They Cage the Animals at Night, Jennings Michael Burch
They Cage the Animals at Night, Jennings Michael Burch
List: $20.00 | Sale: $14.00
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They Cage the Animals at Night
The True Story of an Abandoned Child's Struggle for Emotional Survival

Author: Jennings Michael Burch

Narrator: Jim Meskimen

Unabridged: 9 hr 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 04/17/2018


Synopsis

The heartbreaking, iconic true story of an abandoned little boy’s horrific journey through the American foster care system.

On a misty evening in Brooklyn, Jennings Michael Burch’s mother, too sick to care for him, left her eight-year-old son at an orphanage with the words, “I’ll be right back.” She wasn’t.

Shuttled through a bleak series of foster homes, orphanages, and institutions, Jennings never remained in any of them long enough to make a friend. Instead, he clung to a tattered stuffed animal named Doggie, his sole source of comfort in a frightening world.

Here, in his own words, Jennings Michael Burch reveals the abuse and neglect he experienced during his lost childhood. But while his experiences are both shocking and devastating, his story is ultimately one of hope—the triumphant tale of a forgotten child who somehow found the courage to reach out for love, and found it waiting for him.

About The Author

Jennings Michael Burch was the author of the bestselling autobiography They Cage the Animals at Night. He worked as a New York City policeman, a chauffeur, a theater manager, a magazine pressman, and a short-order cook. He held a B.A. in forensic psychology from John Jay College. He passed away in 2013.Jim Meskimen is an American comedian and actor, best known for his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and his extensive voice acting and television work. Books he has narrated include the Calendar Mysteries series by Ron Roy, The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin, by Josh Berk, and The Deleted E-Mails of Hillary Clinton by John Moe.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Diane on December 12, 2023

Caging More Than Just Animals Interestingly enough, we got to read this in middle school. We also got to keep the books that were assigned to us. I still remember certain scenes where Jennings, the narrator, and the author of this autobiographical novel either received amazing amounts of love or terr......more

Goodreads review by Ali on January 16, 2013

I can't, with this book. I literally can't. The writing isn't perfect, and the character's voice wavers between an innocent, naive 9 year old and someone who is much, much older. It works sometimes, because someone who's been through his experiences will be older beyond his years. It just seemed at t......more

Goodreads review by Mac on December 13, 2012

They Cage the Animals at Night is the inspiring story of a young boy's childhood life. The boys name is Jennings Michael Burch. His mother gets very sick and sends Jennings and his 4 brothers into foster homes and orphanages. Follow Jennings through his childhood as he deals with poverty, sickness,......more

Goodreads review by Emily on September 06, 2012

I absolutely love this memoir. I read it for my Honors 9 English class as a summer assignment and at first I was really bummed because I thought it would be so boring. Well, it's not. It made me realize what's important and to be grateful for everything and everyone in my life. I definitely think ev......more

Goodreads review by elise on July 02, 2024

super sad especially cuz it’s true i thought it was a bit slow at some parts though poor jennings deserved better 🩵......more


Quotes

“A valuable and beautiful book which addresses issues of concern to everyone—what really does happen to foster children and what allows some children to survive the same emotional trauma that shatters forever the lives of others.”—Eleanor Craig, author of P.S. Your Not Listening
 
“A deeply moving and inspiring story.”—Alan Arkin
 
“Everyone who cares about the quality of life and the future of nation should read this book.”—William R. Bricker, National Director, Boys Clubs of America
 
“This heartbreaking, shocking, ultimately triumphant tale is an extremely important book.”—Lucy Freeman, author of Fight Against Fears
 
“A must for every library...should be required reading for every couple expecting a child.”—Sally Struthers
 
“This heart-wrenching, autobiographical account…has the power of a Dickens novel.”—Booklist
 
“A winner—gripping, unforgettable, shattering.”—Flora Rheta Schreiber, author of Sybil