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They Cage the Animals at Night

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1984

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Book Brief

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Jennings Michael Burch

They Cage the Animals at Night

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1984
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

New York City • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1984

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

They Cage the Animals at Night is an autobiographical memoir by Jennings Michael Burch, depicting his tumultuous childhood as he navigates the American foster care system while dealing with abusive and neglectful foster homes, a precarious family situation, and friendships that anchor him amidst his adversities. The book addresses themes of abandonment, abuse, and neglect.

Emotional

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.5

11,012 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jennings Michael Burch's They Cage the Animals at Night offers a poignant and raw memoir of a childhood spent in foster homes and orphanages. Readers praise its emotional depth and authenticity, though some criticize its unrelenting bleakness. The narrative's impact is profound, despite occasional narrative slowdowns. Overall, it's a compelling but heart-wrenching read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read They Cage the Animals at Night?

Readers who appreciate Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt or A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer will find They Cage the Animals at Night captivating. Ideal for those drawn to poignant, autobiographical accounts of childhood struggle and resilience. The memoir offers a heartfelt narrative of survival and hope in the face of adversity.

4.5

11,012 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

New York City • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1984

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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