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Book Review: My Abandonment #150Books

May 18, 2014 by Kenna Griffin

If someone chooses to live their life different from ours, does that make them wrong?

Peter RockThat’s what I kept wondering after reading My Abandonment by Peter Rock.

The story is about a 13-year-old girl, Caroline, and her father who lived in Forest Park, a nature preserve in Portland, Ore.

While it is apparent that the man’s mental illness is the reason they are homeless in the woods, it also seems that he does a good job of raising his daughter there. They have a cave for shelter, a creek for water and cleanliness, food from a garden, and even a few books used to educate the girl.

There don’t appear to be any signs in the book that the man abused his daughter or that either were unhappy with the way they lived. However, each time they were found, they were forced into a more “normal” life that didn’t suit them (especially the father) and resulted in them repeatedly returning to live in the woods.

I’m not sure how I read this entire book without realizing it was based on a true story. When I found out, I became even more bothered by the assumptions we make about how other people should live. If you decide to read it, I would love to know your thoughts.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above (typically those to books) may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I promise that I only recommend products or services I use personally and think will provide you value. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Prof KRG

Prof KRG aims to create an ongoing educational dialogue among media professionals, students and educators.

Please let me know what resources you need or topics you wish you better understood. If I don't know the information, I'm happy to seek out someone who does.

Contact me via email at kennagriffin@gmail.com.

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Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

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About Kenna Griffin

I am a mass communications professor, journalist and collegiate media adviser. I teach classes including those on writing, reporting, media law, media ethics, social media marketing, and public relations. I am married, have two children and live in Oklahoma. More about this site's purpose

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