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I Think I'm OK
In 1970 I volunteered to leave my family home and enter William Henry Smith School, an institution for maladjusted children near Brighouse in West Yorkshire, I was 11 years old.
After almost two years it became apparent that I had exasperated all efforts to control my behaviour and was no longer welcome at the school. This was a pattern which continued for the next few years of my life.
I was moved from a children’s home in Bradford to a secure unit in York from which I managed to escape on two occasions. I was then sent to an Approved School in County Durham.
As incredulous as it may seem, at the age of 14 I was expelled from the Approved School and returned to another children’s home back in my home town of Bradford. True to form I was kicked out of this home too.
The above is pretty much the sum of my family and friends knowledge of my childhood, and to be fair, it’s hardly surprising that I was judged, frowned upon and quite often avoided like a crusty pair of Y fronts.
I am now 53 years old and have managed, thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, to obtain official records held about me from those early days. I have also managed to acquire the cojones to let all and sundry know the truth.
As I have used my real name, I felt it was only right that I use the real names of other guilty parties, the ones who should have known better.
If you are interested in reading a true, openly honest, occasionally sad yet often humorous memoir, please do buy my book, “I Think I’m OK.” I assure you it’s far from a ‘misery memoir.’
Oh, I guess I should point out that there are a few of them there naughty sweary words included . . . sorry about that.
After almost two years it became apparent that I had exasperated all efforts to control my behaviour and was no longer welcome at the school. This was a pattern which continued for the next few years of my life.
I was moved from a children’s home in Bradford to a secure unit in York from which I managed to escape on two occasions. I was then sent to an Approved School in County Durham.
As incredulous as it may seem, at the age of 14 I was expelled from the Approved School and returned to another children’s home back in my home town of Bradford. True to form I was kicked out of this home too.
The above is pretty much the sum of my family and friends knowledge of my childhood, and to be fair, it’s hardly surprising that I was judged, frowned upon and quite often avoided like a crusty pair of Y fronts.
I am now 53 years old and have managed, thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, to obtain official records held about me from those early days. I have also managed to acquire the cojones to let all and sundry know the truth.
As I have used my real name, I felt it was only right that I use the real names of other guilty parties, the ones who should have known better.
If you are interested in reading a true, openly honest, occasionally sad yet often humorous memoir, please do buy my book, “I Think I’m OK.” I assure you it’s far from a ‘misery memoir.’
Oh, I guess I should point out that there are a few of them there naughty sweary words included . . . sorry about that.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2012
91 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 19, 2012
Honest and heartfelt reflection and biography of a young boy/man deemed a troublemaker by society. I can't say what I liked more, the candid approach the author took to writing his own story, the under emphasis of heartbreaking events or the take it on the chin attitude he displayed during that time. At first I thought alright a divorce and step dad, that can't be enough for him to just start acting completely off the rails. Then he just slams the reader with it. No detailed graphic visual images just his thoughts and flashback of the events. The way it was presented made it even more powerful. Suffice to say one of the most important terms in the book are the words running away. Running away from the hidden terror. I found it unforgivable that the Social Services laid so much emphasis on his fathers sexual orientation and the child being exposed to it, because the so called experts put it on the same level as deviant behaviour. Of course that meant that they didn't look for the real reason for his behaviour and in doing so ended up presenting him on a platter to exactly those deviants they were supposed to be saving him from. I was surprised at the angry outburst at Val, because there wasn't one towards Derek, Philip or even his mother. Then he pinpoints it himself, the fact that the powers that be and adults around him called him a liar was of more importance, because that meant they would never believe him, when and if he told them what had happened at the beginning of his journey. I admire the author for having the strength to finally confront his inner demons and the living ones. I gather by the last chapter that he wasn't alone in being a victim and I hope that the abuser receives the Karma he deserves and that the other members of the family he abused will be able to face their demons also.
July 23, 2014
Chris Kenny has written a courageous and honest memoir of his troubled youth, which, as other reviewers have said , should become required reading for social workers and those who are paid to care. The book is a timely warning to parents and carers everywhere that most "young offenders" are lonely, troubled and are often running away from something they cannot properly understand or fight. If a young person does not want to go back home it should surely be obvious to all that there is a serious problem in that home and it is unlikely to be of the young person's making..... Unfortunately their attempts to manage their fear and pain may so often lead to the finger being pointed at them. The child becomes the scapegoat and the reason for the family problems..... Chris Kenny's story completely illustrates this sad pattern.
I think you're Ok Chris. Thank you for writing your story.
I think you're Ok Chris. Thank you for writing your story.
February 18, 2013
Delightful. I've never read such a funny, upbeat memoir about such a horrible childhood. I was rooting for the little thug all along. No matter how many adults betray him and how many petty crimes he commits as a juvenile, he's deep down a good guy and turns out OK.
April 2, 2013
I chose to read this book for two reasons. The first, it is set near my hometown of Leeds in West Yorkshire. The second, it was free for kindle and had fairly good reviews. I'm so glad that I did decide to read it.
The story is if course a very sad story, a story of a "misunderstood" child, brought up in children's homes. However, the author has clearly dealt with his past issues, his demons and his anger. He tells his story, in his own words, in such a way that I was chuckling out loud on several occasions. Even though, he's a little shit, I really loved him. His story is so real, I felt I was there, every step of the way, feeling what he felt, experiencing the things he experienced. He was a good kid at heart, just dealt a rough deal.
I found this really easy reading, even though some of the book deals with some quite tough and fairly heavy issues.
I love a happy ending and Steven's story, does, in its own way, have a happy ending. Fair play to him for writing what must have been a pretty tough, fairly harrowing book to write. He gets his story across, makes his points, admits his faults and blames nobody else. I really liked this book. READ IT, YOU WILL TOO :)
The story is if course a very sad story, a story of a "misunderstood" child, brought up in children's homes. However, the author has clearly dealt with his past issues, his demons and his anger. He tells his story, in his own words, in such a way that I was chuckling out loud on several occasions. Even though, he's a little shit, I really loved him. His story is so real, I felt I was there, every step of the way, feeling what he felt, experiencing the things he experienced. He was a good kid at heart, just dealt a rough deal.
I found this really easy reading, even though some of the book deals with some quite tough and fairly heavy issues.
I love a happy ending and Steven's story, does, in its own way, have a happy ending. Fair play to him for writing what must have been a pretty tough, fairly harrowing book to write. He gets his story across, makes his points, admits his faults and blames nobody else. I really liked this book. READ IT, YOU WILL TOO :)
March 25, 2012
This book should be required reading for everyone involved in Children's Services. This very bright kid was so let down -initially by his own family but more shockingly by a succession of Professionals that were supposed to be there to protect, help and support him. All this makes it sound like a 'Misery Memoir'-which it isn't, suffused as it is with the author's great humour throughout. I suspect this has got him through it all over the years.
Mr Kenny, I want to say that what you saw in that shopkeepers eyes is reflected in my own. You have managed to come through all your difficulties despite all those who let you down in so many ways and have arrived at the peace and contentment you so deserve...apparently without any bitterness! and it is all down to you (and your wife I suspect). All the best to you. I hope this book brings you some financial reward now as God knows you deserve it.
Mr Kenny, I want to say that what you saw in that shopkeepers eyes is reflected in my own. You have managed to come through all your difficulties despite all those who let you down in so many ways and have arrived at the peace and contentment you so deserve...apparently without any bitterness! and it is all down to you (and your wife I suspect). All the best to you. I hope this book brings you some financial reward now as God knows you deserve it.
June 9, 2012
the story gave an insight into care homes that i never knew about. the author is slightly older than i and therefore,i frequently made comparions to our ages throughout the book as to what my life was like at similar times. parts of his story is so sad, that any child is going through those experiences. these crimes should never be allowed to happen or swept under the carpet. im glad the author seems to have come through his life and is able to enjoy his middle age and the rest of his life.
March 14, 2012
i got this book as it mentioned a place in newton aycliffe where i used t live as i was interested , instead i forgot all about it and really enjoyed how this young fellow got himself into soo much trouble yet even though he got older i still found myself thinkin of him as a child , a very brave lad with strength yet a heart of gold but was portrayed as a pain not the child who needed help and understanding
April 6, 2012
It is a true descriptive biography of a bloke that came out of a not so loving family home to a care home after care home, what he went through, the amount of times he strayed form the home and experienced life on the outside of the care homes. If you dont like true stories about real people this wont be for you, but please give it a chance.
July 24, 2012
I gave this book 5 stars even though it broke my heart. If you have a true burden for the innocent...read this book. Don't just automatically assume kids are bad, 9 times out of 10 like Kenny said, it could be bad parents. What a burden for a child to carry but happy to see that he faced his giants and took back his life. Should be required reading for Sociology 101.
February 24, 2013
Really enjoyed this book and the way it was written. A truely thought provoking true story about the care system in the 70's.
September 11, 2022
Given the subject matter of this well-written memoir of survival, I expected it to be dark and difficult to read. Instead, I found myself smiling and even on occasions laughing along with the author.
Kenny’s style reminds me of Dave Pelzer in A Boy Called It. He has a dry wit which somehow brings the abuses of his childhood into sharper relief.
Chris writes with a raw honesty directly to his reader. I loved his asides; ‘why am I telling you about my underarm hair?’ he asks at one point, and his heartfelt apologies to the people he robbed in his youth – though I’d love to know more about the sofa couple!
All in all this is an eye-opening read of failure… not of Chris Kenny, but the system. After reading this, you will never look at those in authority in quite the same way.
Kenny’s style reminds me of Dave Pelzer in A Boy Called It. He has a dry wit which somehow brings the abuses of his childhood into sharper relief.
Chris writes with a raw honesty directly to his reader. I loved his asides; ‘why am I telling you about my underarm hair?’ he asks at one point, and his heartfelt apologies to the people he robbed in his youth – though I’d love to know more about the sofa couple!
All in all this is an eye-opening read of failure… not of Chris Kenny, but the system. After reading this, you will never look at those in authority in quite the same way.
August 7, 2018
Different
This book is very different from what I usually read. It is a memoir about the very hard life Chris had while growing up. I can only hope it's an isolated incident. Yet. I know it is not. There should be a large investigation into the English foster care system. It is a miracle Chris and I'm sure many others survived the ststem
This book is very different from what I usually read. It is a memoir about the very hard life Chris had while growing up. I can only hope it's an isolated incident. Yet. I know it is not. There should be a large investigation into the English foster care system. It is a miracle Chris and I'm sure many others survived the ststem
March 5, 2013
A good dose of humor in this childhood memoir. The author clearly doesn't want a pity party thrown in honor of his unfortunate past. By his own admission, a lot of the trouble he got into was his own doing. Having said that, he wasn't responsible for the evil abuse brought on by Derek. Kudos to the author for not protecting the guilty and using real names in the book. I'm sure you don't need the validation, but you are indeed OK.
August 5, 2013
This is a must for anyone who works with young people either in the care system or showing some kind of behaviour issues.
It has certainly reinforced my values in the job I do.
To the author:- Yes Chris I think you are OK, only wish you had received the support to see this much sooner!
It has certainly reinforced my values in the job I do.
To the author:- Yes Chris I think you are OK, only wish you had received the support to see this much sooner!
June 28, 2012
I liked the candour and colloquial telling of this bio.
September 24, 2012
Another "misfits & outlaws" read that I am so fond of. Well, I read it and I think he's OK.
May 10, 2020
Excellent
Excellent read from start to finish
You can imagine the surroundings the places he lived the feelings he felt
Most of all the pride and courage he went through
Excellent read from start to finish
You can imagine the surroundings the places he lived the feelings he felt
Most of all the pride and courage he went through
March 19, 2023
I don't normally read this sort of memoir, but I was drawn in by the title and the photo. I'm so pleased I read it - it held my attention all the way through and I really warmed to Chris (aka Steven). The voice of the author I found to be authentic from start to finish. Although he gets up to all kinds of misdemeanours and suffers a chaotic lifestyle as a child and adolescent, I found that as a reader I was on his side somehow. The professionals (so-called) were sort of on the right track (looking for sexual abuse behind the author's behavioural difficulties) but they suspected the wrong person. The author's unrealistic sense of shame prevents him from revealing the truth - it is a shocking moment for the reader when it is revealed, but it is written in such a way that the information is clear, but not too much. The reader gets it. I loved the ending which is so redemptive - he ends up OK. I did feel the book could do with a bit of editorial work, but it didn't in any way detract from the enjoyment, and to be honest for me it only added to the authenticity of the author's voice. Despite the sadness and trauma in the book, there are many laugh-out-loud moments, and it's good to see how the author almost becomes his own "psychologist" - he knows himself better than any professional, and why he behaves the way he does. The "fight or flight response" triggered by any abuse will happen for anyone (there but for the grace of God go I), and the author experiences both of them in good measure - especially he "flight" response where he absconds many times - it was interesting to read of his escaping stories. It was a surprisingly enjoyable read, even though I felt anger at all the people who subjected the author to abuse: both family and professionals. Also, although I don't normally find the use of bad language in books edifying, it didn't bother me at all in this memoir - in fact, it only added to the authenticity of Chris's voice and was almost a release -I felt his anger. It was like I was listening to the author tell me his life's story over a pint down the pub, so it all came as natural and I didn't have a problem with it personally. I enjoyed this memoir very much.
June 28, 2020
And you are ok !
I read this book very quickly , it's a funny insightful and moving read .I hope that lessons have been learnt since his time in local authority care. I fear not ,having worked for another agency that could only shake its head atthe irony of calling it care , when very little care was given . Chris rightly stated that kids in care are looked down on ,how very true ,when it's those responsible for those kids who are at fault.The children are just caught in the cross fire . This is an act of bravery to write this honest account and I hope he continues to find his peace and contentment
I read this book very quickly , it's a funny insightful and moving read .I hope that lessons have been learnt since his time in local authority care. I fear not ,having worked for another agency that could only shake its head atthe irony of calling it care , when very little care was given . Chris rightly stated that kids in care are looked down on ,how very true ,when it's those responsible for those kids who are at fault.The children are just caught in the cross fire . This is an act of bravery to write this honest account and I hope he continues to find his peace and contentment
June 6, 2021
I'm willing to bet this is one of the only accounts of being a child in the care of social services in the 1970s. The thing I loved about this book was having the opportunity to experience life through the eyes of a teenager in this situation, seeing life from his point of view, understanding why some of these kids end up in care, and why they make the decisions they do. This is a tragic story, and a pathetic story, in the true sense of both those words. The story is told with such engagement, such entertainment, such humour, such self-deprecation. I would recommend this as a good read to anyone.
June 29, 2020
Life.....
The heading of my review is exactly what I think this book was about......life. Not everyone will experience what happened to him over the years, but I think if we’re honest, most of us will relate to something (unless we are perfect and have lived perfect lives). The total honesty and self criticism is a total credit to the author, he does as the saying goes ‘tell it as it is’ warts and all.....to be applauded!! A totally riveting read......with it all thrown in tears, laughter, sympathy and horror👍
The heading of my review is exactly what I think this book was about......life. Not everyone will experience what happened to him over the years, but I think if we’re honest, most of us will relate to something (unless we are perfect and have lived perfect lives). The total honesty and self criticism is a total credit to the author, he does as the saying goes ‘tell it as it is’ warts and all.....to be applauded!! A totally riveting read......with it all thrown in tears, laughter, sympathy and horror👍
September 5, 2017
Thanks Jessica Wilhelhelmsson,
from Jessica Wilhelmssonon June 23, 2017
The title says what I feel after reading this book.
I really don't know what to say more then read it and be sure you are going to a roller caster.
On one page you giggle to this little boys mischevious boy and on the next you want to kill the adults around him. I'm happy that he survived and with his mind intact....
from Jessica Wilhelmssonon June 23, 2017
The title says what I feel after reading this book.
I really don't know what to say more then read it and be sure you are going to a roller caster.
On one page you giggle to this little boys mischevious boy and on the next you want to kill the adults around him. I'm happy that he survived and with his mind intact....
April 18, 2023
I’m glad the title of the book is reassuring. Otherwise, I would have thought the troubled juvenile never made it to adulthood, judging from his narrow escapes. The social workers’ reports are most interesting. Despite good intentions they haven’t a clue the cause of Kenny’s delinquent behavior. I’ve heard how people recover after confronting an abuse suffered during childhood. This story is a case in point. A compelling read told in the authentic voice of a street kid.
May 20, 2024
Others are ok
Good. I was a little confused at first with the names but figured out who the author was in the book. The book is about his challenges in his life he had and how he overcame them. There is hope for people who struggle in life. People need to be willing to help or accept others faults and move on. The "bad" people need to understand what and why they do what they do.
Good. I was a little confused at first with the names but figured out who the author was in the book. The book is about his challenges in his life he had and how he overcame them. There is hope for people who struggle in life. People need to be willing to help or accept others faults and move on. The "bad" people need to understand what and why they do what they do.
February 17, 2017
I actually quite liked this book and the perspective that it was written from. The man had an awful unbringing, but didn't blame that for his own bad decisions in life. Any analyst would no doubt say that the things that happened to him played a part. Sobering, true story, written by what might be described as a 'thug'.
August 12, 2017
Brilliant
This book hit home and n so Meany levels I to grow up in care mother and father didn't want to no so I can relate to this man god bless you I wish you all the happiness in the world god knows you deserve it ...
This book is brilliant very well written it made me cry laugh and in the end he gets his happy ever after .
Another thing the bastered I hope your suffering
This book hit home and n so Meany levels I to grow up in care mother and father didn't want to no so I can relate to this man god bless you I wish you all the happiness in the world god knows you deserve it ...
This book is brilliant very well written it made me cry laugh and in the end he gets his happy ever after .
Another thing the bastered I hope your suffering
January 1, 2019
Great memoir. You really feel for the author and what he went through as an abandoned and abused child. He is also very funny. His sense of humor is fantastic. Many times I laughed out loud while reading! These are not funny situations by any means, but the way the author describes them leaves you cracking up. I hope he continues to find peace in his life. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2019
Harrowing yet reassuring
This chap is a little older than me so I remember some of the stuff from the 70's.
The blunt yet often harrowing details of his experience are nit an easy read.
In this era of historical abusers getting comeuppance, I hope Derek and Aunty Val get theirs.
I too think you're ok Chris.
This chap is a little older than me so I remember some of the stuff from the 70's.
The blunt yet often harrowing details of his experience are nit an easy read.
In this era of historical abusers getting comeuppance, I hope Derek and Aunty Val get theirs.
I too think you're ok Chris.
May 19, 2020
This memoir shows how one youngster angrily flails his way through the juvenile centers of England for troubled youth. The abuses he experiences are pretty horrifying and his response was to run away whenever possible. In those brief escapes, he seldom succeeds in remaining free for long.
Quite an eye-opener.
Quite an eye-opener.
October 12, 2018
I couldn't put it down!
A brave story so well written, I couldn't put it down.
I laughed...a lot, I welled up and I found myself just grinning.
It's the proof that everyone deserves a chance & kindness really does pay off
A brave story so well written, I couldn't put it down.
I laughed...a lot, I welled up and I found myself just grinning.
It's the proof that everyone deserves a chance & kindness really does pay off
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews