A Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved

A Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved is a positive look at the foster care system through stories of its survivors who show there is hope for the future, even in a system often identified by abuse and neglect.With a unique perspective, this collection of inspiring stories is a testament to the fighting spirit of former foster children, and an inspiration to others currently in the same situation to emerge from the system as successful productive members of society. The stories are true to life, sometimes painful, yet full of hope, revealing those who have graduated and gone on to make the most of their lives, in spite of their challenging beginnings. The stories within A Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved teach the important lesson that one should never give up, even if circumstances aren't the brightest and opportunity isn't immediately present. Those dreams will still be there in the future, and it is up to the foster children to make the best of their current situations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1593091257
• ISBN13: 9781593091255
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Strebor Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Foster children are people too

A DREAM DEFERRED, A JOY ACHIEVED is a collection of stories by those who spent at least part of their lives in foster care. They all point to the impression that foster care children will never amount to anything and they perceive themselves as less than others while in care. Each one in this collection proved that impression wrong; they are all achievers and have done wonderful things in their lives and the lives of others. Sometimes siblings were all in the same home and at other times they were separated. Some foster homes were better than others but in each one, the young person involved learned something that would help them later in life. The stories cover many ethnicities and cultures, showing that it is not just one group that has issues in this country. Sometimes foster care was necessary because of the death of the parents and others because of mental illness or alcohol, drug or physical abuse from the birth parents. Whatever the reason, these young people succeeded in becoming stellar citizens. For all those who have ideas, good or bad, about foster care, this is a must read. It is well-written and edited and moves quickly from beginning to end. Each story is an eye-opener and demonstrates how obstacles can be overcome. I would recommend this book highly. Reviewed by Alice Holman of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Mothers own

Nobody was happier than me when C.N. Nesbit decided to write a book about FOSTER CARE and no one in the world was happier when my story was chosen to be in that book. I finally got the chance to tell about the FOSTER parents who raised me and how my mother and I are best friend's today. Ms. Nesbit, has finally told the tale that almost NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR, because while there was strife and struggles, she shows that they can be overcome, and that people can rise from the chains that threaten to bind and hinder them from rising to their fullest potential. It shows a force of will by some who overcame the worst of all obstacles and circumstances to become productive and inflectional individuals. It also tells of people (like me) who lived a privileged life with a mother who not only adored me then, but adores and loves me to this day. These stories will make you laugh, cry and shake your head. But most of all it will give you a REAL look into what REALLY happened in the lives of individuals brave enough to tell their tale. This is a must read for everyone. I was so happy that Ms. Nesbit gave me the opportunity to tell my story about a very special woman.