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Nowhere to Go: The heartbreaking true story of a boy desperate to be loved
Bestselling author and foster carer Casey Watson shares the shocking true story of Tyler, an abused eleven-year-old who, after stabbing his step-mother, had nowhere else to go.
Knowing a little of Tyler’s past – his biological mother, a heroin addict, died of an overdose when he was three – Casey feels bound to do her best for him. It isn’t easy; Tyler continuously lashes out, even trying to attack Casey herself. Investigation into his earlier childhood reveals why: forced to watch his mother die he was found emaciated and traumatised two days later, then delivered to a father who didn’t want him and a step-mother who beat him.
With the horrific events of his past now vividly affecting the course of his present, Casey and her husband Mike are determined to veer him away from the violence and drugs they fear he will come to depend on.
Heartbreaking and profoundly moving, Nowhere to Go tells the story of a child forsaken by his family but fought for by his foster carers.
Knowing a little of Tyler’s past – his biological mother, a heroin addict, died of an overdose when he was three – Casey feels bound to do her best for him. It isn’t easy; Tyler continuously lashes out, even trying to attack Casey herself. Investigation into his earlier childhood reveals why: forced to watch his mother die he was found emaciated and traumatised two days later, then delivered to a father who didn’t want him and a step-mother who beat him.
With the horrific events of his past now vividly affecting the course of his present, Casey and her husband Mike are determined to veer him away from the violence and drugs they fear he will come to depend on.
Heartbreaking and profoundly moving, Nowhere to Go tells the story of a child forsaken by his family but fought for by his foster carers.
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First published October 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 16, 2018
Wonderful!
This was a wonderful book and I read it in just over 2 days. I was so near finishing it last night that I read on until 2am before finally realising I better get to sleep as I needed to be up early in the morning. It was very difficult to put it down though!
I came to this the wrong way around really, having just read Casey Watson's newest book before it (Grooomed). Tyler was in that so I kind of new some of what happens-but it didn't spoil it in the least. Even though I knew, I didn't know all the circumstances leading up to it and so I was so moved at the end I was in tears while reading the final chapter. Tears of joy though-it does have an uplifting ending. There are many hard times and surprising events before this though.
I was totally gripped and will be reading more by this author. If you like books by Cathy Glass, Rosie Lewis, Maggie Hartley, for example, this has a very similar style: written from fostering logs from the many years Casey and her husband have been fostering. Emotional, moving, memorable-a wonderful read.
This was a wonderful book and I read it in just over 2 days. I was so near finishing it last night that I read on until 2am before finally realising I better get to sleep as I needed to be up early in the morning. It was very difficult to put it down though!
I came to this the wrong way around really, having just read Casey Watson's newest book before it (Grooomed). Tyler was in that so I kind of new some of what happens-but it didn't spoil it in the least. Even though I knew, I didn't know all the circumstances leading up to it and so I was so moved at the end I was in tears while reading the final chapter. Tears of joy though-it does have an uplifting ending. There are many hard times and surprising events before this though.
I was totally gripped and will be reading more by this author. If you like books by Cathy Glass, Rosie Lewis, Maggie Hartley, for example, this has a very similar style: written from fostering logs from the many years Casey and her husband have been fostering. Emotional, moving, memorable-a wonderful read.
September 7, 2017
Love the ending to this one. As a foster carer I would find it very hard at times when it came to the children either going back home or moving on and was so happy that casey and Mike decided to keep Tyler. Certainly didn't see that coming ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2017
I love Casey Watson books. Her and Mike Casey's husband do such a wonderful job doing foster care. A wonderful book, with a happy ending. I read this book on audible.
December 24, 2014
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
I always have a bit of trepidation when reading a book by a new author to me especially when I know it will be an emotional ride. Like a character in the book I have Asperger's and whatever DSM-5 calls it I will always describe it as such. This does mean my emotions can be different and long lasting than I see in others.
The book is number 9 in a series which for some authors might have meant that it would have taken some time to get into the story. This was not the case here and I felt comfortable with the main character (the author) straight away. The writing is wonderfully descriptive, emotion and interesting all at the same time.
The author has a great sense of pacing and characters which not all books based on actual events manage. The language is real and does not hold back which might offend some but I would prefer the real terms to a censored version.
I think I did well in only have to stop reading twice due to tears as this is a very emotive book with high and low points. The ending was the ending that I wanted from the start as the boy in the story deserved that ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a box of tissues handy for certain parts. I thank the author for the chance to read this and I know I will be reading more of her works in the future.
5 stars in my top ten books I have ever read.
I always have a bit of trepidation when reading a book by a new author to me especially when I know it will be an emotional ride. Like a character in the book I have Asperger's and whatever DSM-5 calls it I will always describe it as such. This does mean my emotions can be different and long lasting than I see in others.
The book is number 9 in a series which for some authors might have meant that it would have taken some time to get into the story. This was not the case here and I felt comfortable with the main character (the author) straight away. The writing is wonderfully descriptive, emotion and interesting all at the same time.
The author has a great sense of pacing and characters which not all books based on actual events manage. The language is real and does not hold back which might offend some but I would prefer the real terms to a censored version.
I think I did well in only have to stop reading twice due to tears as this is a very emotive book with high and low points. The ending was the ending that I wanted from the start as the boy in the story deserved that ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a box of tissues handy for certain parts. I thank the author for the chance to read this and I know I will be reading more of her works in the future.
5 stars in my top ten books I have ever read.
November 8, 2014
Ohhhh my god. This is easily far and away the most powerful Casey Watson book I've read so far. About halfway through I began holding my breath for a certain outcome, and let's just say, I was not disappointed. I also feel like the writing itself has improved. what a great story... made me a basket case at the end!
December 27, 2014
Another fantastic book by Casey Watson
August 19, 2020
Casey has had a two year break from fostering due to family circumstances. She receives an unexpected phone call from her link worker, John, who is with an 11 year old boy, Tyler, who has stabbed his stepmother. Both she her husband (Tyler's father), won't have him back. With nowhere to go, Casey and Mike agree to foster him. He has had a tragic life. His mother died when he was 3 years old from a drug overdose and he has been cruelly treated in his current loveless home. Always prepared for a challenge, Casey certainly has a formidable opponent in Tyler. He is an angry, intensely troubled unruly boy who swears like a trooper.
Casey and Mike begin their behaviour management programme with Tyler that stretches their expertise. Slowly, more is revealed about Tyler's life and the reasons he has such behavioural problems, enabling Casey to try to remedy them. Casey and her family never cease to amaze me. She is constantly soul-searching and self-critical, not afraid of asking herself or others, whether she is making the right decisions; has she made mistakes or could she have done things in a better way? This honest approach to her caring work is always refreshing. The support of Mike, her family and the social workers are crucial. As time passes and Tyler's rehabilitation programme continues, changes occur in this profound and highly emotional true story that have the most surprising and unexpected conclusion. A wonderful and enjoyable Casey Watson book. Perhaps her best yet?
Casey and Mike begin their behaviour management programme with Tyler that stretches their expertise. Slowly, more is revealed about Tyler's life and the reasons he has such behavioural problems, enabling Casey to try to remedy them. Casey and her family never cease to amaze me. She is constantly soul-searching and self-critical, not afraid of asking herself or others, whether she is making the right decisions; has she made mistakes or could she have done things in a better way? This honest approach to her caring work is always refreshing. The support of Mike, her family and the social workers are crucial. As time passes and Tyler's rehabilitation programme continues, changes occur in this profound and highly emotional true story that have the most surprising and unexpected conclusion. A wonderful and enjoyable Casey Watson book. Perhaps her best yet?
August 5, 2018
Oh, these books! 😭😭 They don't half pull at my heartstrings!
In this book, we follow the story of Tyler. After stabbing his stepmother during an argument, Casey is asked to step in and foster Tyler as he can't go home.
Tyler's behaviour is nothing short of criminal and Casey tasked with getting to the root of the problem, and giving Tyler the stability he needs. During this time, many facts come to light about Tyler's upbringing. Having been brought up by his father and stepmother since age 3, after his mother died of an overdose, Casey knows his issues stem from his home life and is determined to get to the bottom of it.
After some revelations from Tyler and some detective work from his social worker, Will, Casey is able to give Tyler some insight into his past... but will that be enough to help him?
In this book, we follow the story of Tyler. After stabbing his stepmother during an argument, Casey is asked to step in and foster Tyler as he can't go home.
Tyler's behaviour is nothing short of criminal and Casey tasked with getting to the root of the problem, and giving Tyler the stability he needs. During this time, many facts come to light about Tyler's upbringing. Having been brought up by his father and stepmother since age 3, after his mother died of an overdose, Casey knows his issues stem from his home life and is determined to get to the bottom of it.
After some revelations from Tyler and some detective work from his social worker, Will, Casey is able to give Tyler some insight into his past... but will that be enough to help him?
January 20, 2022
Tyler was only eleven when Casey was called to the police station to pick up her new charge. He had just stabbed his stepmother. He was kicking up a ruckus at the station that Casey had a nick name for him, Bart Simpson. When she got him home her husband Mike wasn't the least bit impressed with him or social services. This book had me in tears in many ways, when Tyler's best friend stole a car, wrecked it and died. As Tyler was beating his head against the wall and crying, I was only crying. When Tyler's father and stepmother told him he would never return to the family or see his brother, I felt anger. But, when Casey and her family told Tyler he was their child forever and he would never have to leave, well I cried for that as well. I am just an old softie.
May 5, 2020
After 20% of the book I just cannot go on because it pisses me off.
Completing an adoptive parent course myself I just cannot believe the foster carers' methods presented in the book. The list of rules on the first day for the traumatized child? Expecting him to obey and be perfect from the very first day? Seriously? I just couldn't go on after the scene where the adult, supposedly autistic son of the protagonist (whose autism is portrayed in a very weird way by the way) started a fight with the 10 year old boy! I couldn't believe that! If it really happened how could the foster carer write about it in the book!? What a shame!
Completing an adoptive parent course myself I just cannot believe the foster carers' methods presented in the book. The list of rules on the first day for the traumatized child? Expecting him to obey and be perfect from the very first day? Seriously? I just couldn't go on after the scene where the adult, supposedly autistic son of the protagonist (whose autism is portrayed in a very weird way by the way) started a fight with the 10 year old boy! I couldn't believe that! If it really happened how could the foster carer write about it in the book!? What a shame!
February 19, 2021
3.5 stars
I really enjoy Casey Watson's autobiographies - I've read a couple already (this was my third) and I think she's a fairly average writer but has something to offer. A few of her books are available through Kindle Unlimited so I'm making my way through them. For some reason I didn't like this as much as the previous two of hers but it was still heartbreaking and had a nice ending.
I really enjoy Casey Watson's autobiographies - I've read a couple already (this was my third) and I think she's a fairly average writer but has something to offer. A few of her books are available through Kindle Unlimited so I'm making my way through them. For some reason I didn't like this as much as the previous two of hers but it was still heartbreaking and had a nice ending.
May 26, 2018
another in the wonderful true life tales of Casey Watson and the children whom she fostered. when she first met Tyler it was in a police station after he attacked his step mother who made her hate of him very clear. his mother is long dead and his father doesnt want him either. can Casey change the lad who is a swearing fighting violent bundle of hatred and give him a decent life? engaging tale
February 6, 2020
What a rollercoaster, such a heartbreaking beginning for a child, but amazing that there are people out there that care and help children like Tyler, I'm glad it turned out like it did, not to spoil it completely but at 1 point I was ready to say Casey needs to give herself a shake, I'm glad she did
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2017
It was a very helpful insight into the world of Autism. It showed us how this person with Aspergers really thinks and how to deal with the incidents that it presents. I work at an alternate high school and we have students on the spectrum so it helped me know how to interact with them.
June 16, 2017
I've read one more Casey Watson book and I can say that I like this one better(not that the other one was bad at all). In general I like this kind of memoirs of foster families and this one was so moving. Tyler's story is very sad but very inspiring. The book itself is very nicely written.
July 5, 2019
Excellent book about the resilience of children in the face of unimaginable loss. The author is able not only to tells us about this child but is also able to show us her understanding of his point of view. A book worth reading.
August 10, 2022
absolutely wonderful
This is probably one of my favourite so far. Tyler has been through so much already in his young life so the outcome of this story could not have been better. Made me smile so much!
This is probably one of my favourite so far. Tyler has been through so much already in his young life so the outcome of this story could not have been better. Made me smile so much!
October 31, 2022
very moving
I really enjoyed this book. I have read several so I got to know Tyler. This story moved me, brought out many emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted it to keep going.
I just wish more of her books were available from my library.
I really enjoyed this book. I have read several so I got to know Tyler. This story moved me, brought out many emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted it to keep going.
I just wish more of her books were available from my library.
December 4, 2024
My favourite Casey Watson book of all
Time! I can’t believe it’s took me so long to read this one! I do not cry I am not a melt of a woman, I’m not big on emotions but this one got tears streaming down my face! I absolutely loved it!
Time! I can’t believe it’s took me so long to read this one! I do not cry I am not a melt of a woman, I’m not big on emotions but this one got tears streaming down my face! I absolutely loved it!
February 25, 2018
Beautifully written and so bitterly sad.
March 23, 2018
Every book this author writes tears at your heart and amazingly raw.
July 9, 2018
Really loved this book and it’s heartwarming ending!!
December 30, 2018
I love the happy ending. I might end up collecting all Casey Watson's books after this 😆😆😆
September 12, 2019
Tyler
This is Tyler's story who came into Casey's life after stabbing his stepmother but with casey and Mike's help Tyler found where he wanted to belong .5 STARS
This is Tyler's story who came into Casey's life after stabbing his stepmother but with casey and Mike's help Tyler found where he wanted to belong .5 STARS
November 13, 2019
Very good
November 25, 2019
One of the most profound books Casey has written. Brilliant.
August 21, 2020
Beautiful
Loved this story made me cry more than most book glad he's got his happy ending can't wait to read more of your story's
Loved this story made me cry more than most book glad he's got his happy ending can't wait to read more of your story's
September 23, 2020
I was gripped throughout this to make sure all ended well for Tyler. Fantastic read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2020
Loved it
One of my favorites by Casey watson
One of my favorites by Casey watson
January 1, 2021
Wow! Had me gripped from the beginning to the end. I was in tears multiple times, happy and sad! It is a powerful story on love, acceptance and rejection. Would recommend to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews