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HomeShop at BookSurgeBiography & AutobiographyPersonal MemoirsSwitched At Birth: My Life in Someone Elses World |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 8 customer reviews )
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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Not what I was expecting, but definitely a worthwhile read Sep 22, 2008
By R. Malove
When I first heard about this book I was expecting a great saga-the drama of being switched at birth, the trauma to a child who had to grow up in a family where he didn't belong with a father who thought he was the product of his mother's affair. I was surprised to discover that this read more like a history book than an off-the-shelf paperback, but once I moved beyond that I found this to be a very poignant read.
The purpose of this book, written by author Frederick George, was not written to describe his switch at birth but to fill in the birth mother he met decades after his birth on the events of his life. Parents who have given their children up for adoption always have the same questions-how were you raised, were you happy, how was your school/early work/experiences, etc.
Because Helen Churchman was denied the right to get to know all of these things as Frederick was growing up because the nurses switched the two babies at birth, this book tells the story of Frederick's life from his birth to his present with the George family. It's an interesting historical accounting, complete with pictures, that provides readers with an up close view of the culture of the times. I had to laugh when I saw hairstyles and clothing left long in the past!
Readers, knowing his history, will feel for Frederick as he time and time again crosses paths with his destiny before ultimately discovering that he wasn't who he spent his whole life believing he was-and all of them will cheer at the end when he has the opportunity, after starting a family of his own, to be reunited with the mother who gave him life.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
An Outsider Within.... May 16, 2010
By G. Reba
"Switched at Birth" by Frederick J. George tells the author's life growing up as someone else. How so? It all started the day he was born and then promptly placed with the wrong family. A simple case of mistaken identity easily corrected if caught at the right moment turned into a lifetime of learning to live in a world not readily accepting og outsiders...even those that appear to be from within.
With an introspective voice, the author takes us into the world he grew up knowing and the world he always knew was there. It was amazing to "see" first hand how even though he was separate from his DNA matching family, he still developed traits identifiable later in life. The humorous stories mixed with more seriuos revelations give balance to the book, making it enjoyable for regular readers of this genre as well as the seldom meddler. Certainly worth a spot on your future to be read list....
Switched at birth. May 22, 2010
By Lonna H.
Frederick George has grown up in a family that was never supposed to be his. One the night of his birth, the nurse accidently switched him with another child. In a strange twist of fate, the boy he was switched with actually becomes a close friend of the family. It is not until 57 years later that he learns the truth about his life. By this time, only his birth mother still lives. He does not regret his life, nor does he want to force a relationship with a woman he does not know. He does, however, what his birth mother to know who he is and so he has written this autobiography as a way for her to learn of his childhood.
It is unimaginable to think that the life you have lived was not the one you were meant to have. Despite this tragic event, the author has a very uplifting spirit and positive outlook on life. This book is a great read for anyone.
Interesting story. May 19, 2010
By Michael Harrison
What if all your life you felt that you were living someone else's life? What if one of your parents believed you weren't their child? In "Switched at Birth. My Life in Someone Elses World" by Frederick J. George this is exactly what has happened. When Frederick George is born in New Zealand, the midwife mistakenly places him in the wrong crib. It is not until 57 years later that Frederick learns the truth about his situation. The reader is taken along on the story of his life from youth to adult. Through it all he does not dwell on the negative, but rather encourages people to be who they are.
This story was very different from what I expected. Upon reading the title I thought it would be a negative view on the effects of gross negligence on the part of care givers. I was pleasantly surprised at the author's upbeat attitude regarding the entire situation. This is a great uplifting story about overcoming adversity.
Mesmerizing Sep 20, 2008
By Tina
"Tina"
The premise of this book both attracted me and frightened me. Can you imagine discovering after 57 years that you were actually switched at birth and that your parents are not your actual biological parents.
I have to give the author lots and lost of credit. I do not think that I would have dealt with it in the same classy fashion that he did.
Frederick George mentions early on in his memoir that he has always felt different - that somehow he did not fit in with his family and within himself. I think that we all feel like this at some point, but it is very interesting to me that George would continue to feel this way for a huge part of his life - perhaps his inner voice was pushing him to really find out the truth - even though, at this point, he was unaware of the situation.
This memoir is both funny and poignant. The author describes in minute detail his family tree and how he ends up being in a Lebanese family, growing up in New Zealand. I loved reading about his army days and situations such as the horse track.
It completely freaks me out that George actually does come face to face with "his other self" the child that was raised by his biological parents. I mean, what are the odds of this? Its amazing how fate works - obviously George HAD to find out the truth.
I loved that his mother (who raised him) continued to deny that he was not her child - and I wonder if she ever really had any doubts herself?
I enjoyed reading this book immensely and I am impressed that the author has the courage to write it. His message comes out loud and clear - live for the now and be happy with who you are and with the people who surround you.
See all 8 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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