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September's Child #1
September's Child is the remarkably true story of a four year old little girl who embarks on a journey through the "system", after her biological mother set her own clothing on fire. Finding love while in foster care, and having it stripped away from her by an adoption that turned into abuse. From neglect to abuse this little hero survived it all. She learned to become an emotionless child, to live another day, ultimately to tell her story. A story stained with tears and filled with heart ache.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
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31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 3, 2014
Powerful and emotional must read!
I read this autobiography in one day as I just couldn’t put it down. It was that gripping and to know that this is a true story makes it even more worth the read in order to know what happened in the end.
It is the story of little Anna who lives with her birthmother for the first four years of her life, but gets taken into care when her mother can no longer look after her properly. Anna has known hunger, loneliness, neglect and fear already. It’s when she meets her new adoptive mother that her misfortune really starts and she learns to grow up quickly.
I loved the part when she meets Mrs. Wilson, her loving foster carer before being placed with her new family, as I think that gave Anna some hope and some strength for the time to come, although she might not have known it at the time, but to know that there are some good people out there might have helped a little.
The real horror starts when Mr and Mrs Warren who have adopted two other babies before Anna and lost a biological son when he was one day old are looking to adopt her. They could have easily gone to another agency for another baby, yet they decide to adopt an older child. That was a big mistake and one that little Anna, who was described by the authorities as a ‘problem child’ had to pay dearly for; for the rest of her life probably.
It reminded me of Dave Pelzer’s books, a man I admire for his strength and courage to break through the cycle of hatred and abuse and is able to live a normal life. The same can be said of Mrs Staff, I admire your strength! You are my hero!
It’s amazing how one child can survive through this. The way she was treated as an emotionless thing, a personal house maid and expected to excel at school all at the same time whilst suffering under the hands of one unstable adult who sometimes was nice to her and at other times would nearly kill her, would have broken many a child. Instead she had thoughts of escape and developed a cunning clever instinct of getting to know and to please her new ‘mommy’; someone who was supposed to love her and keep her safe, but was basically a sadist and knew very well what she was doing.
I cried all the way through this book from the moment little Anna was put in a bath of scorching hot water and was nearly drowned by Mrs Warren, until the end.
The author might seem to write a little blasé about all the abuse, but I think that’s to not to make it too depressing for the reader. No one with a heart will be able to keep a dry eye whilst reading this book.
Well done, Carol, I cannot wait for the next book ’Bring On The Rain’.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for review purposes
Natasja Hellenthal, author of 'The Queen's Curse'
I read this autobiography in one day as I just couldn’t put it down. It was that gripping and to know that this is a true story makes it even more worth the read in order to know what happened in the end.
It is the story of little Anna who lives with her birthmother for the first four years of her life, but gets taken into care when her mother can no longer look after her properly. Anna has known hunger, loneliness, neglect and fear already. It’s when she meets her new adoptive mother that her misfortune really starts and she learns to grow up quickly.
I loved the part when she meets Mrs. Wilson, her loving foster carer before being placed with her new family, as I think that gave Anna some hope and some strength for the time to come, although she might not have known it at the time, but to know that there are some good people out there might have helped a little.
The real horror starts when Mr and Mrs Warren who have adopted two other babies before Anna and lost a biological son when he was one day old are looking to adopt her. They could have easily gone to another agency for another baby, yet they decide to adopt an older child. That was a big mistake and one that little Anna, who was described by the authorities as a ‘problem child’ had to pay dearly for; for the rest of her life probably.
It reminded me of Dave Pelzer’s books, a man I admire for his strength and courage to break through the cycle of hatred and abuse and is able to live a normal life. The same can be said of Mrs Staff, I admire your strength! You are my hero!
It’s amazing how one child can survive through this. The way she was treated as an emotionless thing, a personal house maid and expected to excel at school all at the same time whilst suffering under the hands of one unstable adult who sometimes was nice to her and at other times would nearly kill her, would have broken many a child. Instead she had thoughts of escape and developed a cunning clever instinct of getting to know and to please her new ‘mommy’; someone who was supposed to love her and keep her safe, but was basically a sadist and knew very well what she was doing.
I cried all the way through this book from the moment little Anna was put in a bath of scorching hot water and was nearly drowned by Mrs Warren, until the end.
The author might seem to write a little blasé about all the abuse, but I think that’s to not to make it too depressing for the reader. No one with a heart will be able to keep a dry eye whilst reading this book.
Well done, Carol, I cannot wait for the next book ’Bring On The Rain’.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for review purposes
Natasja Hellenthal, author of 'The Queen's Curse'
December 1, 2013
I usually really enjoy reading books like this. I like books that make me sad, that can pull all the emotion out of me and just make me feel really shit for having a good childhood. No one has it easy, but then again no child should ever be treated like they don't mean anything.
I was pulled in by this book from the very beginning, and I've read a lot of child abuse/neglect stories, because I like the psychology behind it, how someone who's had a shit start to life can make something better for themselves, it's a good lesson to show people. But this book just didn't bring out any emotions in me, of course it's an incredibly sad story, but I think the writing was just too simplistic and plain, it didn't make me feel what I should have been feeling, reading an emotional story like this one. It was a little disappointing, but nevertheless a powerful read all together.
It lacked the emotive language that would naturally make a reader feel empathy, it didn't bring about any tears in me and it was just a bit monotonous, this book has the power to really pull people in to the depths of heartbreak and pain, if the language used had more emotion in it. It's a shame because there's so much potential. Other than the writing, the story was truly sad and if executed better, it would have been completely and utterly heartbreaking.
I love the lesson these books give people, it's like they're saying "Look, I've had a shit time too, but look at me now, I'm happy, I'm successful and I've moved on from the past." I think there are a lot of people around who need to realise that the past is the past no matter what happened and you can move forward and make a better life for yourself.
What a great life lesson.
Click here for more reviews on my blog
I was pulled in by this book from the very beginning, and I've read a lot of child abuse/neglect stories, because I like the psychology behind it, how someone who's had a shit start to life can make something better for themselves, it's a good lesson to show people. But this book just didn't bring out any emotions in me, of course it's an incredibly sad story, but I think the writing was just too simplistic and plain, it didn't make me feel what I should have been feeling, reading an emotional story like this one. It was a little disappointing, but nevertheless a powerful read all together.
It lacked the emotive language that would naturally make a reader feel empathy, it didn't bring about any tears in me and it was just a bit monotonous, this book has the power to really pull people in to the depths of heartbreak and pain, if the language used had more emotion in it. It's a shame because there's so much potential. Other than the writing, the story was truly sad and if executed better, it would have been completely and utterly heartbreaking.
I love the lesson these books give people, it's like they're saying "Look, I've had a shit time too, but look at me now, I'm happy, I'm successful and I've moved on from the past." I think there are a lot of people around who need to realise that the past is the past no matter what happened and you can move forward and make a better life for yourself.
What a great life lesson.
Click here for more reviews on my blog
November 30, 2013
September’s Child is an autobiography. It is written by a survivor of neglect and abuse, not saved by a cruel system of child welfare in this country and around the world, but by her own courage, wits, and determination. It takes you back when she was a helpless child. You hear her sweet voice talking to you. Her story grabs you, and holds you, as you are the witness to her pain and suffering, but there’s nothing you can do about it. I became teary eyed. She is not seeking revenge or an indictment of those that harmed her. She simply tells her story. A story about a lovely child, taken from her mother who had a multitude of problems, taken from a happy foster home, and placed by a court system that trapped her in a home with a sadist. As an honored reviewer of her book, and as a former investigator of child abuse and neglect in NYC in the 1970’s, I can attest to the accuracy of her perception of societal institutions that are supposed to protect children, but don’t always fulfill their mandate. Neighbors, relatives, and professionals often see the abuse and for the fear of getting involved, do nothing. And worse, even in this day and age, children still have few rights. Their cries for help aren’t always heard. The court system decides on a child’s future with an indifference to the wishes of the child. Their idiotic judgment is a child is simply a pet, like a dog or a cat and they will adapt. All they need is food and housing. They don’t care that Children have feelings. This book is for everyone to read. It is an essential read for those who work with children in any capacity: teacher, social worker, judge, attorney, and doctor, so they can identify with the feelings of children in their care and protect them. I give it 5 stars.
November 28, 2013
Its difficult to know where to start with this book(as it's non fiction and written from the heart), as after I was a few pages in I sat back and thought "there but for the grace of God" because my childhood was on the whole a very happy one.
This book is firstly incredibly sad (in that no one should be treated like that, especially a child) but also great that it shows people can ,even in extreme circumstances learn to move on and make life their own.
As I turned the pages I wondered what would be next.
It is one of those books that will make me look back on my own childhood with a better understanding and appreciate the good times in everyday life more. It's not necessarily the sort of book(because I tend to read fiction) I would instantly grab to read but I am very glad I did.
March 6, 2014
After the last sentence I just wanted to go hug my kids. Ms. Staff's story is one that needs to be told. It is amazing that she could endure so much abuse and neglect and manage to live through it. There were many chances for others to help her or save her, but no one intervened. Abusers hide behind a mask of kindness. Many times the abusers are not caught until it is too late for the one being abused to ever have a normal existence. I am glad that the author was able to move on and have her own family. Thank God she escaped her terrible life. I am looking forward to reading the next installment of her story. This should be required reading for adoption workers, child protection service workers, and teachers.
August 31, 2020
A true story which is heart breaking, about a young girl who is fostered, after her real mum is not caring for her. She finds love and stability with her foster family but unfortunately due to state laws she unable to stay with them long term and is adopted by a family where at the hands of her new "mum" she faces years of abuse.
Read
April 30, 2020Such a sad, touching story.
March 18, 2021
Sad
What did she do to chrystal? Did she kill her? Why can you not say much about her.. What did her life end up like?
What did she do to chrystal? Did she kill her? Why can you not say much about her.. What did her life end up like?
January 11, 2014
September's Child, by author Carol Staff is an honest account of her experiences from pre school to about age 18 as an adoptee and victim of child abuse and neglect. It is a fast-paced, candid and sometimes heart-breaking account of growing up alone, being maneuvered through the foster care system and eventually being placed as an "older child" , (not an infant), with an adoptive family. The story depicts her struggle for friendships and especially acceptance by her hurtful adoptive mother and often clueless adoptive father.
While reading, I kept wishing for her adoptive mother to be vanquished or conquered like an evil fantasy character and for her adoptive father to find the potion that opened his mind to better awareness. Carol's resilience and determination to not only survive but seek out a better life is commendable. I recommend September's Child to fellow adoptees and also survivors of childhood neglect/abuse of any form. It would also be helpful for education and child service professionals for identifying the often masked signs of harmed children and helping the endangered child feel secure in admitting the harsh truths of an abusive situation.
While reading, I kept wishing for her adoptive mother to be vanquished or conquered like an evil fantasy character and for her adoptive father to find the potion that opened his mind to better awareness. Carol's resilience and determination to not only survive but seek out a better life is commendable. I recommend September's Child to fellow adoptees and also survivors of childhood neglect/abuse of any form. It would also be helpful for education and child service professionals for identifying the often masked signs of harmed children and helping the endangered child feel secure in admitting the harsh truths of an abusive situation.
June 25, 2016
Moving on
Unfortunately all childhood abuse stories do not end when the child grows up. It is certainly sad that a majority of these cases continue spiraling in cycle after cycle. I agree that too many people turn a blind eye to abuse...telling themselves someone else will eventually help....just to make it easiest on their own conscience. Thank you for sharing your life with us! God bless!
Unfortunately all childhood abuse stories do not end when the child grows up. It is certainly sad that a majority of these cases continue spiraling in cycle after cycle. I agree that too many people turn a blind eye to abuse...telling themselves someone else will eventually help....just to make it easiest on their own conscience. Thank you for sharing your life with us! God bless!
July 18, 2015
A page Turner
I have to commend this author for such an honest heart wrenching and at the same time heart warming accounting of her childhood. No child should have to endure such atrocities, but even at such a young age, she had amazing strength. I have already purchased her follow-up book, Bring on the Rain, and look forward to starting it as soon as possible.
I have to commend this author for such an honest heart wrenching and at the same time heart warming accounting of her childhood. No child should have to endure such atrocities, but even at such a young age, she had amazing strength. I have already purchased her follow-up book, Bring on the Rain, and look forward to starting it as soon as possible.
July 28, 2015
This book had me from page one, it is a true story about child abuse. And what kids go thru in the foster care system. This child was adopted but was never a true family member. This book tells of her life and the struggles she endures under what was suppose to be a safe place to grow up in.... Well on to book 2.
January 26, 2016
Excellent book!
Well written, felt I was traveling the same road, the descriptions were heart wrenching, however needed to be told, looking forward to reading Bring the Rain. Awareness is the strong factor here, we must protect our children in this world.
Well written, felt I was traveling the same road, the descriptions were heart wrenching, however needed to be told, looking forward to reading Bring the Rain. Awareness is the strong factor here, we must protect our children in this world.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews