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Dani's Story
Neglected beyond belief, rescued by love...Dani was so severely neglected by her birth mother that she grew up knowing only squalor. She never went to school or the doctor, and rarely glimpsed sunlight. Desperately malnourished, she couldn't talk and had never been toilet-trained. The social worker who took her into care had never heard of a case so horrific. The doctors believed Dani would never recover from such a terrible start in life. Then she met the Lierows - a unique, blended family who were seeking to adopt a child. Despite being warned that she was way beyond hope of a normal life, they were instantly drawn to her and sensed a bright light behind her pale complexion. When they finally adopted her, they showered Dani with so much affection and encouragement that she came to life for the first time. Proving all the experts wrong, Dani would go on to open up and express herself in a way that no-one could have expected. Dani's remarkable and heartwarming story is a testament of the power of kindness to overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable challenges.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
August 29, 2012
When I first started reading this book I was a little put off by the authors judgemental attitude toward certain things. After Diane tells about her, and her husband Bernie's home study she goes on to say, "it's too bad there are no requirements like that before people get pregnant." A home study is an investigation by the adoption agency to make sure you're stable, have an adequate home, and are financially prepared to raise a child. When I first got pregnant with my daughter I was not financially prepared, stable, nor did I have a home of my own. I was a teenager! My daughter came to me at an important time in my life, and had she not I probably wouldn't be here today. If this were done many people wouldn't have children. Most mothers love, and nuture their children no matter their financial situation. However after reading further on into the book I came to understand what Diane meant by that statement.
Diane, and Bernie Lierow came to the decision to adopt when the last of their five boys was the only one still living at home. Their ideal child was someone who was already potty trained, and could be a good playmate for their little boy. After seeing Dani's picture, and even learning of her problems their plans changed. She was meant to be their daughter all along!
Be prepared for an emotional story. I was angry, overjoyed, and humbled as I read this book. I hope that they eventually write another book updating us on Dani's progress. It would be nice to know if she continued to grow mentally.
Diane, and Bernie Lierow came to the decision to adopt when the last of their five boys was the only one still living at home. Their ideal child was someone who was already potty trained, and could be a good playmate for their little boy. After seeing Dani's picture, and even learning of her problems their plans changed. She was meant to be their daughter all along!
Be prepared for an emotional story. I was angry, overjoyed, and humbled as I read this book. I hope that they eventually write another book updating us on Dani's progress. It would be nice to know if she continued to grow mentally.
April 2, 2017
I read this story almost in one go, which I think says enough on itself. The story is about a severely neglected child, found and being adopted eventually by two of what have to be world's most lovely people. I was really caught by the way the adoptive parents fought to be able to adopt Dani and the loving way the care for her, which is so true and comes directly out of their hearts.
I recognized many of Dani's behaviors from my volunteering experiences with disabled kids. Some of those were so accurately described, I have to mention some of them below.
"Danielle loved the pool. We told her when she first came to live with us that she must never go into the pool without one of us with her, and she never did. She waited until Bernie or I asked, "Danielle, do you want to swim in the pool?" and her whole body would react the way a dog does when you hold the leash."
"In the water, it didn't matter that Danielle couldn't read or speak or use a fork. Her entire body was embraced by the water, and no one could harm her."
I recognized many of Dani's behaviors from my volunteering experiences with disabled kids. Some of those were so accurately described, I have to mention some of them below.
"Danielle loved the pool. We told her when she first came to live with us that she must never go into the pool without one of us with her, and she never did. She waited until Bernie or I asked, "Danielle, do you want to swim in the pool?" and her whole body would react the way a dog does when you hold the leash."
"In the water, it didn't matter that Danielle couldn't read or speak or use a fork. Her entire body was embraced by the water, and no one could harm her."
August 17, 2018
She lied throughout the book
The author kept comparing herself to the worst of mothers to show how great she was. Now we know everything in this book is a lie. The adopted mother told her husband after 3 years I’m not dealing with her anymore and finally divorced him and has not seen Dani almost 4 years. Look up Dani’s updated story “The girl in the window 10 years later. Poor Dani is in a group home now and the only cost she gets is from her adoptive father maybe once a month. This book is a fairytale because her real life is horror story. This author makes me sick that she promised to take care of Dani and left her .
The author kept comparing herself to the worst of mothers to show how great she was. Now we know everything in this book is a lie. The adopted mother told her husband after 3 years I’m not dealing with her anymore and finally divorced him and has not seen Dani almost 4 years. Look up Dani’s updated story “The girl in the window 10 years later. Poor Dani is in a group home now and the only cost she gets is from her adoptive father maybe once a month. This book is a fairytale because her real life is horror story. This author makes me sick that she promised to take care of Dani and left her .
October 2, 2011
Dani was so severely neglected by her birth mother that she grew up knowing only squalor. She never went to school or the doctor, and rarely glimpsed sunlight. Desperately malnourished, she couldn't talk and had never been toilet-trained. The social worker who took her into care had never heard of a case so horrific. The doctors believed Dani would never recover from such a terrible start in life.
Then she met the Lierows - a unique, blended family who were seeking to adopt a child. Despite being warned that she was way beyond hope of a normal life, they were instantly drawn to her and sensed a bright light behind her pale complexion. When they finally adopted her, they showered Dani with so much affection and encouragement that she came to life for the first time. Proving all the experts wrong, Dani would go on to open up and express herself in a way that no-one could have expected.
Considering the enormity of this heart wrenching true story, I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I hadn’t heard of Dani Lierow’s story before I received the book from Penguin a short while ago and I have to confess I was not only astonished at what I read but frankly disgusted that there are parents in the world today capable of such gross neglect. Dani’s Story is a tale of one girl’s continuing fight to eradicate her abhorrent memories at the hand of her birth mother – I use the term mother only because it’s factual and certainly not deserved - and the inexhaustible love and support shown by the Lierows to counteract and repair the inevitable damage done in her infancy.
This is without question an inspirational story and although the Lierows had no desire for public adulation when they began the quest to adopt a child, they now find themselves in a situation following Dani’s adoption where they can bring so much attention to not only like-minded parents – for there are many - but publicity for an adoption and fostering system that still has problems at the grass roots level and beyond.
Very well written, the narrative flows unhindered and despite the harrowing imagery faced in the early chapters the book is an incredibly quick and rewarding read. In fact I couldn’t put it down, for the further you read, the more I felt an affinity with the family and the more I wondered how could one family have so much love to give. Incredible.
I’m not going to spend much time talking about the conditions Dani “lived in” – and I use the term loosely – with her birth mother and brother for I could certainly not capture the truly horrific conditions she faced on a daily basis, the book will and does a far better job. Cockroaches – both alive and dead – were in abundance, animal faeces, human faeces, soiled diapers and pure neglect. Combining this with malnourishment, self-harming, insect bites and a lack of sunlight it’s frankly amazing Dani survived her traumatic infancy and gain a second chance at life. The one thing I found disturbing, perhaps more than any other, was the ineptitude shown by the DCF (Department of Children and Families) who failed to see that these conditions were life threatening and damaging to a young girl starved of human compassion and love; not once, not twice but three times during a gap of three years. Had it not been for the initial actions of Detective Holste who carried Dani out of the deplorable conditions – and the support given by Garet White - who knows what would have happened.
Timing is everything
Throughout the book I kept coming back to the same question “How can a mother act like this?” It’s incredibly hard to shake off a feeling of anger and resentment, but the more I read, the more I was drawn in by the limitless love and priceless devotion shown by the Lierows. It goes without saying that Bernie and Diane, as parents, are champions but for me it was little Willie, or William as he now prefers, who was a shining beacon in all this. For someone so young he shows so much maturity and understanding of a situation most adults would find it hard to comprehend. He doesn’t complain, he adapts and adjusts and shows an incredibly amount of love and understanding to what is for all intents and purposes a relative stranger. The family as a whole, on meeting Dani, fell in love with her from the outset but the consideration shown by Bernie and Diane to their natural children is a credit.
Having said all that, this book is incredibly uplifting. Slowly but surely things start to change and Dani settles down with her new family. It’s a daily fight and one that will continue for years to come no doubt, but there is hope and proof aplenty that, despite initial fears from the medical fraternity Dani is reacting to the love and attention she was born to receive and long may it continue. A remarkable story that offers so much hope and unquestionably instils a faith in humanity that is sometimes lacking.
For further information and to see Dani’s progress please visit her website www.danisstory.org and if you suspect a child is being abused www.thechildabusehotline.com offers support and guidance. Fostering and Adoption – www.heartgalleryofamerica.org and in the UK http://www.adoptionuk.org/
Then she met the Lierows - a unique, blended family who were seeking to adopt a child. Despite being warned that she was way beyond hope of a normal life, they were instantly drawn to her and sensed a bright light behind her pale complexion. When they finally adopted her, they showered Dani with so much affection and encouragement that she came to life for the first time. Proving all the experts wrong, Dani would go on to open up and express herself in a way that no-one could have expected.
Considering the enormity of this heart wrenching true story, I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I hadn’t heard of Dani Lierow’s story before I received the book from Penguin a short while ago and I have to confess I was not only astonished at what I read but frankly disgusted that there are parents in the world today capable of such gross neglect. Dani’s Story is a tale of one girl’s continuing fight to eradicate her abhorrent memories at the hand of her birth mother – I use the term mother only because it’s factual and certainly not deserved - and the inexhaustible love and support shown by the Lierows to counteract and repair the inevitable damage done in her infancy.
This is without question an inspirational story and although the Lierows had no desire for public adulation when they began the quest to adopt a child, they now find themselves in a situation following Dani’s adoption where they can bring so much attention to not only like-minded parents – for there are many - but publicity for an adoption and fostering system that still has problems at the grass roots level and beyond.
Very well written, the narrative flows unhindered and despite the harrowing imagery faced in the early chapters the book is an incredibly quick and rewarding read. In fact I couldn’t put it down, for the further you read, the more I felt an affinity with the family and the more I wondered how could one family have so much love to give. Incredible.
I’m not going to spend much time talking about the conditions Dani “lived in” – and I use the term loosely – with her birth mother and brother for I could certainly not capture the truly horrific conditions she faced on a daily basis, the book will and does a far better job. Cockroaches – both alive and dead – were in abundance, animal faeces, human faeces, soiled diapers and pure neglect. Combining this with malnourishment, self-harming, insect bites and a lack of sunlight it’s frankly amazing Dani survived her traumatic infancy and gain a second chance at life. The one thing I found disturbing, perhaps more than any other, was the ineptitude shown by the DCF (Department of Children and Families) who failed to see that these conditions were life threatening and damaging to a young girl starved of human compassion and love; not once, not twice but three times during a gap of three years. Had it not been for the initial actions of Detective Holste who carried Dani out of the deplorable conditions – and the support given by Garet White - who knows what would have happened.
Timing is everything
Throughout the book I kept coming back to the same question “How can a mother act like this?” It’s incredibly hard to shake off a feeling of anger and resentment, but the more I read, the more I was drawn in by the limitless love and priceless devotion shown by the Lierows. It goes without saying that Bernie and Diane, as parents, are champions but for me it was little Willie, or William as he now prefers, who was a shining beacon in all this. For someone so young he shows so much maturity and understanding of a situation most adults would find it hard to comprehend. He doesn’t complain, he adapts and adjusts and shows an incredibly amount of love and understanding to what is for all intents and purposes a relative stranger. The family as a whole, on meeting Dani, fell in love with her from the outset but the consideration shown by Bernie and Diane to their natural children is a credit.
Having said all that, this book is incredibly uplifting. Slowly but surely things start to change and Dani settles down with her new family. It’s a daily fight and one that will continue for years to come no doubt, but there is hope and proof aplenty that, despite initial fears from the medical fraternity Dani is reacting to the love and attention she was born to receive and long may it continue. A remarkable story that offers so much hope and unquestionably instils a faith in humanity that is sometimes lacking.
For further information and to see Dani’s progress please visit her website www.danisstory.org and if you suspect a child is being abused www.thechildabusehotline.com offers support and guidance. Fostering and Adoption – www.heartgalleryofamerica.org and in the UK http://www.adoptionuk.org/
August 27, 2018
Heftig verhaal, maar zo belangrijk om te lezen.. wat ben ik trots op Diane en Bernie en Willie! Dat ze dit meisje een kans gaven en dat zij toch een heel fijn leven heeft kunnen krijgen, ondanks haar moeilijke start
May 16, 2012
I read Dani’s Story in little over a day—I simply could not put it down. The book itself was well written and easy to follow. I cannot believe that a mother could neglect her child in the way that Dani was neglected. It is unimaginable to me. If you can look at the positive side to this story, it is the fact that Dani was able to survive the years of neglect so that she could find her perfect family. The way the Lierows fell in love with Dani immediately and just knew that they had to bring her home was amazing. Many families would have walked away from the situation, but not the Lierows—each and every one of them have amazingly large hearts and that is easily shown in the book, especially Willie, he was unlike many other boys his age in that he thought of others before himself and truly was a remarkable big brother.
My only negative comment on this book is that I found the ‘happily ever after’ ending in the beginning of the book. I try not to read any introduction or foreword for this very reason. I guess I should have known better and went right to chapter 1.
March 17, 2018
I was so completely obsessed with this book and wanted to find out how Dani turned out! Did she ever learn to speak? Etc. So the book finished with the Oprah story, and I was just a little disappointed that Dani hadn't made more progress, but I figured it was showing another side of adoption. They still loved her, of course. Especially Bernie.
So I wanted to know how Dani was doing now. I found an article written in 2017. Apparently the stress of caring for her became too much for the Lierows, as they divorced. Bernie tried to care for Dani on his own, but that was too much too. He put her in a home and visits monthly, but she is on more drugs now and doesn't always respond to him. Diane doesn't visit (they didn't say why) and Willie doesn't speak to his dad. There is some kind of litigation between the two Lierows.
This was not the heartwarming story I was hoping for! So crushed.
So I wanted to know how Dani was doing now. I found an article written in 2017. Apparently the stress of caring for her became too much for the Lierows, as they divorced. Bernie tried to care for Dani on his own, but that was too much too. He put her in a home and visits monthly, but she is on more drugs now and doesn't always respond to him. Diane doesn't visit (they didn't say why) and Willie doesn't speak to his dad. There is some kind of litigation between the two Lierows.
This was not the heartwarming story I was hoping for! So crushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2013
I found this book utterly fascinating. I literally couldn't put it down. It is so much more readable and inspiring than "A Child Called It", which is rabidly sought after by teens at my library.
I was so taken with the story that I sought out additional info on the Internet. After reading the follow-up article in the Tampa paper from 2011, I was a little disappointed to see that the Lierows seemed to stress the positive in their book, leaving out a lot of the negative. However, the Lierows seem like amazing people who've done an amazing job of helping Dani, so I forgave them.
I am INCREDULOUS that Dani's birth mother only got a couple of years of probation and some community service for her crime. What injustice!
I was so taken with the story that I sought out additional info on the Internet. After reading the follow-up article in the Tampa paper from 2011, I was a little disappointed to see that the Lierows seemed to stress the positive in their book, leaving out a lot of the negative. However, the Lierows seem like amazing people who've done an amazing job of helping Dani, so I forgave them.
I am INCREDULOUS that Dani's birth mother only got a couple of years of probation and some community service for her crime. What injustice!
September 15, 2017
I don't think this book was written for me.
The authors explicitly state that it was written to bring awareness to adoption and shine a light on neglected and abused children who need happy, healthy homes. They wrote about their own experiences adopting Danielle, who had experienced such severe neglect for the first 7 years of her life that she was physically, developmentally, and emotionally delayed. This is admirable. However, there were several places where the authors encountered children with extreme physical or mental disabilities - not necessarily caused by abuse or neglect - and experienced pity, fear, thoughts about how lucky "their child" was not to be at THAT level, etc - that made it clear to me this book was not written for me.
I have worked for several years with children and adults with severe to profound developmental and physical disabilities, and my husband has a physical disability. Because of my time doing this, I have little to no patience for people whose initial reactions are those of the authors'. I know that's not fair of me, but I've seen enough insensitive responses in my time, and I'm done.
They also spend a lot of time seemingly patting themselves on the back while judging basically everyone else who has ever so much had a passing interaction with Dani, which I also found frustrating and made the authors very unlikeable in my eyes.
If you like to read simply written, heartwarming tales about hardship turning into love, you might enjoy this book. If you have had any experience with the systems or the populations about which the Lierows talk, you might be frustrated with this book.
The authors explicitly state that it was written to bring awareness to adoption and shine a light on neglected and abused children who need happy, healthy homes. They wrote about their own experiences adopting Danielle, who had experienced such severe neglect for the first 7 years of her life that she was physically, developmentally, and emotionally delayed. This is admirable. However, there were several places where the authors encountered children with extreme physical or mental disabilities - not necessarily caused by abuse or neglect - and experienced pity, fear, thoughts about how lucky "their child" was not to be at THAT level, etc - that made it clear to me this book was not written for me.
I have worked for several years with children and adults with severe to profound developmental and physical disabilities, and my husband has a physical disability. Because of my time doing this, I have little to no patience for people whose initial reactions are those of the authors'. I know that's not fair of me, but I've seen enough insensitive responses in my time, and I'm done.
They also spend a lot of time seemingly patting themselves on the back while judging basically everyone else who has ever so much had a passing interaction with Dani, which I also found frustrating and made the authors very unlikeable in my eyes.
If you like to read simply written, heartwarming tales about hardship turning into love, you might enjoy this book. If you have had any experience with the systems or the populations about which the Lierows talk, you might be frustrated with this book.
October 20, 2017
This was a very sad story. Well written. You can follow it on YouTube as Dani is now a teenager. She was very lucky to find three people who love her so much. I hope she gets on in life, I will definitely continue to follow her on the net.
December 9, 2021
I used to read a decent amount of adoption books and the like, back when we were going down the foster care/adoption road. Perhaps I have just moved past finding them quite as enjoyable now. This one wasn’t bad, and was decently told and written… if quite basic.
But this also isn’t Dani’s story. This is Diane’s story, though it does go over her efforts to raise Dani. To me, while the story doesn’t necessarily sugar coat anything it comes across as disingenuous a bit because it doesn’t delve into what I’m sure we’re the extremely difficult realities of raising Dani, a child who was so severely neglected that she never learned to communicate or care for her self in any way. The book makes it seem like it was all about cleaning up pee, poo, and barf and stopping her from eating everything. I guarantee it was way more than that with tantrums and food hoarding and extremely difficult behaviors. This book, while not exactly going as far as ‘love will cure all’ it comes a bit close. I get it, they want to be inspirational (and it is, if events are accurately depicted) and they did help Dani grow pretty far from where she started… kudos on that.
So I had all these thoughts while reading it and then decided to look into what’s happened since then (it’s been a decade since the book was published) and it all pretty much went downhill from then… which makes me think the book was much more rosy than reality. And that’s also not fair to people who will read it and think they can, or should, adopt a severely handicapped child. I hope people do adopt severely handicapped children, but not because they read this story and thought it was easy. In the follow ups, the father states the mother essentially wanted to put Dani in a home around the time the book was published. They divorced and Dani apparently wants nothing to do with the mother. Dani regressed at puberty and was no longer toilet trained. She now lives in a group home. Anyway, I am sad for the family but also hate that this ‘adoption porn’ can lead people in to the situation with their rose colored glasses on.
January 4, 2025
I might’ve given this book a higher rating if I hadn’t read the 10 year update on Dani published online as soon as I finished reading the book. If I hadn’t done my post-reading Google search on the Lierow family, as I do with all true-to-life books, I wouldn’t have known that Dani now lives in a group home, waiting for the one monthly visit she gets from her only visitor, Bernie.
Diane and Bernie wrote this book proclaiming that they saved Dani from her tortured past; they claimed that she was their real daughter, albeit not blood-related, and they would push through all obstacles to give her a family, a loving household, everything that she was deprived of when she rotted in a singular room for the first seven years of her life. But then, after the publishing of this book and starring on Oprah, the Lierows divorce, throw Dani in a group home, and abandon her just like her birth mother did.
Now, I don’t have a special needs child, and I know that group homes are well-equipped to care for those in need of special services. Nonetheless, it’s upsetting to hear that Dani was promised a new beginning with a loving family, only to end up abandoned once again. I pray that she is getting good care at the group home and that she is happy. I regret spending money on this book now that I know that there is a chance that money benefited Diane and Bernie.
Diane and Bernie wrote this book proclaiming that they saved Dani from her tortured past; they claimed that she was their real daughter, albeit not blood-related, and they would push through all obstacles to give her a family, a loving household, everything that she was deprived of when she rotted in a singular room for the first seven years of her life. But then, after the publishing of this book and starring on Oprah, the Lierows divorce, throw Dani in a group home, and abandon her just like her birth mother did.
Now, I don’t have a special needs child, and I know that group homes are well-equipped to care for those in need of special services. Nonetheless, it’s upsetting to hear that Dani was promised a new beginning with a loving family, only to end up abandoned once again. I pray that she is getting good care at the group home and that she is happy. I regret spending money on this book now that I know that there is a chance that money benefited Diane and Bernie.
March 3, 2013
Dani's Story is the true tale of a little girl who was pulled from a home of incredible neglect and eventually found love in a new family. It's a fast read, the story being so engaging that you can fly through the pages. The content might be unbearable for some and I can honestly say I wouldn't have read the book if I wasn't using it for continuing education hours for my foster license.
Dani's Story is hard to read. It's hard for me to fathom that a child could be so neglected that at seven years old doctors would rate her physical age the same as a 20 month old, social age at 4 months, academic age at 6 months and communication age at 2 months. Dani exhibited no signs of abuse, but the horrors of such level of neglect are enough.
Her story doesn't end as a tale of tragedy, however. For some reason known only to God perhaps, Diane & Bernie Lierow saw Dani's photograph and began to pursue adopting her. This child that no one else was willing to take on--because she obviously required a lot of attention--the Lierows fell in love with. The book tells the story of how they walked through the trials of adoption via foster care, and how they built a new life for a little girl who desperately needed a new life.
Dani's Story is hard to read. It's hard for me to fathom that a child could be so neglected that at seven years old doctors would rate her physical age the same as a 20 month old, social age at 4 months, academic age at 6 months and communication age at 2 months. Dani exhibited no signs of abuse, but the horrors of such level of neglect are enough.
Her story doesn't end as a tale of tragedy, however. For some reason known only to God perhaps, Diane & Bernie Lierow saw Dani's photograph and began to pursue adopting her. This child that no one else was willing to take on--because she obviously required a lot of attention--the Lierows fell in love with. The book tells the story of how they walked through the trials of adoption via foster care, and how they built a new life for a little girl who desperately needed a new life.
September 4, 2012
This is the second time that I have read Dani's Story and it is a beautiful book. The genre of the book is auto biography, but some parts are edited. The book is basically about how Diane and Bernie Lierow adopt an 8 year old girl called Danielle. For 7 years, Dani had been living under the neglect of her mother, and she had never been taught how to talk, read, write or even go to the toilet. For 7 years, Dani was living on a soiled mattress, in a house infested with cockroaches and feces. I think that the book is aimed for adults, but I think that a younger audience can read it too. I love that the book has humour in some parts, but it can also make you tear up. The book has so much detail and it really is one of the best books I have read, although small section of the book are a bit boring. The structure of the book is a bit hard the understand. The beginning goes in chronological order, but sometimes it goes back in time to add memories to specific periods of time. The book is very interesting because it is a true story, and it shows how Diane and Bernie Lierow changed Dani's life.
May 8, 2013
Waar gebeurd verhaal.
Op een fantastische manier geschreven.
dit gaat over een echtpaar met kinderen dat erg veel moeite doet een kind te adopteren.
Dit heeft veel meegemaakt en daardoor praat het meisje niet meer. Dit is niet het enige probleem dat zij heeft.
Als je het boek leest is het bijna niet bevatten dat dit echt gebeurt is.
Op een fantastische manier geschreven.
dit gaat over een echtpaar met kinderen dat erg veel moeite doet een kind te adopteren.
Dit heeft veel meegemaakt en daardoor praat het meisje niet meer. Dit is niet het enige probleem dat zij heeft.
Als je het boek leest is het bijna niet bevatten dat dit echt gebeurt is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2011
This was a really inspiring book....not to be read in the lobby of your daughter's Irish dance class due to the sudden need to cry sometimes.
April 10, 2016
Inspirational!
July 16, 2016
Heartwarming story and a very quick read.
February 12, 2021
I read this book over two days. It’s the true story of a very badly neglected little girl who was eventually adopted by a couple who already had a “blended” family.
At first I was full of admiration for the adoptive parents and fascinated by the close relationship outlined with her slightly older adoptive brother. It was really heartwarming. As it went on I found some of the adoptive Mother’s comments rather harsh, especially about other disabled kids they came across.
The book finished on a very positive note in 2011 and it looked as though the family and Dani in particular had a promising future.
However, I then looked online for updates and was shocked that the adoptive Mother gave up on her after 3 years, they divorced and Bernie ended up doing most of the caring. I also read that they took in loads of foster kids while they still had Dani and wondered whether this led to a decline in Dani’s progress. It was pointed out that fostering kids brought in a fair amount of income which they needed at the time. Dani was a child who needed lots of individual attention to reach her potential and there is no way she could have received that special help with even more foster kids around. It was really sad reading the update and that Dani has now been placed in a residential home and seems to have regressed. Only her adoptive Dad visits her and that made me very sad too. There seems to have been a massive family rift, even with their son who his mother said was brilliant with Dani. It does make me wonder just how much of the story was wishful thinking on the Mother’s part.
I am not listing this as a spoiler because none of this is covered in the book and most readers will search for more information once they finish the book. In fact, it encourages us to do so at the end.
At first I was full of admiration for the adoptive parents and fascinated by the close relationship outlined with her slightly older adoptive brother. It was really heartwarming. As it went on I found some of the adoptive Mother’s comments rather harsh, especially about other disabled kids they came across.
The book finished on a very positive note in 2011 and it looked as though the family and Dani in particular had a promising future.
However, I then looked online for updates and was shocked that the adoptive Mother gave up on her after 3 years, they divorced and Bernie ended up doing most of the caring. I also read that they took in loads of foster kids while they still had Dani and wondered whether this led to a decline in Dani’s progress. It was pointed out that fostering kids brought in a fair amount of income which they needed at the time. Dani was a child who needed lots of individual attention to reach her potential and there is no way she could have received that special help with even more foster kids around. It was really sad reading the update and that Dani has now been placed in a residential home and seems to have regressed. Only her adoptive Dad visits her and that made me very sad too. There seems to have been a massive family rift, even with their son who his mother said was brilliant with Dani. It does make me wonder just how much of the story was wishful thinking on the Mother’s part.
I am not listing this as a spoiler because none of this is covered in the book and most readers will search for more information once they finish the book. In fact, it encourages us to do so at the end.
April 23, 2018
Wow what a great read! Really sad about how Social services massively let Dani down, but she is very lucky to be part of a great family. I loved the last chapter where Diane explains just how much she has progressed since being part of the family where she is loved and well cared for, as well as looked at positively and constantly encouraged.
Dani is very lucky to be part of the Lierow's family, and she really deserves to be in a loving family. I think its a great idea for this book to be out to raise awareness on adoption and fostering, and the benefits it can give for the child. Not only that, but also as a way for more individuals to see looked after children in a more positive light. Unfortunately, many people still see looked after children very negatively and see them as trouble and to stay away from, when really all they are is any other child that has had an unfair and unloving upbringing, that are desperate for some love, caring and attention!
If anyone is thinking of giving it a read then do, its a must read particularly if you work with children/families or is just something you are interested in.
Thanks for writing Diane and Bernie. Saw another review about Diane writing a book which I think is an amazing idea. I am sure a lot of people would love to see how you are all getting on. Unfortunately, I cant find the website referenced at the back of the book which is a shame.
Dani is very lucky to be part of the Lierow's family, and she really deserves to be in a loving family. I think its a great idea for this book to be out to raise awareness on adoption and fostering, and the benefits it can give for the child. Not only that, but also as a way for more individuals to see looked after children in a more positive light. Unfortunately, many people still see looked after children very negatively and see them as trouble and to stay away from, when really all they are is any other child that has had an unfair and unloving upbringing, that are desperate for some love, caring and attention!
If anyone is thinking of giving it a read then do, its a must read particularly if you work with children/families or is just something you are interested in.
Thanks for writing Diane and Bernie. Saw another review about Diane writing a book which I think is an amazing idea. I am sure a lot of people would love to see how you are all getting on. Unfortunately, I cant find the website referenced at the back of the book which is a shame.
July 10, 2022
4.5/5 stars
I was already familiar with Dani's Story. I initially read the article back when I was 13 published by thr St. Pete Times (now Tampa Bay Times). It stuck with me then, and once again I was drawn to it when they published an update in 2012...as well as the most recent one from 2017.
This book captures the depth of the story, written in a way that will hook you from start to finish. The story is heartbreaking, but also hopeful. Sometimes the universe has a way of working.
I only take off 0.5 stars for 2 reasons:
1) Dated Language
2) Because I know what comes later with the Lierow's relationship (see Tampa Bay Times 2017 article for details). Of course raising a special needs child is difficult, so I imagine that played into what occurred, although most of that is private.
The story also does an interesting examination of the adoption industry, referring it in parts to be similar to adopting a dog. This is chilling in its own way, but in this case, it at least gave Dani a loving home.
Ultimately, I hope to hear more about how Dani is doing...but if the family chooses to keep that private, that is understandable.
Still, despite what the future holds for Dani, this book contains an important look into the impacts of neglect, the difficulties of adoption, and the power (or lack there of) of DCPs. It's a heartbreaking tale....but worth it. Because there is always some hope and joy.
I was already familiar with Dani's Story. I initially read the article back when I was 13 published by thr St. Pete Times (now Tampa Bay Times). It stuck with me then, and once again I was drawn to it when they published an update in 2012...as well as the most recent one from 2017.
This book captures the depth of the story, written in a way that will hook you from start to finish. The story is heartbreaking, but also hopeful. Sometimes the universe has a way of working.
I only take off 0.5 stars for 2 reasons:
1) Dated Language
2) Because I know what comes later with the Lierow's relationship (see Tampa Bay Times 2017 article for details). Of course raising a special needs child is difficult, so I imagine that played into what occurred, although most of that is private.
The story also does an interesting examination of the adoption industry, referring it in parts to be similar to adopting a dog. This is chilling in its own way, but in this case, it at least gave Dani a loving home.
Ultimately, I hope to hear more about how Dani is doing...but if the family chooses to keep that private, that is understandable.
Still, despite what the future holds for Dani, this book contains an important look into the impacts of neglect, the difficulties of adoption, and the power (or lack there of) of DCPs. It's a heartbreaking tale....but worth it. Because there is always some hope and joy.
August 31, 2020
Dani's Story is heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting. It is told from the adoptive parents' point of view and it shows how Diane and Bernie Lierow changed Dani's life. The book is very interesting because it is based on a true story. The Lierows learn the details of her abuse from Dani's case worker. She was kept in a room by herself for the first seven years of her life. After multiple inspections by child and family services she is taken away from her home and put into foster care. They are stunned at how she lived until she was finally rescued from her birth mother's home.
The Lierows take the reader through their journey to adopt, starting with their decision to adopt a child, ending after they have finally welcomed Dani into their home. Much of the story focuses on Dani's growth and acceptance of the Lierow family. The things they did for her were heroic, they truly saved Dani, and she in return, has enriched their lives in ways they did not think possible.
It's moving and by the end you will love Dani. Like her adoptive parents said, there's something about Dani Lierow's face that you can't forget. The Lierow family is honest enough to admit that Dani will never recover. Though the story is sad beyond measure, it's incredibly well written and inspiring, in the sense that it gives us a glimpse into the minds of truly selfless people.
The Lierows take the reader through their journey to adopt, starting with their decision to adopt a child, ending after they have finally welcomed Dani into their home. Much of the story focuses on Dani's growth and acceptance of the Lierow family. The things they did for her were heroic, they truly saved Dani, and she in return, has enriched their lives in ways they did not think possible.
It's moving and by the end you will love Dani. Like her adoptive parents said, there's something about Dani Lierow's face that you can't forget. The Lierow family is honest enough to admit that Dani will never recover. Though the story is sad beyond measure, it's incredibly well written and inspiring, in the sense that it gives us a glimpse into the minds of truly selfless people.
July 5, 2016
I was first introduced to the story of Danielle through the Pulitzer prize winning article “The Girl in the Window”. To summarize, the article is about a girl, Dani, who was rescued from her mother’s care at the age of seven in nightmare conditions. When police responded to a complaint about a girl that was never seen outside of the house, a police officer found her naked except for a diaper on a filthy mattress. She did not know how to speak or drink from a cup. She was underweight, covered in sores and bug bites, and did not respond normally to physical contact. The horrific scenes were haunting, and the consequences of the neglect were truly heartbreaking. You feel for this poor girl and want in some small way to help her.
This book is very different from the article in a number of ways. While the article strives to give a comprehensive view of all parties involved in Dani’s care, the book is limited to the thoughts and feelings of the adoptive mother. While the article focuses on the rescue and challenges, the book focuses on the healing and incremental steps Danielle makes towards normalcy. The article has the earmarks of a polished, professional piece of writing. The book relies on faithful chronological retelling without many flourishes. While the article was disturbing, the book is soothing.
The events of Dani’s introduction and integration into the Lierow family are told in blow-by-blow accounts. The Lierow family takes on the challenges with good humor and an indulgent love for the little girl. You couldn’t have asked for a more understanding family. The familiar domestic markers are there: Christmases, birthdays, family dinners, shopping trips at Target, days at the beach. What makes this detailed and exhausting recounting so interesting is the reader’s hunger for Dani to experience these rites of passage. Her Hello Kitty pink room? I felt ecstatic when I read about her expression as she saw it for the first time (her face lit up). Every time they mentioned her Hello Kitty comforter, I inwardly cheered. Her love of blueberries and watermelon? Tell me all about this! Her love of oversized outdoor holiday decorations. Her first Halloween costume. Her first time swimming underwater. I was insatiable for every small detail. To read about a child who was previously so deprived being introduced to all the trappings and joys of childhood and family life is deeply satisfying. It’s an introduction into a familiar and beloved way of life that is usually entered into before the age of consciousness, so that those initial introductions are lost to us.
This book alternates the moments of sublimity with the comforting routines of everyday life. Some examples:
Bernie walked her into the water and set her down at about knee depth, and she was fine. More than fine. She lifted her arms over her head and turned to the sun. A slight ocean breeze ruffled her hair. She closed her eyes and a look of complete bliss covered her face. She bounced up and down. She giggled when the waves splashed onto her chest. She sat down and rolled in the waves, taking immediately and naturally to the water, like a little mermaid. Willie sat down beside her and splashed around with her, while Bernie and I smiled through our tears. I couldn’t help but think this wasn’t only her first time at the beach; it was her first time to be truly, purely happy. Over such a simple thing.” (Pg 128)
Bernie changed her and put her in her pajamas, I popped some popcorn, and we huddled up on the sofa to watch Happy Feet. Danielle fell asleep on Bernie’s lap, and when the movie ended, he carried her into her room, laid her gently on the bed, and tucked her Hello Kitty comforter around her.”(Pg 162)
The Lierow’s lifestyle in Florida seemed highly idyllic. The pool, the beach, the close neighbors, the weather all point to a fairy tale ending for Dani, so I was interested in the move to Tennesse just to see the contrast, and the book took a swerve. Tennesse was an adjustment, and that wasn’t sugarcoated. Family members were getting cabin fever, there were no neighbors to speak of, and money was tight. Eventually, though, the charms of the area started to creep into the account and there were many passages about the new environment that showed a positive attitude.
In Tennesse, we couldn’t recreate the life we had in Florida. Not the pool, not the dock and the manatees, not the beach, the neighbors, or the bike rides. Bernie and I knew we would have to create a new life from what we had to work with. Dani and Willie were just going to have to become country kids.” (pg. 273)
”Spread before us as far as the eye could see, were the rolling hills of pasture dotted with red barns, tall old trees with gigantic trunks and massive gnarled limbs, fallow fields awaiting spring planting, and little white dots of farmhouses. It was winter-drab, but within a month or so the pastures would be washed in pale green; oaks and hackberries would pop buds; Bradford pear and dogwood trees would erupt in pretty white blossoms, red buds would be in the pink; and tiny seedlings would push through the dirt in the fields. In that moment, I was reminded of all that I loved about spring in Tennesse and how much I missed the changing of the seasons when we lived in Florida.” (Pg 284)
It’s something that I strive to do: to love every place that I live and to appreciate it for its particular charms. Even harder is to establish myself as a native, to really embrace the experience and not feel like a tourist or an outsider. To find the beauty of what is before me and not to fuss about what it is not. Although it seems off-topic from the story, I wonder if it is. To find the wonderful things in places, in people, in situations is a skill that creates a special resilience and allows for amazing accomplishments, such as a giving such a special girl the home in which she can thrive. This book could be studied as a manual on how to adapt and how to focus on the joys of life.
This book is very different from the article in a number of ways. While the article strives to give a comprehensive view of all parties involved in Dani’s care, the book is limited to the thoughts and feelings of the adoptive mother. While the article focuses on the rescue and challenges, the book focuses on the healing and incremental steps Danielle makes towards normalcy. The article has the earmarks of a polished, professional piece of writing. The book relies on faithful chronological retelling without many flourishes. While the article was disturbing, the book is soothing.
The events of Dani’s introduction and integration into the Lierow family are told in blow-by-blow accounts. The Lierow family takes on the challenges with good humor and an indulgent love for the little girl. You couldn’t have asked for a more understanding family. The familiar domestic markers are there: Christmases, birthdays, family dinners, shopping trips at Target, days at the beach. What makes this detailed and exhausting recounting so interesting is the reader’s hunger for Dani to experience these rites of passage. Her Hello Kitty pink room? I felt ecstatic when I read about her expression as she saw it for the first time (her face lit up). Every time they mentioned her Hello Kitty comforter, I inwardly cheered. Her love of blueberries and watermelon? Tell me all about this! Her love of oversized outdoor holiday decorations. Her first Halloween costume. Her first time swimming underwater. I was insatiable for every small detail. To read about a child who was previously so deprived being introduced to all the trappings and joys of childhood and family life is deeply satisfying. It’s an introduction into a familiar and beloved way of life that is usually entered into before the age of consciousness, so that those initial introductions are lost to us.
This book alternates the moments of sublimity with the comforting routines of everyday life. Some examples:
Bernie walked her into the water and set her down at about knee depth, and she was fine. More than fine. She lifted her arms over her head and turned to the sun. A slight ocean breeze ruffled her hair. She closed her eyes and a look of complete bliss covered her face. She bounced up and down. She giggled when the waves splashed onto her chest. She sat down and rolled in the waves, taking immediately and naturally to the water, like a little mermaid. Willie sat down beside her and splashed around with her, while Bernie and I smiled through our tears. I couldn’t help but think this wasn’t only her first time at the beach; it was her first time to be truly, purely happy. Over such a simple thing.” (Pg 128)
Bernie changed her and put her in her pajamas, I popped some popcorn, and we huddled up on the sofa to watch Happy Feet. Danielle fell asleep on Bernie’s lap, and when the movie ended, he carried her into her room, laid her gently on the bed, and tucked her Hello Kitty comforter around her.”(Pg 162)
The Lierow’s lifestyle in Florida seemed highly idyllic. The pool, the beach, the close neighbors, the weather all point to a fairy tale ending for Dani, so I was interested in the move to Tennesse just to see the contrast, and the book took a swerve. Tennesse was an adjustment, and that wasn’t sugarcoated. Family members were getting cabin fever, there were no neighbors to speak of, and money was tight. Eventually, though, the charms of the area started to creep into the account and there were many passages about the new environment that showed a positive attitude.
In Tennesse, we couldn’t recreate the life we had in Florida. Not the pool, not the dock and the manatees, not the beach, the neighbors, or the bike rides. Bernie and I knew we would have to create a new life from what we had to work with. Dani and Willie were just going to have to become country kids.” (pg. 273)
”Spread before us as far as the eye could see, were the rolling hills of pasture dotted with red barns, tall old trees with gigantic trunks and massive gnarled limbs, fallow fields awaiting spring planting, and little white dots of farmhouses. It was winter-drab, but within a month or so the pastures would be washed in pale green; oaks and hackberries would pop buds; Bradford pear and dogwood trees would erupt in pretty white blossoms, red buds would be in the pink; and tiny seedlings would push through the dirt in the fields. In that moment, I was reminded of all that I loved about spring in Tennesse and how much I missed the changing of the seasons when we lived in Florida.” (Pg 284)
It’s something that I strive to do: to love every place that I live and to appreciate it for its particular charms. Even harder is to establish myself as a native, to really embrace the experience and not feel like a tourist or an outsider. To find the beauty of what is before me and not to fuss about what it is not. Although it seems off-topic from the story, I wonder if it is. To find the wonderful things in places, in people, in situations is a skill that creates a special resilience and allows for amazing accomplishments, such as a giving such a special girl the home in which she can thrive. This book could be studied as a manual on how to adapt and how to focus on the joys of life.
November 7, 2019
This book was captivating from the moment I started reading it. It is sad that Dani endured what she had to go through, and that she was not rescued from her mother and the conditions that she was raised in which was hell on earth sooner as who knows who Dani might have become. Dani was lucky enough to find a family to be able to take care of her and raise her. That being said...
I was intrigued after reading the book and went to check the website danisstory which is mentioned at the end of the book only to learn that the website does not exist. Upon further research, it was disheartening to learn that Dani's parents divorced and Dani lived with her Dad for as long as he was able to help her, but then it got worse. Dani was sent to live in a home and the only person who visits is her father. What happened to Diane? She refused to speak about Dani. It would seem as though Dani has been abandoned again.
I was intrigued after reading the book and went to check the website danisstory which is mentioned at the end of the book only to learn that the website does not exist. Upon further research, it was disheartening to learn that Dani's parents divorced and Dani lived with her Dad for as long as he was able to help her, but then it got worse. Dani was sent to live in a home and the only person who visits is her father. What happened to Diane? She refused to speak about Dani. It would seem as though Dani has been abandoned again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2018
Danielle is a 7-year old girl by the time she comes to meet the Lierows, who initially become her fosters carers, and eventually her adoptive parents. She has been severely neglected to the extent that she has the development of a 6-month to a 2-year-old in the various developmental areas. It is so heart-warming to hear of the love and adoration the Lierows have for Danielle, straight from the off. It is at times extremely sad to read about what Danielle has gone through, but on the other end is very humbling and happy to see how much she progresses with the love and guidance of a supportive family. I became fascinated with Danielle’s story and found a few YouTube videos of her and her parents, and Bernie and Diane are exactly as I imagined them - good, kind, wholesome people who radiate love and joy. This is a really great read and an eye-opened into the process of adoption.
December 11, 2022
One of the most American books I have read.
I have a weakness for books such as these. This wasn't one of the best.
I was sick of hearing how great a person/parent Diane was, and how awful a person/parent the birth mother was. Sweet jesus.
Imagine my shock when I discovered three years or so after the book ended that Diane, aka the Worlds Best Muvver, had left and left the father with the responsibility.
I DO have a lot of time for Dani's father. He did his best, and continues to do so. It's not really worth reading, tbh.
I have a weakness for books such as these. This wasn't one of the best.
I was sick of hearing how great a person/parent Diane was, and how awful a person/parent the birth mother was. Sweet jesus.
Imagine my shock when I discovered three years or so after the book ended that Diane, aka the Worlds Best Muvver, had left and left the father with the responsibility.
I DO have a lot of time for Dani's father. He did his best, and continues to do so. It's not really worth reading, tbh.
January 22, 2017
This book was just excellent. It was a quick read and for the most part, entertaining. The beginning is depressing and sad - but the reader is constantly brought back to the Lierows and their love for this young girl, even before that actually meet her. Their patience and empathy is so inspiring. Dani's story has reignited the desire to foster and/or adopt children in the future - my only hope is that my husband comes around the same way Bernie eventually did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2017
Inspiring
Massive pat on the back for Dina and bernie, if it wasn't for my age and disability I would seriously consider giving a child my home and anyone who reads this book would do the same, a truly inspiring story and I hope and pray that Danielle will grow up the wonderful person that she is being allowed to become because of the wonderful people and their beautiful son wiliam
Massive pat on the back for Dina and bernie, if it wasn't for my age and disability I would seriously consider giving a child my home and anyone who reads this book would do the same, a truly inspiring story and I hope and pray that Danielle will grow up the wonderful person that she is being allowed to become because of the wonderful people and their beautiful son wiliam
May 11, 2019
Neglect, hope, frustration, love, determination, joy this book has it all. A couple decide to adopt. They go to an adoption fair. Although there are many children there, the couple is c intrigued by a photo. A seven year old girl who's been neglected. Still wears diapers, can't talk, can't feed herself, can't dress herself, doesn't interact at all. They jump through years of hurdles before they can adopt her. And changes start happening. Very inspiring.
January 22, 2024
Dani was rescued at 7 yrs old from her filthy home, she could not talk, not toilet trained, and drank from a bottle. Diane and Bernie tell the story of the obstacles they went through to adopt her. They loved and cared for her. This book is of hardship, hope and love.
“I saw parent’s interview on Ophra. What amazing adoptive parents that saved Dani’s life.
This book was written to encourage others to adopt special needs or older kids from abused homes.
“I saw parent’s interview on Ophra. What amazing adoptive parents that saved Dani’s life.
This book was written to encourage others to adopt special needs or older kids from abused homes.
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