A Chance in the World

An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home

By: Steve Pemberton

Narrated by: Steve Pemberton

Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

"Pemberton's beautifully told story is a rags to riches journey - beginning in a place and with a jarring set of experiences that could have destroyed his life. But Steve's refusal to give in to those forces, and his resolve to create a better life, shows a courage and resilience that is an example for many of us to follow." (Stedman Graham, author, educator)

Home is the place where our life stories begin. A Chance in the World is the astonishing true story of a boy destined to become a man of resilience, determination, and vision. Down in the dank basement, amid my moldy, hoarded food and beloved worm-eaten books, I dreamed that my real home, the place where my story had begun, was out there somewhere, and one day I was going to find it.

Taken from his mother at age three, Steve Klakowicz lives a terrifying existence. Caught in the clutches of a cruel foster family and subjected to constant abuse, Steve finds his only refuge in a box of books given to him by a kind stranger. In these books, he discovers new worlds he can only imagine and begins to hope that one day he might have a different life, that one day he will find his true home. A fair-complexioned boy with blue eyes, a curly Afro, and a Polish last name, he is determined to unravel the mystery of his origins and find his birth family. Armed with just a single clue, Steve embarks on an extraordinary quest for his identity, only to find that nothing is as it appears.

Through it all, Steve's story teaches us that no matter how broken our past, no matter how great our misfortunes, we have it in us to create a new beginning and to build a place where love awaits.

©2012 Steve Pemberton (P)2019 Thomas Nelson

Don't pass this book up!

The book is heart-wrenching! The narration brings deep emotional understanding to his awful childhood experiences.

Good Book

This book was good and well read. Love when a family right the wrongs of their families past; breaking family barriers and curses.

A chance in the world

This was a great read given all the trauma the entire family faced for decades. The writer was very factual, honest and forgiving. Given what his family endured, he has a relationship with God and it is beautiful. So sad that there are demons in the world like the Anderson’s and racism that exists even today.

Heart-wrenching and also inspiring

As an adopted child who searched for and found her biological family, I could relate to the yearning to know where you came from and to connect with "family." However, my childhood was happy and, although I had been with a foster family for 6 months as a baby, I have no recollection. I have considered fostering children myself and paying it forward. Steven, your story may just be the motivation I needed to do so. Thank you for sharing your journey.

heart-wrenching and inspirational

I'm so glad I read this book! it is stunning that someone can survive this ordeal

Strong-Willed character that survives all hardships

A very touching, moving, real story of hardships, determination, and perseverance. I could feel every struggle and I could feel the happiness of finding family as if it was me.
I enjoyed its narration by the author himself.

life changing and inspiring. This was amazing

I don't remember the last time l was so moved and captivated by a story the way I was this one. my heart ached at the realization that there may be many other children suffering the same way.

The Desire & Determination to know his kinship

I couldn't stop listening to this book. this is highly recommend. A top notch book & author

inspirational. loving, hope.

when it first started off I didn't know how was I going to enjoy it. I found out this book should be apart of foster care of children. at times the system is so desperate to find homes for these children, and really finding out they have found monster. Everyone need to find wonderful home for all children. Hold everyone accountable for their actions.

Heart felt thanks to the author

What an inspiring story. Hard to believe it's true and it does attest to the power of God in someone's life. I am really thankful to the author that he allowed himself to write this through all his pain. Thank you very much