The Orphans' Nine Commandments

by William Roger Holman

When Roger Bechan was six, his mother packed his suitcase and took him to the Oklahoma Society for the Friendless. He never saw her again. No wonder he and his orphan friends omit the tenth commandment—to "honor your father and mother."

His long journey through three orphanages and several foster homes is recalled with surprising humor and insight. Eventually, the boy finds a home in a small Oklahoma oil town, obtains degrees from two universities, marries and raises three sons, and becomes the youngest director of the San Francisco Public Library and an award-winning book designer.

The book is an unsentimental look at Bechan’s life in the child welfare system of Depression-era Oklahoma.

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Mark Dutell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors story of rising above his circumstances to become successful as a parent and professionally is inspiring.

His life long quest to learn about his biological mother and father demonstrates a yearning that those of us who have not experienced that abandonment can only imagine.

I thought this was a good book providing insights into a life I have not experienced and to which I have had no exposure

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met this outstanding gentleman, William Holman, at a book show in Austin, TX and he won me over with his warm personality and story of his life. Since bios are my favorite books, I couldn't pass it up. And I'm glad I bought his book that day. He opened up his life, growing up in orphanges and foster homes and exposed what went on in the 1930's. I hope to heaven's sake that children are not being submitted to such abuse today. In spite of it all, he rose above it and became a success in every way valuable in his adult life. He has a great way of telling a story....I hope that he has another book in him and I hope my friends will read this book.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good autobiography that takes you through the very tragic, very skewed system of adoption back in the first half of the 20th century, US. Shows the complete disregard for the childrens' best interests in favor of the bureaucratic process. Also shows the depth of human compassion and uncompassion. Another "Dean" book for me.