Orphan: A True Story of Abandonment, Abuse, and Redemption

by Roger Dean Kiser

By the age of four, Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. had been abandoned, first by his parents and then his grandparents and placed in a Florida orphanage. Unable to adapt to the difficult, often cruel environment of the orphanage, and stigmatized by his repeated attempts to run away, he was transferred to a local reform school at age twelve. Kiser's poignant recollections of his painful childhood experiences will take you into the heart of a child abandoned by his family - and abused by the system responsible for his care. His unforgettable story demonstrates the amazing resiliency of the human spirit. He kept his faith in the future - struggling to survive until adulthood - rathern than be overwhelmed by the fear and loneliness of his orphan life.

Genres: Abuse, Nonfiction, Memoir

219 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2000

Reviews

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken from the back of the book. "By the age of four, Roger Dean Kiser, Sr. had been abandoned first by his parents and then his grandparents, and placed in a Florida orphanage. Unable to adapt to the difficult, often cruel environment of the orphanage, and stigmatized by his repeated attempts to run away, he was transferred to local reform school at age twelve." I don't agree with a lot of this quote. Roger Kiser was taken away from his abusive, self centered, low life parents and Grandparents not abandoned. The orphanage was a house of horrors. How is someone suppose to adapt if you don't feel welcomed, cared about and not given guidance on right and wrong just beaten down physically and mentally. No wonder he wanted to run away all the time. Roger Kiser is very open and straight forward about being physically, mentally and sexually abused growing up but not overly graphic with his descriptions.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a searing and poignant childhood the author endured, being abandoned by his parents and terribly abused by a State of Florida orphanage and reform school. How amazing that he has persevered, is the author of several books, and has a family of his own. I'm thankful that Mrs. Douglas saved the parts of the table with the Formica top. Child abuse lasts a lifetime.

[Alecia Woomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me less than 2 days to read this book. Such a good read but tragic story.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to read memoirs like this because it gives me a broader perspective on the human condition, and I truly wish more people would read these type of books. If you've ever wondered what it felt like to grow up unwanted in an orphanage then this book will certainly shed light on that dark pondering. I felt so many emotions while reading this. I only have one question, what happened to the little boy he ran away with? Did he get kidnapped? They were cared for so little that this young child disappeared off the face of the earth and no one misses him ever?

[Westphire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking to think anybody could do these things to any child. I read the whole book in a matter of hours. Makes one appriciate the love of your parents.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really should stick to fiction -- it is very depressing to read what human beings can do to fellow human beings.

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult story. I think the author is brave to tell his story and hope he finds some peace and comfort in reaching out to others through sharing his biography.