What do you think?
Rate this book
A Boy Without Hope
A BOY WITHOUT HOPE is the heart-breaking story of a boy who didn’t know the meaning of love. A history of abuse and neglect has left Miller destined for life’s scrap heap. But in this turbulent story of conflict and struggle, Casey Watson is determined to help Miller overcome his demons, show him love and give him hope.
Casey Watson is back, doing the job she does best – rolling up her sleeves and fostering the children who, on first meeting, seem like hopeless cases. But when she meets Miller and discovers the truth about his disturbing childhood, even Casey begins to doubt if this child will ever be able to accept love.
Found naked and alone on a railway track, Miller was just five when he was first admitted into the care system. Emotionally tormented by his biological parents, Miller has never understood how to establish meaningful relationships, and his destructive past, and over 20 failed placements, is sealing his fate in society’s social scrap heap.
After a torrent of violent behaviour and numerous failed attempts to help Miller, Casey decides to make an intervention, implementing a severe regime that strips Miller of all control. But soon the emotional demands of Miller’s case start to take their toll on Casey and Mike. Just how far is Casey willing to go to help Miller and save him from his inner demons?
Casey Watson is back, doing the job she does best – rolling up her sleeves and fostering the children who, on first meeting, seem like hopeless cases. But when she meets Miller and discovers the truth about his disturbing childhood, even Casey begins to doubt if this child will ever be able to accept love.
Found naked and alone on a railway track, Miller was just five when he was first admitted into the care system. Emotionally tormented by his biological parents, Miller has never understood how to establish meaningful relationships, and his destructive past, and over 20 failed placements, is sealing his fate in society’s social scrap heap.
After a torrent of violent behaviour and numerous failed attempts to help Miller, Casey decides to make an intervention, implementing a severe regime that strips Miller of all control. But soon the emotional demands of Miller’s case start to take their toll on Casey and Mike. Just how far is Casey willing to go to help Miller and save him from his inner demons?
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2018
391 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 3, 2019
Yep, I read this in a day, again when I was laid up at the beginning of this month (August)
So another off of my Net Galley list, backlist.
I seem to have been reading academy Watson books forever.
My daughter now in her mid 30’s also reads them.
This author does not glorify or put herself on a pedal stool as a foster parent, she readily can see her flaws which has endeared me to her.
After all, who is a perfect parent.
This little boy was found in the most appalling conditions, it’s heartbreaking to even imagine.
I think Torey was the first book I ever read by this author, a find in a charity shop years and many years ago.
So another off of my Net Galley list, backlist.
I seem to have been reading academy Watson books forever.
My daughter now in her mid 30’s also reads them.
This author does not glorify or put herself on a pedal stool as a foster parent, she readily can see her flaws which has endeared me to her.
After all, who is a perfect parent.
This little boy was found in the most appalling conditions, it’s heartbreaking to even imagine.
I think Torey was the first book I ever read by this author, a find in a charity shop years and many years ago.
November 1, 2018
Such an easy read, and told in a wonderful conversational style.
In this newest instalment in Casey's fostering life, there are changes afoot. I really enjoyed my first Casey Watson book-then read a couple which didn't hold my attention quite as well. This new book is Casey Watson on top form. I loved reading this, right from the start. It was such an easy read, and told in a wonderful conversational style.
So enters Miller into their lives. What a terrible start this young boy had had in life. Shocking. Miller had been just four when he was found in those dreadful circumstances and taken into care. He was now twelve. Would Casey and Mike be able to help him; give him some stability? I liked how the book included reports from the time, when Miller had been found and taken into care. This was quick, easy reading. It intrigued me; wondering what things Miller had gone through to make him as he was, and what could help him. It's a really good book, she tells it so well. There are a lot of unexpected things that you just don't see coming.
I like how she's not professing to be the world's greatest foster carer, she doesn't claim to be perfect and know it all. I have felt this occasionally with some other books in this genre, by other authors. I liked this book. You're wondering if Casey and Mike will be able to work their magic with this charge, it's not at all predictable, and not preaching how good they are etc.
I've read quite a few of this type of book, and here is something different again; unusual behaviour, another troubled child. I am eager to read more from Casey Watson.
In this newest instalment in Casey's fostering life, there are changes afoot. I really enjoyed my first Casey Watson book-then read a couple which didn't hold my attention quite as well. This new book is Casey Watson on top form. I loved reading this, right from the start. It was such an easy read, and told in a wonderful conversational style.
So enters Miller into their lives. What a terrible start this young boy had had in life. Shocking. Miller had been just four when he was found in those dreadful circumstances and taken into care. He was now twelve. Would Casey and Mike be able to help him; give him some stability? I liked how the book included reports from the time, when Miller had been found and taken into care. This was quick, easy reading. It intrigued me; wondering what things Miller had gone through to make him as he was, and what could help him. It's a really good book, she tells it so well. There are a lot of unexpected things that you just don't see coming.
I like how she's not professing to be the world's greatest foster carer, she doesn't claim to be perfect and know it all. I have felt this occasionally with some other books in this genre, by other authors. I liked this book. You're wondering if Casey and Mike will be able to work their magic with this charge, it's not at all predictable, and not preaching how good they are etc.
I've read quite a few of this type of book, and here is something different again; unusual behaviour, another troubled child. I am eager to read more from Casey Watson.
April 1, 2020
Casey and Mike agree to take on a 12-year-old boy who they're warned is difficult; in reality he turns out to be a seriously psychologically disturbed child who enjoys torturing and killing insects and pet animals; he's dangerous, spiteful, aggressive, extremely rude, and his language is appalling. He enjoys starting fires and causing damage to the family's property and he's been expelled from every school he's attended. He is given a place at a special school for so-called difficult youngsters; a school set in a luxurious mansion with acres of grounds, its own swimming pool, motor-racing track etc. etc. where the pupils are rewarded for simply behaving themselves by being allowed to use all the leisure facilities. Needless to say, this wonderful school makes no difference to the boy's behaviour at home, and in the end Casey and Mike have no alternative but to admit that they just can't carry on with this placement any longer.
December 19, 2018
A raw and honest look at foster care, one of the best I’ve read.
August 26, 2019
Review for A boy without Hooe by CASEY WATSON
I read this book in a day and found it a very easy read. I have always enjoyed reading CASEY Watsons books although this as the others all come with heart wrenching stories of broken childhoods. Very well written as always and I enjoy reading about how CASEY herself and her family are getting on as well as the foster child that she is currently fostering. Highly recommend to fans of true stories and foster novels.
Anyone else read this book?
I read this book in a day and found it a very easy read. I have always enjoyed reading CASEY Watsons books although this as the others all come with heart wrenching stories of broken childhoods. Very well written as always and I enjoy reading about how CASEY herself and her family are getting on as well as the foster child that she is currently fostering. Highly recommend to fans of true stories and foster novels.
Anyone else read this book?
May 7, 2020
I haven't been this consumed and fascinated for a long time.
The book almost brought in a reading slump because despite the fact that I really wanted to know what was going on, the ongoing tediousness sometimes made it really hard to read.
A very raw story full of very real twists and honestly, something that just keeps you glued to the pages.
Also, I love Casey and I'm definitely going to read more of her books.
The book almost brought in a reading slump because despite the fact that I really wanted to know what was going on, the ongoing tediousness sometimes made it really hard to read.
A very raw story full of very real twists and honestly, something that just keeps you glued to the pages.
Also, I love Casey and I'm definitely going to read more of her books.
November 5, 2018
This is the story about Miller who is a young boy that after being found in dreadful conditions is taken into care. After many failed attempts of being in foster care he goes to live with Casey and her family. Deep down I knew there would be more to Miller's behaviour than was being let on, it is sad how these children's lives have been. It is interesting the techniques Casey and her family use to help Miller and I was willing that there would be a good outcome in the end.
April 8, 2019
Gruelling
A really hard book to read. I haven't read anything by Casey Watson before so it was a whole new area for me. I guess I was hoping for a happy ending, but in real life you don't always get happy endings.
A really hard book to read. I haven't read anything by Casey Watson before so it was a whole new area for me. I guess I was hoping for a happy ending, but in real life you don't always get happy endings.
August 15, 2021
Excellent as always.
November 6, 2018
Another fab read from Casey
Always read caseys books fab story line
And characters if you like Cathy glass style stuff you will love this too..can’t wait for the next book xx
Always read caseys books fab story line
And characters if you like Cathy glass style stuff you will love this too..can’t wait for the next book xx
December 17, 2018
Casey and Mike Watson are experienced foster carers who have helped an enormous number of children over the years. Miller is a particularly difficult child with a history of violent and alienating behavior which has already resulted in over 20 failed placements. When he moves in with the Watsons, Casey is determined to lavish Miller with the love which he deserves, but which he doesn’t know how to deal with. Miller was never going to be easy. He was manipulative, divisive, disturbed and always had to be the one in charge. He had tactics which he used to control his environment and Casey and her family were almost held to ransom, obliged to give in to his regime or live in fear of the consequent reprisals. As his placement with Casey progresses his behavior becomes increasingly destructive and when it threatens to tear Casey’s family apart something has to be done.
I have read a number of Casey’s case histories before and have always found them both interesting and informative. In that sense this book is no different. Miller’s background is horrendous and he has cocooned himself in a protective layer which seems impenetrable. It was both disturbing and fascinating to watch the balance of power change from Casey to Miller as he took control of his environment and shaped his own world within it.
However, much as I love Casey Watson, this was an uncomfortable read. Miller was such a difficult child that the family almost lived in fear of him and, as a reader, it was not easy to watch Casey gradually losing control of the situation. I also struggled to conjure up any positive feelings towards Miller, who worked very hard to ensure that everybody he encountered felt the same way. Whilst most books of this nature contain some heartbreak, it is not usually on the side of the foster carer and I found it difficult to come to terms with.
Will I continue to read Casey’s books? Definitely.
I have read a number of Casey’s case histories before and have always found them both interesting and informative. In that sense this book is no different. Miller’s background is horrendous and he has cocooned himself in a protective layer which seems impenetrable. It was both disturbing and fascinating to watch the balance of power change from Casey to Miller as he took control of his environment and shaped his own world within it.
However, much as I love Casey Watson, this was an uncomfortable read. Miller was such a difficult child that the family almost lived in fear of him and, as a reader, it was not easy to watch Casey gradually losing control of the situation. I also struggled to conjure up any positive feelings towards Miller, who worked very hard to ensure that everybody he encountered felt the same way. Whilst most books of this nature contain some heartbreak, it is not usually on the side of the foster carer and I found it difficult to come to terms with.
Will I continue to read Casey’s books? Definitely.
June 27, 2019
I feel bad for giving this two stars. While I found it interesting to hear about foster care. I just felt like this story went on and on without truly reaching a real ending. I think I needed more details about what happened after she stopped having him around so much. I also felt like I didn't get to know Miller. I felt bad for him.
May 4, 2019
Review to come. Thanks to Casey Watson for my ARC in exchange for an homest and voluntary review.
December 19, 2021
Frankly, I found this story almost unbelievable. Casey and Mike agree to take on a 12-year-old boy who they're warned is difficult; in reality he turns out to be a seriously psychologically disturbed child who enjoys torturing and killing insects and pet animals; he's dangerous, spiteful, aggressive, extremely rude, and his language is appalling. He enjoys starting fires and causing damage to the family's property and he's been expelled from every school he's attended. So - what happens? Instead of being severely punished and sent to some sort of approved school, he's given a place at a special school for so-called difficult youngsters; a school set in a luxurious mansion with acres of grounds, its own swimming pool, motor-racing track etc. etc. where the pupils are "rewarded" for simply behaving themselves by being allowed to use all the leisure facilities. This apparently costs Social Services (i.e. the taxpayer) several thousand of £'s per month; and in addition the child is provided with a private taxi to do a 2-hour round trip every day. Needless to say, this wonderful school makes no difference to the boy's behaviour at home, and in the end Casey and Mike have no alternative but to admit that they just can't carry on with this placement any longer. You can't help but admire Casey for her endless patience and tolerance with this boy, but it's having a serious affect on her family and in my opinion, she should have accepted the fact months ago that her gentle methods just weren't working with him. Whilst I certainly accept that Casey's normal methods of kindness and caring, along with setting certain boundaries, are an excellent and usually successful way of dealing with her young charges, I think she should have faced the fact very much earlier that they just weren't having any affect on this particular lad. It seems that "discipline" is almost a dirty word these days ; is it any wonder that so many of our youngsters are turning to crime at such an early age? A really good read, but a sad reflection on today's society.
August 2, 2019
This is the story of Miller, who has been through a very large number of placements and clearly doesn't know how to be part of a family. Casey does her best, but is frustrated at every turn. A solution of sorts is found, but in the end, family life just doesn't seem to be for Miller.
This book tells a story unusual for Casey Watson, where in the end she is unable to make the difference she wants to make to a child's life, though she does make improvements. It gives a realistic picture of just what fostering a difficult child can mean for the carers and their families. I feel that it is really important for potential foster carers to understand this, so well done, Casey, for writing this book so honestly.
This book tells a story unusual for Casey Watson, where in the end she is unable to make the difference she wants to make to a child's life, though she does make improvements. It gives a realistic picture of just what fostering a difficult child can mean for the carers and their families. I feel that it is really important for potential foster carers to understand this, so well done, Casey, for writing this book so honestly.
November 21, 2018
This was a fantastic book, I am a big fan of this author and really enjoy all her books. What I liked most about this one is that Casey did not sugar coat anything and showed that despite being a good foster carer and very successful that not everything is perfect. It was clearly a difficult placement but the fact she tried everything possible to help Miller was amazing specially with the amount of problems he clearly suffered. I found this book a very good read and can't wait for the next offering by this author.
May 1, 2019
Wow. Wow. Wow. Casey is incredible. I cannot wait to track down some of her other memoirs about her children in foster care. I cannot imagine trying to deal with a Miller. As a current foster parents, we've definitely had some difficult placements, but this was above and beyond. And it was so hard to see her make the decision to let him go (sort of) at the end, although I completely understood it. My family has to come first, although I will do everything within my power for these children, I only get one chance with my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2021
What a lost little soul this poor young boy was. I can’t even fathom what happens to a child that makes him want to make everyone he meets not love him.
I’ve read many of Casey’s books and where I admire the work that both her and Mike put into this kids, it breaks my heart as to how these kids become part of the system in the first place.
I really hope that somewhere down the long journey of life that they manage to see the good in themselves and their lives become happy ones.
I’ve read many of Casey’s books and where I admire the work that both her and Mike put into this kids, it breaks my heart as to how these kids become part of the system in the first place.
I really hope that somewhere down the long journey of life that they manage to see the good in themselves and their lives become happy ones.
February 17, 2022
This was no Cathy Glass I’m afraid. I was interested in hearing the outcome of Miller’s story but I didn’t particularly warm to Casey - she was a bit too crude and judgemental for me. It also upset me how there was a number of instances of sayings being written wrongly and also use of italics to add stress to the wrong words in the dialogue - if you’d emphasised the words in italics when speaking, it would’ve sounded all wrong in most cases.
June 24, 2023
💜Detta är en riktigt stark och gripande fast oerhört sorlig bladvändare.
Jag kände verkligen med Miller den stackars lille killen som ingen ville ha och när han finner sitt föreviga hem så tror han inte på att det är sant
utan han gör allt för att förstöra även denna chans.
Jag kan bara tänka mig hur han kände och hur han mådde i sin livssituation och när all tillit till de vuxna och systemet kollapsat
Av mig så får Storyn
😢🩷😢💚😢 av 5st😢💜
Jag kände verkligen med Miller den stackars lille killen som ingen ville ha och när han finner sitt föreviga hem så tror han inte på att det är sant
utan han gör allt för att förstöra även denna chans.
Jag kan bara tänka mig hur han kände och hur han mådde i sin livssituation och när all tillit till de vuxna och systemet kollapsat
Av mig så får Storyn
😢🩷😢💚😢 av 5st😢💜
August 15, 2025
I have always enjoyed reading Casey's books. I hoped that things would improve as the story progressed. It seemed like Casey was truly at her wits' end with Miller and couldn't wait to send him off to school so she could finally have some downtime. In her previous works, she had such success with all the children she had taken in. However, in this story, it felt like she couldn't help Miller and had no choice but to end his placement with her.
August 18, 2019
Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely! It was thought provoking, emotionally raw, and was rather intense. As always, these kinds of books restore my hope for the world. I’m so glad there are people like Casey Watson in this world.
For my full review, please visit: https://www.krwardbookreview.com/
For my full review, please visit: https://www.krwardbookreview.com/
February 10, 2020
Miller is a boy who was never loved or properly cared for as a baby and young child. So... he creates problems so he can be moved around in foster care so he doesn’t get rejected. Casey is a foster carer who so wants to make a difference for this now 12 year old boy. This is her true story of her fostering Miller and while she still cares for her own family.
May 7, 2019
Ok
Normally like Casey's book, but I found a boy without hope very drawn out.
Still a heartbreaking story of another child rejected because his parents preferred the drugs rather than their child.
Normally like Casey's book, but I found a boy without hope very drawn out.
Still a heartbreaking story of another child rejected because his parents preferred the drugs rather than their child.
August 10, 2019
A Reader's Comments
This book shows just how much damage child abuse does to a young child. Those that have survived child abuse will be able to learn from the mistakes the young boy in this memoir made.
This book shows just how much damage child abuse does to a young child. Those that have survived child abuse will be able to learn from the mistakes the young boy in this memoir made.
May 13, 2020
It was good, shed a tear at the end of the book but it doesn't "move" me like some other books do. It wasn't as amazing as i thought it would be. Half of the book I either feel angry, frustrated or scared for Casey.
July 23, 2020
Always a tear and joy when reading Casey's books
The kindness and professionalism is a ray of hope for all children that need support. What comes through is the lack of resources in the local authorities which I was aware of ...
The kindness and professionalism is a ray of hope for all children that need support. What comes through is the lack of resources in the local authorities which I was aware of ...
December 12, 2021
Hard hitting read as usual by this author.
I really enjoy reading about the children she fosters and the different challenges this brings.
Some of the back stories of the horrors these children have faced though are hard to read
I really enjoy reading about the children she fosters and the different challenges this brings.
Some of the back stories of the horrors these children have faced though are hard to read
January 20, 2022
I swear I don't know who tears at your heart strings the most, Casey Watson or Cathy Williams. But all I can say is thank God for women like these two who have a heart and a tenderness for for these children.
January 28, 2025
Spännande att ta del av livet i en fosterfamilj och vilka utmaningar som det kan innebära.
Det svider alltid i hjärtat när det handlar om barn. Berättelsen är helt okej men inget litterärt mästerverk.
Det svider alltid i hjärtat när det handlar om barn. Berättelsen är helt okej men inget litterärt mästerverk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews