Hotel Goodbyes

by Stephen Jon Thompson

“An extraordinary story of resilience. In his moving memoir, Stephen Thompson opens up about how he broke cycles of abuse, poverty, and neglect to build a better life. It’s filled with lessons for anyone who’s ever questioned their resolve.”—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again

Left with a gift, in a motel room in Reno

The Rubik’s cube was left behind, and so were they. It was January 1980, in a motel room in Reno. Stephen Jon Thompson was just nine years old, left behind with his four younger siblings, the youngest just a year old. Their mother had left two days before to go to the laundromat. She never returned. Now the power was out, the Nilla wafers were running low, and the Rubik’s cube that his mother had brought home from her waitressing job could not be solved. Stephen, the oldest, had a bigger problem to solve, what to do with the four young souls he was now in charge of. He finally determined they all needed to get out of that motel room. He dialed the front desk. Thus begins Hotel Goodbyes, Stephen Jon Thompson’s gripping memoir about making it American against incredible odds.

Few knew of Stephen’s past. Maybe he didn’t know it himself. For his colleagues at companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, or Nike, he was a successful human resource executive, who had an uncanny ability to read people, to find the right person for the job, and to convince them that it was right for them. More than anything, they remember his infectious smile. But that grinning face hid a difficult past, a childhood spent in dingy motel rooms, dreary foster homes, and a cold, concrete juvenile home. It took Stephen years to tell his story, to write his memoir, to come to grips with a childhood he would just as soon forget. But when his young son came home with a school assignment to tell his family history, Stephen knew he needed to come clean. He could no longer bury the past, not to his friends and co-workers, and not to his two sons, to whom this book is dedicated.

Hotel Goodbyes is one man’s journey to come to grips with his past. From Ohio to California to Nevada and back, Stephen takes us on his journey from foster child to wildfire fighter to college graduate to crapjack dealer to state assembly candidate to successful technology executive. Along the way, he reconnects with his younger siblings and tracks down his Aunt Ouida, his mother’s sister, to find the answer to the question he has always why did his mother leave that day and never come back? In the end, Stephen determines that his mother abandoned him, but also left him with a gift, a gift of a better life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[*TUDOR^QUEEN* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen was just 9 years old in 1980 when his mother Brenda abandoned him and his four younger siblings, the youngest 1 year old, leaving them in a motel room in Reno, Nevada. He summoned common sense and inner strength to handle this crisis and many others, forced to grow up well beyond his years. I marveled at his ability to keep his younger charges entertained and fed, even if it was only Nilla wafers and tap water available. He endured unspeakable heartbreak such as intense hunger, militant foster care situations, and family separation. I was impressed with his appreciation of the simple basic foundations in life that most children take for granted, but were so difficult for Stephen to experience- having a safe home, ample food, freedom of expression, and most of all- loving parents. His story exposed cracks in the system that leave abandoned kids such as him in further unsafe environments, but also the beauty of giving souls who will step up to sacrifice and save a life.

This was a very real, authentic, sobering, and inspirational memoir. The writing style was natural and pleasant to digest. I usually will read as many as three books simultaneously, but this memoir's raw and emotional story grabbed me by the heartstrings as I binge read it to its satisfying conclusion. I have incredible admiration and respect for the author and wish him well for the rest of his life.

Thank you to the publisher Forbes Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOTEL GOODBYES by Stephen Jon Thompson

Narrated by, Daniel Cardoso

Thank you to NetGalley and Forbes Audio for the audiobook.

A profound memoir of navigating the stormy waters and the road unknown of growing up in poverty, abuse, hunger, abandonment, parents addictions, and foster care. This moving memoir starts off with nine-year-old, Stephen and his four younger siblings left alone for days in a rundown motel, in Reno, with no food. This sets the stage of the harrowing experiences of negligence that faced them for years. We see Stephen Jon Thompson’s journey from his neglected childhood to an accomplished executive. We see the perseverance, strength and willpower that let him rise above the darkness of his circumstances. This amazing story also reflects on coming to terms with his past, and acknowledging the pain. Infused with hope and facing your past to build a better future. Offers inspiration and hope to others that face seemingly insurmountable circumstances. I highly recommend this memoir.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I first saw the Reno arch on the cover and was intrigued because I lived near Reno in the 1980s and spent a lot of my youth there. Then I continued to read what the book was about and I had a feeling it would be a good book. I was not disappointed!
This is well written book. It's amazing to see how well Steve broke the cycle. He had such natural insight at such a young age!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter this book sucks you into a vivid world that no one should have to experience, let alone a child.

Stephen’s writing is captivating and his story is one that will make you cry and at the same time give you hope.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching account of 5 young children abandoned in a motel in Reno. Told by the oldest boy, 9 years old and his journey to build a better life. He takes us on a rollercoaster ride with brutal honesty and allows us to feel with him all the pain and his resolution to survive. I cried.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly harrowing and profound memoir. Stephen Jon Thompson was just 9 years old when his mother left him and his 4 younger siblings (the youngest being just a year old) in a motel room for multiple days to never return. As the oldest, Stephen takes charge and dials the front desk for help. What follows is a heartbreaking story of siblings separated, juvenile homes and foster care, and children experiencing events so traumatizing it is often difficult to read. I cannot imagine what a feat it was for this author to put his story of abuse, poverty, and neglect into words and have it published. Stephen defied all odds stacked against him and his story is painful but important. His ability to overcome the events of his childhood as well as his motivation to continue to grow into the person he is today is both admirable and inspiring. I would highly recommend this incredible memoir and the audiobook is great! The narrator did an excellent job and I was engaged throughout. Thank you to NetGalley, Stephen Jon Thompson, and Forbes Books for the gifted ARC audiobook recording in exchange for an honest review.

[Aletha Pagett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of victory, of overcoming a childhood of loss, of hunger, of loneliness. The author climbed out of a childhood that provided him with no support and no direction with an almost complete lack of bitterness to become a success against all odds. This powerful e-book was received from Goodreads.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and to author Stephen Jon Thompson for providing me with a Kindle copy of this nonfiction recounting of how the author overcame a traumatic childhood to become a success both personally and professionally. Memoirs are difficult to review as it is challenging to critique another person’s lived experiences so this review will provide a summary of the structure of the book and themes or lessons that I derived from reading this interesting and engaging account of triumphing over adversity faced at such a young age.

At age nine years old, Thompson and his four siblings Dana (age 6), Eugene (age 5), Brian (age 3), and Tierra (age 1) were abandoned in a rundown Super 7 Motel in Reno, Nevada with only a box of Nilla Wafers to eat by their biological mother, Brenda, who told the children that she was going to the laundromat. It was not unusual for Thompson and his siblings to be left alone by their mother, who expected Thompson to take care of his siblings. After three days of being left alone in the hotel room because the children were instructed to keep family issues to themselves and not discuss them with other people, Thompson contacted the front desk as he and his siblings were hungry, thirsty, and needed clothing. The front desk manager and two policemen arrived at the children’s hotel room to escort them to Nevada’s Department of Child and Family Services.

After describing the abandonment at the Super 7 Motel, Thompson recounted his memories of the prior 9 years of his life in which Brenda and the children lived in shady motels, shelters, rundown apartments, and even an automobile. Throughout that time, Brenda engaged in destructive behavior such as drinking too much, using hard drugs, stealing money and food, gambling, establishing relationships with unsavory men, and engaging in prostitution. Thompson and his siblings were physically, mentally, and emotionally abused or neglected, were not provided proper nutrition or hygiene, and were not provided educational opportunities. Despite these hardships endured at a young age, Thompson had a few respites, including the time he lived with his grandmother (Brenda’s mother) and separately lived with his nineteen-year-old Aunt Ouida and her husband Jerry. Thompson noted that the short amount of time that he lived with extended family provided stability in his otherwise chaotic life. Unfortunately, Thompson’s grandmother passed away and Brenda later wanted to be reunited with all her children so Thompson’s stay with his aunt and uncle ended as well. Thompson theorized that poverty, lack of family and friends support, and general hopelessness caused Brenda to leave her children behind at the motel.

The remainder of the book described (a) Thompson’s plight post-abandonment with temporary shelters for children, foster homes, more permanent government programs that housed and educated at-risk youths who had been in the foster care system for a lengthy time, and being “adopted” (not in the legal sense; rather, a family in the community invited Thompson to live with them) and (b) Thompson’s pursuit of education and a better life after graduating high school.

This memoir focused on the challenges associated with (a) young teenagers having children, (b) the lack of male role models and fathers not taking responsibility for their children, (c) financial and emotional instability and uncertainty, (d) substance addiction and abuse, (e) expecting young children to parent adults, (f) the inability to provide normal physical affection such as hugs and goodnight kisses, (g) poor education and lack of economic opportunities, (h) domestic violence, and (i) the state run foster care system that historically failed to vet and monitor foster parents due to the state viewing foster care as a functional relationship rather than an emotional one.

Despite the adversity faced by Thompson in his youth, he maintained a positive and measured approach to his upbringing as he recognized that he was raised to be well-meaning, respectful, polite, and obedient and that other people had it worse than he did. This positive attitude helped Thompson to beat the cycle of poverty and broken homes and become professionally successful and to have a strong family of his own.

This book is powerful and inspirational and showed how an individual with drive and an unshakable belief in himself can overcome tremendous obstacles. I highly recommend this book.

[Mark Lieberman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from Netgalley, so I can read and review it before it’s published. Every few weeks, I scroll through the books on Netgalley to see if anything new pops out to me; this one did.

His mother was never reliable and any money that came in, went out immediately. There was no father (well, he met his dad a few times, but nothing to look up to as a role model). All he had was his siblings whom he would do anything for. Some family members did try and help them with food and shelter, but it was never a long term solution.

At the age of 9, Stephen was abandoned by his mother in a hotel in Reno, Nevada, and he took the responsibility of taking care of his 4 younger siblings after that happened.

This book tells the extraordinary story of his survival, not only of his, but also of his siblings. He went through foster care in Nevada, and eventually a family friend took him in as one of their own. He did get separated from his siblings, and when they found each other a little while later, the reunion made me shed some tears of happiness.

One thing I read in the description on Netgalley, but there wasn’t much on it in the book, was his job as a human resource executive for several of the top companies in the world. I would’ve liked to read that, but maybe he is saving that for a future book.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Thompson has lived through a childhood that no child should encounter. Out of necessity he shouldered the kind of adult responsibility that was beyond his years. In this memoir he recounts it all very eloquently. It was heartbreaking in parts, yet his resilience kept the narrative from bogging down or getting too heavy. With the perseverance he showed, it doesn't surprise me he is a successful, educated adult. Hotel Goodbyes has all the inspirational feels at the end.

I listened to the audio and the narration is very good! I highly recommend the audio.

Thank you NetGalley and Forbes audio for earl access.

[Briann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt. Introspective. Authentic. Stephen Jon Thompson does a wonderful job clearly relating his life’s story. He does so without anger and without judgement, a difficult task that is commendatory. I am struck by his last chapter and have included his memoir’s closing statement:

Brenda’s unplanned gift to me was breaking the generational cycle of poverty, neglect, and drug abuse. I wish it had been wrapped more carefully. Maybe with a real goodbye, a hug, or even a kiss. Brenda’s unplanned gift to me was a new beginning, which eventually provided me with a new family. Unwittingly, she left me a new beginning and a new life.

[HippieWitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really hard to read! My heart broke for this little boy and his siblings

[JL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book to add to my imaginary sociology and social work curriculum.

Last year, I read and reviewed Monica Potts's "The Forgotten Girls: A Memoir of Friendship and Lost Promise in Rural America." Potts takes a deep look at the trajectory of her life and that of a childhood friend, both of whom grew up in poverty and deprivation in the Ozarks, and asks why one moved on to a college education and a promising career as a journalist, while the other experienced too-early motherhood, abuse and drug addiction.

Writing my review, I stated that I wished I had books like this in my sociology and social work classes in college in the 1970s, where I instead was assigned books that took a rather paternalistic tone that verged on "blaming the victim" when addressing the issues of poverty and blue-collar families. Luckily, my social work professor introduced us to a woman living on welfare who talked about the dehumanizing effects of these attitudes. I never forgot that conversation. I didn't become a social worker, but the woman's words had a profound effect on my work throughout my life.

Potts was a white girl growing up in Appalachia. Only a small part of the picture. Thompson's frank account of his childhood and formative years into adulthood gives much more dimension to the story of poverty in America from a Black man's perspective.

The beginning chapters of Thompson's book are written with the matter-of-fact straightforwardness of a childhood trauma survivor. To me, this speaks of the validity of his words. He speaks of heartbreaking experiences of hunger, neglect, abandonment and fear with little emotion, almost like a meteorologist delivering the daily forecast. This is often the way that traumatized children survive nearly unspeakable suffering. Almost an expression of "This is my life. This is how it is!"

As Thompson starts to grow up, describes his nearly single-minded determination to get a college education and make something of himself, and begins to trust the love and support crucial adults and friends give him, his prose becomes richer along with him. I am glad that he didn't go back and edit the accounts of his childhood to give a more consistent tone to the book. His readers can go along with him as he emerges from the numbness of survival into growth.

And it isn't until later in the book, when he looks back on pivotal moments in his childhood, that he allows himself to express the anguish and humiliation of those experiences as an adult looking back.

I took some of the questions raised when I read Potts's book with me as I read Thompson's. And he raises many of them as well. His level of empathy for the people who had neglected, abused and abandoned them in childhood is extraordinary.

Both Potts and Thompson credit the people who helped them along the way. Potts had a supportive mother who helped her believe in herself. Thompson similarly had a foster/adoptive mother who similarly supported him. And the young woman who would eventually become his wife, wise beyond her years, played a largely influential role in his life. But he ran across people who consciously or not, tried to thwart him and lower his expectations. I can't help but think that, as a Black young man in a largely White environment, this attitude may have been even more pervasive than he detailed. Luckily, he had the ego strength to believe in himself when other may not have, and the flexibility to forge on when he encountered some rather large obstacles in his way.

Of course, I wondered what had become of his younger siblings after they had been separated by circumstances and the foster care system. I was happy he was able to fill in the blanks for us. :::spoiler:::
...on his siblings as adults and their children, even for his mother & his aunt who cared for him early on. How extraordinary that his aunt was only 19 years old when she rescued her nephews and niece during a crucial time in their childhoods.

Thompson's reflection on the obstacles his family members encountered in their lives: early and frequent pregnancies, drug and alcohol addiction, poverty and financially living on the edge, calls into the picture the ways the deck may have been stacked against them by society, genetics and culture, but stops short of laying blame at any particular door. It must have been sorely tempting at a time when women's reproductive rights have been seriously curtailed in this country. He simply doesn't get political, though politicians may well heed his words.
:::spoiler:::

It appears that Thompson has taken a different path from that he envisioned for himself as a child, wanting to become a politician, eventually a Senator. He has carved out a career in tech and become a board member of organization(s) assisting young people, a crucial and influential role. He's still a young man, and is certainly well-placed to enter politics, if he so wishes. Regardless, his leadership and empathy are welcome attributes in business and community leaders.



#Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to ForbesBooks for an advance Kindle copy of this book.

[Fran S · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hotel Goodbyes" provides a glimpse into the life of Stephen Thompson. Thompson takes readers on a journey marked by determination, but also adds a sense of "realness", taking readers back to his unique experiences growing up in the late 1970s through to present day with his current experiences, and how his journey has shaped him to become the person he is today. Stephen examines themes such as family ties, success, education, criminal justice mental health, and themes around socioeconomic status as he overcame his struggles and unchosen battles.

The most inspiring aspect of this memoir is how Thompson didn't let his experiences define his future. His spirit shines through on the pages as an author who is willing to be vulnerable to openly reflect on when times weren't so good, but also at the same time showing gratitude and appreciation for those who have showered him with love and ultimately became his chosen family. The people in his life made his experiences, and helped him to view his experiences differently, much like all of us, giving readers something to truly relate to. As Stephen grew up and began reflecting on purpose, relationships, and making peace with his past, I found myself reflecting on the same things.

From the very beginning of this memoir, I found myself wanting the best for Stephen and his relatives, even through the dark and ugly moments, and found myself cheering once I realized (spoiler alert) that Stephen had the opportunity to pursue politics and later becoming a success working for major tech companies. He overcame strides to make his dreams come true and always exhibited the spirit to make things happen, which is admirable and inspiring.

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.

Recipe: Take one 9-year-old boy and his 4 younger siblings (with the youngest only a year old) and desert them in a hotel room with a box of Nilla Wafers and a Rubik's Cube, and you have the recipe for a huge disaster, right?

That's exactly what happened to this author, whose mother left their derelict hotel room "to do laundry" and never came back. Three days later, as the Nilla Wafers ran low and the room, which was already pretty bad, went dark when the electricity was turned off and was starting to stink, left young Stephen no choice but to let the front desk know what was going on. The police came and the four children began their long journey through "the system".

I can't divulge all that happened to these 4 innocents because of spoilers, but I will say that Stephen is one strong, inspirational human being. To say that he endured hardships doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. The fact that he survived is nothing less than a miracle - due to his own perseverance, desire for a better life, and love for his siblings.

This is a story that will make you realize how thankful you should be for the simple things we take for granted. Good water. Clean clothes. Books. Toys. A bed. Not being beaten. The list goes on and on.

Well-written, no-holds-barred and a true story that will make you angry and make you shout with joy.

All my best to this author. I am inspired by him.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking true story of Stephen Jon Thompson and how he vigilantly tried to save his siblings after his mother walked out on them.

There were so many points in this one where my heart was just BREAKING for him and his four siblings. How does a parent do this to their children? Well, drugs and alcohol played a big part in the lives of these children…

The fact that he not only made it through, but kept them safe, AND made a name for himself in the long run? Well, that’s something to be very proud of indeed!

And the foster parents who took these kids in, and then didn’t treat them well?? OK…well I believe there IS a God…and he’ll be waiting for all of them… and they’ll get their paybacks in the long run…


4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 stars for m, rounded up to 5!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ForbesAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This one was released on 9/10/24, so you should be able to find on shelves already!

#HotelGoodbyes by #StephenJonThompson and narrated nicely by #DanielCordoso.

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[momma g · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Hotel Goodbyes* is an emotionally raw and heart-wrenching story about a boy, whose life is defined by constant transitions, abandonment, and the chaos of being caught in the child protective services system. The novel follows Kieran from his early childhood through adolescence, as he moves between foster homes, group residences, and shelters—each one symbolized by the transient, impersonal nature of hotel rooms. These temporary homes become the backdrop for a life filled with emotional turbulence, longing, and a persistent desire for stability.

The narrative is deeply introspective, offering readers insight into how Kieran's formative years are shaped by the instability of the foster system. Through his eyes, we see the emotional scars left by a broken system that struggles to protect the most vulnerable. The novel explores themes of loss, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit as Kieran fights to make sense of his place in a world that seems to have forgotten him. The novel excels at portraying the internal conflicts that arise from attachment and detachment, hope and hopelessness, trust and betrayal.

What stands out most about *Hotel Goodbyes* is how it underscores the long-term effects of being a part of such a system—how it fractures relationships, damages self-worth, and leaves lasting trauma. The author sensitively portrays Kieran's growth, showing his coping mechanisms and the people who help him along the way, even as the system itself seems to fail him repeatedly. Each chapter feels like a goodbye, not just to the physical spaces he inhabits, but also to the people and parts of himself that are lost in the process.

At its core, *Hotel Goodbyes* is a moving exploration of a broken system and a poignant reminder of the importance of human connection, even in the face of adversity. The book will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced or witnessed the trauma of abandonment, and it invites readers to consider the impact of their actions—or inactions—on vulnerable lives.

The prose is simple yet evocative, making the story accessible while allowing its emotional weight to hit home. It’s a story of survival, of searching for a sense of belonging, and of how childhood experiences shape us in ways that can take a lifetime to understand.

A powerful, thought-provoking read that is difficult to forget, *Hotel Goodbyes

[Hege-Kristin Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is a gut-wrenching yet beautiful account of Stephen Jon Thompsons childhood, which took a dark turn when his mother abandoned him and his four siblings in a motel. Imagine being a kid and having to make the tough call for help—Stephen, being the oldest, had to do just that, and it changed his whole life.

The story dives into the chaos of growing up in a broken foster care system, bouncing from home to home while clinging to the hope that maybe, just maybe, their mom would come back for them. It’s heartbreaking and makes you realize just how much kids can endure. It was painful reading about the abandonment these kids faced.

But here's the thing: amidst all that sadness, there’s also hope and kindness. Thompson shows how, despite everything, he becomes a true survivor. His outlook on life evolves, making him not just a survivor but a successful one at that.

"Hotel Goodbyes" is a powerful read that will stay with me. It’s a true reminder of resilience. I can’t recommend it enough—this book is a must-read for everyone.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

[arvilla welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and inspiring

I actually bought this book because Kathy is one of my dearest and best friends. Steve is a lovely man, who I have met maybe a half a dozen times and I always was moved by his love for his mom, Kathy. As I read his story , I was immediately immersed and felt involved by his story. None of us, as Kathy's friends, knew the whole story of Steve's voyage from the motel to her bringing him into her family circle via his friendship with Gina. It is a heartbreaking,and yet heartwarming voyage from abandonment to the loving embrace of a close knit family that not only let him into their lives, but embraced him as a beloved and important member of their family. A son and a brother. I cried, I mourned, and my heart was broken for the past of this young man and his siblings. Yet I was elated for the present and future of this wonderful young man and his adopted family. We, the reader are made more empathetic, kinder, and more aware of the social and family frailties that impact the lives of children not only countrywide, but worldwide. I know this was not easy for Steve to relate to the reading public, or for the dear reader to hear, but, in the end it was not only cathartic, but necessary. Maybe his story will resonate to those going through some sort of addiction and perhaps change the direction of that life. Maybe, just maybe, it will change a life for the better. I hope so, I love this family and my admiration for all of them just grows as the days, months and years go by.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

I was drawn to Hotel Goodbyes by the cover as I used to live in Reno, Nevada and was interested in reading a memoir about a man who grew up in the foster system there. I was surprised by how insightful and touching Stephen Jon Thompson’s writing was! He detailed his various childhood traumas with a nuanced lens that showed his inner strength and empathy. It was inspiring to see how far he has come and the hope he retained throughout it all.

In particular I thought this was a fascinating personal account of the foster system and childhood services in general in Nevada. Thompson discusses the challenges foster children face with a special focus on politics. I found his voice to be insightful and important to read.

I would broadly recommend this memoir! The audiobook was a great way to enjoy this work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forbes Audio for access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

[Kelly Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This here book, Hotel Goodbyes by Stephen Jon Thompson, is somethin else. It aint like most them books, this here one tells about a boy left in a motel room with his brothers and sisters, and his mama gone, and him figurin out how to keep em all goin.

He went through all kinds of bad times, growin up in places nobody would wanna stay in, and he still made somethin of hisself. He worked at big ol companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Nike, and nobody even knowed the stuff he been through.

He done been in foster homes, fought fires, went to college, dealt cards, ran for state office, and more, and he still kept that smile the whole time. This book made me think about how people can come from nothin, and still turn it all around.

I aint never read nothin that felt this real, and this honest. It makes you see there aint no reason to quit on yourself, ever.

I give it 5 outta 5 catfish

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir tells the story of the author's childhood after being abandoned by his mother and left to fend for himself in the foster care system.

The book starts out with the author sharing how he and his four younger siblings were left in a motel room in Reno by their mother, who told them she was going to the laundromat. After a couple of days, the author realizes that his mother is not coming back and is left in charge of figuring out what to do with his siblings. Throughout his life, the author moves through the foster care system in Nevada, constantly looking for "family" and a way to escape the cycle of poverty he was born into.

The author does a great job sharing his story in a very open and honest way. The writing is very good, although it got a bit clunky at certain points. However, I think that added to the honesty of his story. Very inspiring!

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I grew up with Stephen in Carson City, and I knew relatively few of the things about his life before reading them here. I knew he lived at The Home, and assumed that was challenging, but I had no real idea. I always liked and admired him; he was gregarious and funny and smart. After reading this, I’m both heartbroken and impressed in equal measure.

This book is fascinating and well-written by an extraordinary man. It drops the reader into the times and places that he expertly brings to life. I was transported to our old stomping grounds in the 80s.

I’m simply thrilled that he has built a beautiful life with a healthy family and career. Hotel Goodbyes is an emotional rollercoaster that left me cheering for Stephen and his loved ones. This book touched me. I highly recommend it.

[Jen Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this memoir doesn’t make the adult in you want to pack these kids up and take them to a safe haven I would be extremely surprised. This vivid and inconceivable account of a young boy and his sibling’s journey through abandonment and a harrowing childhood will tug at your heartstrings.

Stephen Thompson’s writing is gripping. The easy way he describes his young life of turmoil, uncertainty, guilt and angst flows from each page. He has a unique ability of nonchalantly describing the harrowing moments in his young life and captivating his audience.

This book took me through so many emotions. I could visualize every scene the author describes with such clarity. When the book ended, I wanted to read more about this interesting individual and his family. This story of resilience and triumph is one that will stay with me for years to come.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forbes Books and that author for an advanced reader’s copy.

[Morgan Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Thompson does an amazing job sharing his story of being abandoned at a young age and the importance of finding chosen family. This book is awe inspiring- his grit, perseverance, determination, and strength when life was excruciatingly hard. This book brought me a thankfulness and an appreciation for the importance of family and friends in my life. At the mile marker moments of his life, Stephen chose to become someone different than the examples he was given early in life. Beautifully told and shared.

*disclaimer- received free copy of Hotel Goodbyes from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All comments and thoughts above are my own.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story, told by Stephen the oldest of 5 siblings. Abandoned by their mother in a hotel room after years of living in poverty and suffering abuse at the hands of his stepfather. Stephen the oldest, aged 9 realises he can no longer take care of his younger brothers and sister and reaches out for help.
I enjoyed listening to this story though at times I felt sickened, saddened and angry at some of the events that occurred. It is ultimately an uplifting and powerful story of a young boy determined to beat the odds and make something of his life.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to the audiobook for review.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Motel to Meaning: A Memoir of Quiet Power...

Hotel Goodbyes is a memoir that doesn't just tell a story; it stays with you, heals you, and hums with quiet defiance. Stephen Jon Thompson takes us to a childhood that was left behind, where motel rooms became homes and a nine-year-old had to carry the weight of survival. There is heartbreak everywhere, but there are also flashes of grace.

Thompson's story of going from an ignored child to a successful executive is told with poetic grit and deep vulnerability. It never feels rehearsed. It's honest, real, and very human—proof that the past doesn't have to define us, but it can make something strong. Very highly recommended.

[Jasmine | PagesandPawsWithJasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hotel Goodbyes by Stephen Jon Thompson touched me deeply. His courage to share his story so openly is truly inspiring. There were moments when I found myself pausing to reflect, relating his experiences to my own childhood and how they shaped who I am today. Stephen shares valuable advice he received from various people throughout his journey, especially while navigating the challenges of the foster system. By the end, I felt proud and uplifted by the life he has built as an adult. I highly recommend this memoir to everyone. Five stars.

This was an ARC provided by NetGalley and Forbes Books.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure- I received this book as a giveaway, thank you.
An honest, straightforward autobiography on what life was like as a child abandoned with his siblings by his young, drug addicted mother, the perils of the foster care system and his resolve to make a better life for himself. At times heartbreaking, infuriating and inspiring, you can't help but admire Stephen Thompson for beating the odds and not only finishing high school and college, but building his own family, finding great success in his career, and dedicating himself to passing his legacy of learning along to his boys.

[Eric Barnum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspirational book shares Stephen's raw and real story of resilience, showcasing his incredible journey toward a better life. His determination through life's challenges is truly remarkable, offering readers valuable lessons in perseverance. The book is filled with relatable examples of resilience that can resonate with anyone. Well-written and uplifting, it’s a must read for those seeking motivation and a feel-good story.