyan, went on to Harvard Law School, and became a Fulbright Scholar.

Andrew has dedicated his life's work to helping children living in poverty and in the foster care system. He defied the staggering odds set against him, and here in this heartwrenching, brutally honest, and inspirational memoir, he reveals who Hope's boy really is.

About this title

About the Author:

Andrew Bridge earned a scholarship to Wesleyan, and went on to Harvard Law School and was a Fulbright Scholar. He has dedicated his life to giving a voice to the thousands of children tragically reliving his youth by defending the rights of children nationwide. Today, Andrew lives in New York City.

From AudioFile:

David Drummond's delivery of narrative is straightforward and well paced. In delivering dialogue, however, heartfelt emotions color his reading. In this memoir young Andy is taken from his mother, Hope, when she shows neither the mental nor financial ability to care for him. Drummond's portrayal of Andy has the longing and wistfulness of a son who adores his mother and grieves their parting. In foster homes, Drummond portrays Andy as a good boy, despite his subtle defiance. One foster mother, Mrs. Leonard, is easily enraged, and Drummond's harsh Germanic tones for her character are effectively menacing. He is also spot-on in his characterizations of the social workers who do little to aid the boy's suffering. S.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0340961767
• ISBN 13: 9780340961766
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 356