Castaway Kid: One Man's Search for Hope and Home

by R.B. Mitchell

Rob Mitchell is one of the last “lifers” raised in an American orphanage. Left by a dysfunctional family in an Illinois children's home, he grew up with kids who were not friends but rather “co-survivors.” After becoming a Christian as a teenager, Rob found what he was looking for, home and family, in a relationship with God. Rob was able to overcome his past, forgiving his relatives and forging healthy family relationships of his own.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Fostering, Biography Memoir, Adoption

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2007

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was plotless boring nonfiction. Would it kill a school to let us read something decent?!?!

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly powerful story!

I truly believe everyone can benefit from reading it. It opens our eyes to the backgrounds many children come from, the immense hurdles they have to overcome just to stay afloat, and the deep harm of judging children based on their circumstances or appearances.

I was honestly sickened by the constant bias labeling kids from the group home as "bad." What I loved most is how this book shattered that stereotype...it showed these children for who they really are: not broken, but placed in broken situations.

I'm so thankful Rob found his home in God. That journey allowed him to open his heart to forgiveness and ultimately move forward into a better future. And I’m equally thankful that he chose to share his message, it left a lasting impression on me.

This story went straight to my heart. I grew up with foster siblings, and my family is blended because my parents adopted 7 children in addition to their 8 biological kids. I am incredibly thankful for our big family. And because of this I’ve always been sensitive to the struggles kids in the system face.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Rob’s story was the presence of mentors adults who, even if only in his life for a season, taught him something important and helped guide him along the way.

This was a truly powerful, powerful story. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read it.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Christina Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible story of strength, grace, and forgiveness. The author gives an honest look at his past and how he was able to work through his childhood traumas with the grace of God. I couldn’t put this book down, and I think anyone who works with at risk kids or kids who have experienced trauma should get their hands in this book.

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story! It's a tough read emotionally, but definitely appropriate for high school and up. The author is very honest about his life and explains his thoughts and feelings well. It can even help you deal with trouble in your life and ask yourself the questions he asked. Highly recommended!

[Bam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it when I was a kid so I don't remember a ton. Was sad but filled with hope and I'm pretty sure it turned out good for the mc in the end.

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book certainly carries an emotional punch. It made me want to rescue every lonely child out there. Then turned around and showed how it is humanly impossible to heal the hurts most of those children face. Not that it’s a hopeless book. It has a beautiful solution. What story wouldn’t that is full of God’s redeeming power.
Mitchell shares so openly, but I can’t imagine the hurt, anger, loneliness, and fear a child of three would experience at being abandoned like that. How does one heal from traumas like that? Only through the Lord. This is a beautiful testimony to the Lord’s tender love and care for even the castaways.
I would have rated it five stars, but there were some prayer practices mentioned that I don’t think are Biblical. Actually aside from Salvation through the saving power of Christ, I have no idea what he believes. It’s still worth reading though.

[Ana B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring christian propaganda. No surprise it was published by focus on the family. If i didn’t have to read it for school i 100% wouldn’t read it

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story of a boy, Rob, who is left at an orphanage when he is three years old and lives there until he graduates from high school. He has many struggles as he grows up being "a kid from the Home". Kids in the school system don't like him, girls don't want to date him, his family doesn't seem to want him, and the other boys in the Home aren't crazy about him either. He has a lot to overcome and he eventually decides perhaps God is the one to turn to for help and trust. But can God really help an out of control orphan boy? Will Rob find God in time to change his perspectives enough to save himself?

This is truly an emotional read with great lessons. This was a true story that read as interesting as a fictional one. It was an in depth and great read. The journey that Rob went through in his life is truly an amazing one, and one that was not easy for him. I found it amazing that he would share his journey with us readers to try and help or inspire anyone he could from his life events. It took real courage to relive his life as he wrote it and be willing to share it with readers all over the world. I was very impressed with the telling of his life story. Some non-fiction reads are "dry" to me, but this one was written in such a way that I couldn't wait to see how it all turned out and how he carried on through his hard times. It was very well written and I could tell that he really put his heart and soul into writing this book. His goal of helping anyone he could through his writing about his life story is truly amazing and inspirational. He had a hard time talking about his life as he grew up, but then to share it in hopes of helping others is truly an inspiration. I felt bad for him and how he was treated at the orphanage and as he grew up. I was glad to see that he could find guidance eventually in God to help him get through it all. This was a a very inspirational read for me.

5/5 Stars!!!

[Rick]

R.B. Mitchell wrote one book - Castaway Kid. This is the only book he ever needs to write. And one book everyone needs to read.

In Castaway Kid, Mitchell tells the story of Robby, a child who, at the young age of four, witnesses his father point a gun to his head and take his own life. By the time he was five, his mother, no longer desiring the role of parenthood, dropped Robby at an orphanage. For the next twelve years, Robby spent his life being shuffled between orphanages, mental institutions, juvenile detention centers, and occasional "visits" with relatives whom he barely knew. Young Robby made a decision to beat the odds, and went on to become a husband, father, motivational speaker, and successful businessman. By 2008, R.B. Mitchell (aka "Robby") was recognized as being in the top 2% of wealthy Americans.

Castaway Kid is a true story - a story that the writer tells without fear of judgment or shame. This story shows that bad things happen to good people, and that the decision to use those experiences to build our own inner strength is ours. His story is one that offers hope to anyone who's experienced trauma, abuse, neglect or fear - and proves that, no matter what circumstances we face, we can decide to overcome. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Mr. Mitchell in 2009, when he gave a motivational speech at Camp Challenge. He provided autographed copies of his book to every kid at camp, and took the time to personally talk to everyone. He is an excellent speaker and writer, and genuine in nature.

I would recommend this book to every reader, and especially anyone who has gone through a troubled childhood or had misfortune in their lives.

[Hayley]

In this book about a true story, a little boy named Robby has to learn to deal with his dysfunctional family. He was left at an orphanage at a young age and grew up with not many people staying in his life too long. His mom tries to get back into his life a few times but Robby knows not to let her back because he’s just going to get hurt again. As a teenager he learns about God and becomes a devoted Christian. This story shows his life and how there are some tough spots, but things will always get better.
This book had me crying by the first chapter. It was a very sad book to see his reactions to these hard patches in his life. Even though it was so sad, I really liked this book. The beginning was best part because that’s where all the sad stuff was. The second half was kind of slow, but still a good story. It showed how he ended up good even after his bad childhood. I would recommend to the people of my age group because it’s a good story and good reading level for me.

[Merle Dunson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped my heart all the way through. It is So sad to think that so many children grow up like this author with no family to call their own, no mother or father that cares about them and no place to call home. That hit me the hardest. It is unreal what this guy went through and still became a functioning, responsible adult. So inspirational! Highly recommend!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of Robby, who is left by his mother at the tender age of three at an orphanage. Robby spends his youth as one of the last "lifers" in America's orphanage system. This is the heartbreaking story of his struggle with abandonment, loneliness, fear, refection, anger and bitterness. Through God's grace, Robby eventually encounters God's amazing love through the gift and the power of His son, Jesus, to redeem every facet of his life. "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." - Psalm 27:10 This book reveals that no matter how tragic our childhood may have been, God can truly redeem what the locust have eaten, through the redemptive power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Castaway Kid is a book that will tug at your heart strings and deepen your faith.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of you out there tha think your life stinks and that there is nothing that can change it, think again. This book is a wonderful book that tells how a boy from an orphange was able to graduate, get married and have kids, which was out of the ordinary for any orphan. R.B. was not an orphan though. He had a very hard life and he never thought that he should believe in God because he thought that if this God was real, why would He let him have such a bad life. About half way through the story, he changes his mind, and it is a wonderful story about growing close to God. I got to meet this author and his words about this book exactly were "This is not a story about my success, but this is a story about God's success.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my choice as 3rd BEST novel for 2016 I've had the pleasure to read!! A heartbreaking true story that made me cry and want to jump into the book and hug three year old Robby.
The reader watches Robby struggle with so many issues and situations, that one can't help but put the book down and say prayers for him. Readers continue watching Rob grow up and you pray his way of thinking on things continue in the right path.
Rob Mitchell is living proof that no matter how lonely or rejected a person feels, they CAN with Faith leave the past behind and be happy!!!
Hugs and Lots of Love to you Rob Mitchell and your family. Thank you for listening to our Heavenly Father and sharing your story/message with the world!

[Mrs. Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with the author and he took my exchange sister to Prom! We have been sharing emails and I'm so proud to know that his hopes were realized through the power of Christ! Anything is possible with Christ by your side.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

God is all about redemption, and this is a great look at one person's story of how God redeemed His life from being a castaway to being a beloved child of God. Any parent who had adopted should read this so you can get into the mind and heart of your child...

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suckish and sad. Almost the whole book was depressing and the only remotly happy parts (eeting susan, getting married, etc.) we SUPER SHORT! Not cool dude, not cool at all.

[Addi Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five out of five if I could give it more I would. a book that starts with a sad beginning and then a sad but beautiful ending. This book starts off with a toddler getting left in an orphanage, leaving him with no hope when he is older. The toddler was Robbie his mom dropped him off at the orphanage they called the home later in the book. As Robbie gets older he learns some shocking news that is slowly unfolding through the book. He finds out some shocking news about his mom and dad when he is a teenager. Hell he was young he often visited his grandma with a hope that he could live there one day, instead of the home. He later find out why he can't live there. He finds family that lives in Colorado and tries to live with him too. Robby later realizes he needs to get money for when he leaves the home at the age of 18.
I think everyone would enjoy Castaway kid. From old to Young everyone would enjoy. People who easily cry I would not read this book it is the saddest yet happiest book. I believe it was an amazing book with a good story.

[Giselle L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Castaway kid has a very deep meaning. While reading the summary I thought it would be boring so I set it away for a while. I keep thinking about it and ended up buying it later and I do not regret it. R.b Mitchell explains his life story in such a chilly manner it feels like you are living Robby’s life. It’s religious aspect had me really questioning my life and made me feel so thankful that I have parents and a family that loves me. This story really had me in tears finding out all the things done to Robby just for existing and how much greed and self centered a person can be. His grandma really had me wishing someone would just punch her in the face (I know it’s bad to think this way, but seriously) and bring her down from living in the clouds. This story was just so compelling I felt like a part of me had been ripped out once I finished it. His growth and changes over time really interested me so I recommend this book with my whole heart.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly, well-written read. Autobiographies aren’t my typical read, but this one captured me. It wasn’t difficult to read, as the tediousness of history books can be, but the emotional impact was great. I found myself so angry with so many people mentioned in this book. How could they do such a thing to a small child?

Beyond the pain and suffering in these pages, this is a book of resilience. A journey to faith. A chronicle of a young man making choices to rise above. A book of God’s faithfulness and provision. A book of learning to forgive.

This book is greatly impactful and I highly recommend it. There are life lessons that all can glean from it and it is another stop and milestone along my own journey where someday I’ll become a foster parent.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started this story, I could not put it down. It starts out with this child, age 3, being left at an orphanage and how he grows up in the system...how he grows up surviving and how he struggles with the feelings of being abandoned. He grows to hate his mom, dad, and others. All he wants is a home and to feel loved. As the story progresses and as he continues to grow up, he starts to learn about the Lord. This is a gradual story that explains in great feeling how it is to forgive. While the beginning was heartbreaking, I enjoyed the growth in this story and the hope that it gave. I wish continued blessings to the author and his family.

[Tanya Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went back and reread this book because I wanted to glean the history of the children's home. The facility (or parts of it, not the whole property) are owned by a Domestic Violence Agency. There are stories of the night workers hearing children run through the halls laughing and some kids have said they see a man in a white coat observing them through windows.

I have read this before, and it is a great book. The author is very transparent about how the whole experience was for him and how it all impacted his life. It is a great personal story about overcoming life's situations, disappointments, and losses.

[Kara Fairchild · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating system:
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.


Beautiful inspirational story. 4 stars even though I probably won't read again.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel took me on an emotional roller coaster ride, but it was beyond worth the tears that were shed! I love that this is a true story and it’s insane how much Mr. Rob had to overcome from an early age. My parents are my world and I can’t even begin to imagine my life without them. The spectacular life lessons, raw emotions, and the amazing testimony that “Castaway Kid” brings to the table definitely deserves more than a five star rating. This book was truly inspiring, and I will be recommending it to everyone I know!

[Nae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @rbmitchell2007 for gifting me with a pr package for coverage of this book.

i was able to pair audio with the physical copy and i thought the author did a great job bringing emotional depth at the forefront of this book.

castaway kid really moved me. his story of growing up as an orphan had me pausing to reflect on how many children in the world feel unwanted or left behind. it’s heartbreaking to think about, but this book also reminded me of something so important— even when family fails, God never does. one line that stuck with me was: “maybe if you allow God into your life, you’ll find a sort of peace you didn’t have..” that’s such a reminder that no matter our pain, God’s love brings peace.

some children may not be wanted by the people closest to them, but they are always wanted, seen, and deeply loved by Christ. that truth came through so clearly in these pages. this book is both hard and hopeful, and i’m grateful i read it.

[Anna-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing truth.

This isn’t one of those ‘feel good’ stories. It is a gut-wrenching, honestly-written account of how life is more often than not a struggle, the necessity for forgiveness that brings true freedom, and the hope and home found in Christ alone. Well done, Mr. Mitchell. Thank you for your transparency. Many blessings to you and yours.

[Nelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a heart-warming account of a boy who was left at an orphanage in Indiana at the age of 3. The author's parents were mentally ill, and for various reasons, extended family members were not able to take him in. This is a story of triumph; in spite of the difficulty of his upbringing, the author is a strong man of faith who was able to find happiness with a family of his own.

[L. Michele D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the story, I was just not convinced that traumatized child remembered such intricate details about his childhood. I imagined a lot of those occurrences would be blocked out, but that could be just me.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography of an abandoned boy lost in the system who turned his life around. He had anger, hurt, shame, poverty, and so many other obstacles to overcome, and he did through his connection to his Father in Heaven--after years of darkness. I think everybody should read this!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too much about author's young life. Would rather more of the healing journey and live after. Learned a lot about how a young mind is affected by lack of commitment from parents, the social system and the wonderful people that do care and take risks.