The White House Boys

An American Tragedy

By: Roger Dean Kiser

Narrated by: T. Ryder Smith

Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Hidden far from sight, deep in the thick underbrush of the North Florida woods are the ghostly graves of more than 30 unidentified bodies, some of which are thought to be children who were beaten to death at the old Florida Industrial School for Boys at Marianna. It is suspected that many more bodies will be found in the fields and swamplands surrounding the institution. Investigations into the unmarked graves have compelled many grown men to come forward and share their stories of the abuses they endured and the atrocities they witnessed in the 1950s and 1960s at the institution.

The White House Boys: An American Tragedy is the true story of the horrors recalled by Roger Dean Kiser, one of the boys incarcerated at the facility in the late fifties for the crime of being a confused, unwanted, and wayward child. In a style reminiscent of the works of Mark Twain, Kiser recollects the horrifying verbal, sexual, and physical abuse he and other innocent young boys endured at the hands of their "caretakers." Questions remain unanswered and theories abound, but Roger and the other White House Boys are determined to learn the truth and see justice served.

©2009 Roger Dean Kiser (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Wow

This one is hard to review. Not a pleasant story. A lot of violence. I've read tons of true crime but never handle it well when the victims are kids, so this one was a challenge. Although the story was rough to get through, I'm so glad the author told a story that needed to be told. So many kids have suffered the same background and unless someone speaks up about it, things won't change. These subjects need to be out in the open. If it can prevent it from happening again, then it's worth telling.
I hope the author has been able to find some peace in his later adult years. He so deserves it.

Wow - I hope times have changed

This book makes me wonder how things were for my uncle in the 1930's in reform school. People who were in charge of this place in Florida should be in prison or in hell if they're already dead.
Very well done book. Lessons to learn here.

a true voice and realization to never be repeated

Rodger gave these boys at your voice and realization of what should never be repeated again this story is breathtaking and honestly makes me want to cradle him even at the age that he is to say I'm sorry your childhood was such a horrible thing but the lessons you have learned will save others will Comfort others and your voice speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves truly an honor to hear and read such a remarkable personal experience I'm honored to hear it I'm honored to absorb it and I'm honored never to repeat it as a cycle of behavior should end and only show positivity no negativity I salute you

Great book

Loved this book. Super sad but very good. The author has struggled through his life more than any of us most likely will but still became a good person.

Understanding

This was absolutely heartbreaking. What a story . You really get to experience the kind of damage. Emotional , physical, sexual abuse does to a person. Amazing details and a great reader too.

Very touching

Hard to listen to but so glad he could help others by telling his story.

Beautifully written, terribly sad story

Wow. A very well told story about the history of FLs Dozier school and such an heartbreaking experience. How many lives were affected by this cruelty, to not become cruel himself is a miracle.

A Haunting Reality.

Loved this book. Excellent narrating.
I not only learned what happened but I felt like I was there seeing it happen.

fuuuuuuucccckkkk

a story of the destruction of Innocence in the darkness that men kind truly capable of and what one human soul no, many children temp to survive what is essentially more brutal than hell

A must for anyone who interacts with another human

Amazingly, Mr. Kiser, vividly and objectively shares his story as a ward of the state.