Book Review: A Place to Call Home

Non-Fiction Book Reviews

By Sandy Amazeen Sep 4, 2007, 2:55 GMT

Thanks in large part to misconceptions reinforced by popular plays and movie stereotypes like Oliver, orphanages have struggled to stay open amid a slew of modern legislation and reduced funding. Carr presents a compelling argument that the current shift toward foster care is failing due in large part to the critical shortage of suitable homes in the face of mounting need. As a result, many children are aging out of the system without ever having benefit of a stable home environment or treatment for their physical and/or behavioral problems. Beginning with a light history of orphanages along with an introduction to the author and her family, Carr weaves her own background and the eventual diagnosis of her son’s problems throughout the book.

Arguing that children’s homes, now referred to as residential education facilities or REF’s, are quietly going about the business of raising America’s children with less money then foster homes while providing advanced services including job and college placement, Carr goes on to provide first hand accounts of growing up in an orphanage. These warm stories and first hand remembrances echo the statement of one institution raised collage student, Marshall Thompson who said, “First of all, this isn’t an institution. This is my home.” Carr has presented a heartwarming, if one-sided look at REF’s that should provide some eye-opening food for thought at a time when special interest groups are busy promoting their personal views of family values and what constitutes a family. This is also a personal story as the author must come to terms with her son’s deteriorating condition that will force some difficult choices.

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http://bestbooksreviewed.com/Sep 4th, 2007 - 04:16:33

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Book revSep 4th, 2007 - 04:33:21

I have seen some interesting books reviews in your website such as The Belly of the Atlantic,George Bellows,Microtrends and some other.I felt very happy with your book reviews.I was in the looking for some nice book reviews in that way i found your site along with another site book review site from that site also i got some interesting Book reviews.Really i enjoyed very much with that book reviews.

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Non-Fiction Book

Book Review: A Place to Call Home

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