Whoa. What a childhood for poor Micheal Jennings Burch, a young boy abandoned by his mother at Essentially a New York Home for children at age 8. From That fateful day, Jenning's life turns into one hell of a ride wild. This book is a wonder. There are very few tales of childhood abuse / neglect I can get through without being depressed. This is one of them. While detailed and smart, 'They Cage the Animals at Night' is so richly sensitive and, in parts, downright funny. It is seen through the eyes of the author as a child, and, like a child, the innocence and wonderment inherent in thesis pages will entice you to keep reading even When You're cringing at the injustices by Suffered this small boy. In Jennings, we discover the proverbial sensitive and lost soul ... only, in his case, he * is * truly displaced, as his physical body is shuffled from home to violent foster family to home. To comfort himself he carries with him, like a charm, a brown and white stuffed dog named Doggie. This book never bored me, and never slowed down. It is One of Those rare gems That keeps you hooked until the end, and then leaves you craving more. I found it, dog-eared and smelling of mildew, at a book sale and paid less than fifty cents for it. Best money I ever spent (save for the quarter I spent for 'The Abyss' soundtrack at a thrift shop). I doubt you'll finish this feeling gyped.
