Murphy's Boy

Rating:
Summary: Murphy's Friend
Review: This book was interesting for me to read. Ms. Hayden gave a great presentation in this book. I felt I really got to know Kevin as a character. The way Torrey delt with Kevin when he wasn't talking. She kept her hopes up. I would just get frustrated. This book is really emotional. I really got into the story. I felt I was right their with Kevin pushing him to talk. The whole time I was talking while reading; saying Come on Kevin. Just talk. I recommend this book to teens. It's not boring at all. I could read it for hours at a time.

Rating:
Summary: A Friend In Need - That's Torey Hayden
Review: This is a truly outstanding work. The only thing I didn't like was when the author called Kevin Zoo-Boy and referred to him by this disgusting nickname early in the book. Although it was understandable that Kevin's elaborate construction of furniture barricades earned him this unkind sobriquet, I did feel that there was no need to call Kevin that ugly epithet. It would have been enough to say that the staff referred to him that way without doing it as well. Although this is a somewhat trivial annoyance, that one thing aside, I loved the book. Kevin was very lucky he had a friend in Torey Hayden. She really is a friend in need and someone who deserves a special place of honor in our hearts, in our interpersonal relationships, our caring about children and certainly on our bookshelves.

Rating:
Summary: A tremendously touching story of a teacher's love.
Review: This is the fourth book I have purchased and read by Torey Hayden and each has been a touching, poignant account of Torey's experiences with abused, neglected and handicapped children who, because of Torey's love and perserverance, broke free. Murphy's Boy was my favorite. You will laugh, cry and get angry at the injustices this child has suffered but manages to overcome because of Torey's committment to him. I can't read more than two of her stories at a time because they are so emotionally draining. Yet, I have enjoyed each and I highly recommend them to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Murphy's Boy- - An Addictive Read
Review: This was one of the best books I have read this year! I was extremely touched by the writer's sensitive willingness to be satisfied with "small progresses", and how she dealt with the tidal wave of emotion hidden beneath a wall of silence. I would highly recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: Murphy's Boy- - An Addictive Read
Review: This was the first book I read by Torey and I couldn't put it down. I've since devoured another 2 and have just ordered another 3. She has an amazing gift of being able to describe the most frightening and hidden side of being a human being and gives the reader a taste of the feelings she had when treating these children. You feel the progress and the set backs as if you were there - give yourself a treat - buy them.

Rating:
Summary: Murphy's Boy
Review: This was the first book I read by Torey and I couldn't put it down. I've since devoured another 2 and have just ordered another 3. She has an amazing gift of being able to describe the most frightening and hidden side of being a human being and gives the reader a taste of the feelings she had when treating these children. You feel the progress and the set backs as if you were there - give yourself a treat - buy them.

Rating:
Summary: This was a Life Changing Book
Review: This was the first book I read by Torey L. Hayden. I was incredibly impressed. "Murphy's Boy" was the first book to change my perspective on what I want to do for a living- now, after reading more of her books, I am set on becoming a child psychologist, or a social worker, etc. something that has to do with helping children get out of bad households, or helping disturbed children recover from that. I just wish I could somhow thank Torey for the inspiration she has given me.

Rating:
Summary: Torey Hayden Does it Again!
Review: Torey draws you into the lives of two main characters and makes you feel a part of her own as well. I couldn't put this one down. Murphy's Boy was as suspensful as it was endearing and emotional and humorous. I've never been so moved by such a book. Way to go Torey, I can't wait to read another of hers!

Rating:
Summary: Torey Hayden Does it Again!
Review: Torey draws you into the lives of two main characters and makes you feel a part of her own as well. I couldn't put this one down. Murphy's Boy was as suspensful as it was endearing and emotional and humorous. I've never been so moved by such a book. Way to go Torey, I can't wait to read another of hers!

Rating:
Summary: Courage
Review: Torey Hayden has the incredible ability to change lives--in person and through her books. This one should be required reading for anyone who works with children or criminals. Perhaps it would lead to changes in our current judicial system, which considers children like Kevin and Carol to be little more than chattel. I believe some of Kevin's problems stemmed from his feelings of guilt over Carol's murder and his inability to help her. After he visited his former house, he was able to let go and move on. Perhaps he felt his sister had forgiven him.