Rating: 
Summary: whoosh!
Review: I read a small ad for this book in a library journal and decided to attempt to locate it through my local library. The public library in Fayetteville, NC is a wonderful resource. They had the book. I just completed it. I say "whoosh" because this book has the effect of inflating a balloon, and slowly letting all of the air out. That's what happened to this young man's life. His testimony is a "must read". There were times during my reading when I had to put it down. It was such a powerful narrative, and a demonstration of "what's wrong" with the child welfare system. I pray that the foster mother, Mrs. Pickett, is alive and in full control of her faculties at this time. She is clearly identified as a vicious, sick human being, who should have never been licensed as a foster parent. The child welfare agencies, also, are glaringly neglectful in their care of this child, Antwone. My heart went out top this young man. As a social worker, who has worked with foster children for many years, Antwone's story is another clear indictment of the "system" and its flaws. I never thought I would say this, but I almost feel that orphanages are superior to "foster" care. At least in an orphanage, a child knows where he or she is, and can grow to accept it. This was a beautifully written narrative, portrayed with angst and soul. God bless this man and his family. I have told many people about this book, and will continue to laud it's worth and magnificence.
Rating:
Summary: Uninvited to Invited
Review: Antwone Quenton Fisher, you have done a wonderful job of telling your life story! The story of Fish was both sad and joyful. The story of a boy abandoned to the child welfare system upon birth not knowing whom he was nor where he came from. This story was sad in that Antwone faced so many hardships at a young age by so many adults that it was repulsive. A child welfare system with so much staff turn over, no one knew Fish or his story. A system that is charged with protecting children that they didn't follow up on their suspicions. A system that is so reactive as opposed to proactive. Fish would finally come into his own to find joy if not so much forgiveness. Along the way there were a few good hearted adults-his teacher (I clapped for her), his final child welfare worker (good advice given), the military personnel and Todd Black. These adults believed in Fish and he took their advice and made a good life for himself and his family. My favorite was the reunion with his family. I was so pleased that they accepted him as their nephew without reservations. What was sad to me was that Fish was so near to them but yet so far, unbelievable! Finally, Fish coming to terms (if only limited) with the realization of his mother's life and her life as a young teenage mother. The novel was written simplistically and gripping enough that you could feel Fish's pain and his joy. Kudos to Fish as you continue to showcase your talents. I recommend this novel to everyone, young, old, black, white, red and brown
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Summary: "Uninvited"--the story of Antwone Quenton Fisher
Review: A few weeks ago, the wonderful woman who keeps our library clean told me that she had watched the TV show "Montel" as he interviewed Antwone Quenton Fisher, a screenwriter and producer. Fisher had written a memoir called "Finding Fish" about his life as a foster child, and she was so impressed and overcome by the story that she asked if we could get the book for her. I did. She read it and gave it to me to read on Thursday. She asked that I talk to her after I read it to see what I thought. Friday was our first day of summer vacation so I began to read. I couldn't put it down, except for a few hours of sleep last night, finishing it this morning. What a heartbreaking story of abuse, emotional, physical, sexual. The story of a boy who was not "invited" as he puts it, into this world. The story has a positive ending, but the vivid descriptions of being unwanted, and the cruelty that human beings can inflict on a child, are guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes. For me, one of the most powerful scenes involves three of four foster children being told not to expect any presents at Christmas because they are bad. Presents appear under the tree, but, sure enough, when they come down hopefully and expectantly Christmas morning, the presents that have appeared are for one child only, not anything for the others. When Fisher describes being "sent back" (to Social Services--he had no one else to go back to) I could barely deal with it. I will let you experience it on your own if you choose to read this book. I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Good Read!
Review: This book is a good read for all of you who like true stories and can handle harshness. This books makes you wanna cry, laugh, sream, and get angry. I am so glad that he came out on top. I feel that God was with him all the way. I feel like reading it again. This book has touched my heart and has a special plave there. Its about surving struggles and adversity, when nothing you do seems right or works. Its about finding himself, and not letting anything in his way. He had doubt and determination. It's about childhood memories and struggles. People seeing goodness and hope in you where you see emptiness. It about trying different things until you find your place and whats right for you. Its that one person in your life that sees you for who you are and stuggling to find that person. It about It's just plain good. I wish that it was longer. Once you start you'll get hooked. I finished this book in a week!
Rating:
Summary: BRILLIANT-BRILLIANT-BRILLIANT
Review: I HAVE NOT BEEN THIS IMPRESSED WITH A WRITER SINCE I READ TRUMAN CAPOTE'S "IN COLD BLOOD" MORE YEARS AGO THAN I CARE TO REMEMBER. INSPIRING GENIUS, NOT TO BE MISSED!
Rating:
Summary: A Gem of a Book!
Review: After I saw Antwone Fisher on Montel Williams, I immediately ran out and bought the book titled "Finding Fish". The title of this book describes accurately what Mr. Fisher's intentions are for his biography. In it he endures numerous encounters of abuse from a woman he calls "Mizz Pickett". In the end he triumphs however, and makes you feel that his success is as much yours. This book is extremely captivating and heartfelt. I found myself laughing out loud. Mr. Fisher's writing style is casual and colorful at the same time. His poems reflect the undertone of sadness, as does his repeated descriptions of rain and clouds in Cleveland. This book is excellent to put it mildly. Not only did I laugh, but also cried. This book doesn't leave you hanging in the least, nor does it drag out any part of his life. This is Antwone Quenton Fisher's story of starting out as an helpless, abused, innocent little boy who becomes a responsible, extraordinary, self proclaimed adult who masters the english language in a way that is reflected in his book. His descriptions of the sea at night is nothing short of "magical". I give Antwone Quenton Fisher my commendations and respect for it is he who with a lot of patience and hard work, made his garden bloom. Thank you, Melissa Lambert
Rating:
Summary: an amazing story
Review: This book was really sad but good made you cry and be happy of course at the end. He is a great person and thank goodness the Navy helped be his family when at the time he didn't have one. I think everyone should read it because it is a GREAT BOOK!!!
Rating:
Summary: No words to describe...
Review: this awesome,powerful true story. Sincerely heartbreaking to know that thousands and thousands of children live this horror, but amazing to know one not only survived -- one triumphed. If you can make it through (reading) his childhood, you'll be rewarded by his personal convictions, strength, and success in adulthood. So much more could be said for and about "Fish" yet could never say enough.
Rating:
Summary: Not to be missed
Review: This is by far the BEST memoir I have read in years and I am an AVID reader of both biographies as well as autobiographies. I could not put it down, and was moved from beginning to end. I highly reccommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I read this book in two days. Every page, every description of Antwone's ordeal in foster care made you feel that you were there with him feeling his pain, his anger praying that the abuse would soon end for him. Through God's grace it does and he matures into a man, husband and father. Can't wait until the movies comes out!
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