Betty's Child

Very well written wonderful book. Would love to give the author a big hug.

Selected Reader Reviews:

"A brave, funny, and extremely well-written memoir. Donny is my new hero - a tough young kid who battles against overwhelming odds. I hope they make this book into a movie." J. Meyer, May 24, 2013

"Betty's Child should be required reading in many places--it would be profoundly powerful in classrooms (right alongside To Kill A Mockingbird)--to give some a framework for navigating, making sense of, and surviving their own childhoods, and others an experience of what that kind of upbringing would really be like. I don't mean that it should be categorized as a young adult book; it is an important book for everyone. It should be read in law school, med school, psychology classes, churches and, of course, book groups." Anne Veague, Waterline Writers, July 22, 2013

"I highly recommend this memoir to those writing their own story as Dempsey's writing style is evocative of the voice that so many of us struggle to develop when writing from our childhood stories. He has captured the essence of that 12-year old boy fighting to survive. Others who interact with abused and neglected children will also find this to be an eye onto the world of one boy who suffered more than any one life should have to experience." Sherrey Meyer, July 22, 2013

"Donald Dempsey is a brave soul to tell this true story of his horrific childhood. No matter how painful, naked, brutal or cruel his situation gets, Donny faces every challenge head-on.... I found myself weeping openly as Donny tries to escape his inescapable life...there is the reality of sensing that things won't change much or end up happily -- ever -- in Donny's world. Yet the reader pushes on, hoping that some miracle or special breakthrough will save the day." Patricia Herr, July 14, 2013

"As a parent, I hug my children tighter after reading Dempsey's story of a neglectful childhood with a cruel mother. I became so absorbed in his story that I would have crawled right into the book if I could have; I just wanted to hold that little boy and tell him that I loved him." Crystal Casavant-Otto, June 26, 2013

"I am a foster care social worker, and this book was an eye opener even for me. Mr. Dempsey is an extremely talented writer who has the ability to take the reader on his horrific childhood journey. This book left me wanting more details of his life, please write a sequel! I will be recommending this book to other professionals and friends." Maya H., June 15, 201

"I have read several hundreds (thousands?) of books in my life, but this is only my second written review. Some of my favorite books of all-time include: WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, THE ROAD, and DEFENDING JACOB, and I'd put this up against any of them as far as having a lasting impression on how it made me feel." Charles Hudnall, Jr., June 15, 20131

"Mr. Dempsy has the ability to share his story in a way that makes you feel like you are right there with him and his brothers. His story is sad & at times heartbreaking but always authentic." Elizabeth A. Bennett, June 9, 20131

"Although sometimes difficult because of the harsh reality portrayed, the author was always true to his subject. I was reminded of the James T. Farrell book 'Studs Lonigan'; and that's definitely not a bad book to be compared to." Marcus Proteus, June 4, 2013

"This made me think of 'The Prince of Tides.' Donny's story was heartbreaking most of the time. I wanted to jump into his story and give Donny and his brothers a warm and loving home. But it was also heartwarming to read about the ways that Donny was a positive influence on his brothers and how he didn't lose his sense of humor through it all. This story is very inspiring." Ruth Hurd, June 2, 2013

"I finished Betty's Child in two days, and the minute I shut the cover, I opened my computer to leave a review - at 3:45 in the morning. I read 6 or 7 books a month, and to be moved this much by something that isn't a 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is unusual for me." Patricia Underwood, May 29, 2013

"A cross between Wally Lamb's 'She's Come Undone' and 'Catcher in the Rye.'" T. Jones, May 13, 2013

"I'm speechless in the face of this terrific writer. Donald Dempsey opens an artery and spills his childhood trauma onto the page. It is a delicate dance between detail and emotion when one writes a memoir about childhood abuse, and Dempsey dances like a pro.... Never have I read such a wonderful characterization of an animal (the author's dog Benji) in which the animal was not the main focus of the book (like in Marley & Me).... Never have I experienced such seesaw emotions when reading a memoir: horror, laughter, and sadness.... This book DESERVES to be a best seller. Highly Recommended!" Jennifer Semple Siegel, May 11, 2013

"This book so moved me.... I laughed and I cried. I wanted to search out various 'adults' who should have been taking care of these children. It reminded me a lot of 'The Glass Castle.' After I finished the book, I could not stop crying, my heart hurt. I went in and kissed my 6-year-old son again. When he awoke the next morning, the first thing I did was hug him." J. Arnold, May 7, 2013

"In the same vein as Angela's Ashes and Minerva's Stepchild, this is an engrossing story of growing up in a dysfunctional (to say the least) family. I would highly recommend this book and intend to re-read it." C.K. Oldham-Ott, April 29, 2013