Troubled

A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class

By: Rob Henderson

Narrated by: Rob Henderson

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

One of The Economist’s Best Books of the Year!

In this “affecting…intriguing…heartbreaking” (Booklist) coming-of-age memoir, Rob Henderson vividly recounts growing up in foster care, enlisting in the US Air Force, attending elite universities, and pioneering the concept of “luxury beliefs”—ideas and opinions that confer status on the upper class while inflicting costs on the less fortunate.

Rob Henderson was born to a drug-addicted mother and a father he never met, ultimately shuttling between ten different foster homes in California. When he was adopted into a loving family, he hoped that life would finally be stable and safe. But divorce, tragedy, poverty, and violence marked his adolescent and teen years, propelling Henderson to join the military upon completing high school.

A “vivid, insightful, poignant, and powerful” (Nicholas A. Christakis, author of Blueprint) portrait of shattered families, desperation, and determination, Troubled recounts Henderson’s expectation-defying young life and juxtaposes his story with those of his friends who wound up incarcerated or killed.

As he navigates the peaks and valleys of social class, Henderson finds that he remains on the outside looking in. His greatest achievements—a military career, an undergraduate education from Yale, a PhD from Cambridge—feel like hollow measures of success. He argues that stability at home is more important than external accomplishments, and he illustrates the ways the most privileged among us benefit from a set of social standards that actively harm the most vulnerable.

©2024 Rob Henderson (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

A beautiful and important memoir for our times

Well written and well read by the author, Troubled is an excellent memoir and an important testament to the critical role that families play in our broader social challenges.

Captivating

Clear-headed, captivating, and thought provoking. Great commentary on elite school thinking. Highly enjoyable read.

Wow! This book was a non-stop listen.

I loved this book! It explores personal growth and societal issues in a powerful and thought-provoking way. The author's insights and storytelling kept me engaged throughout, providing a fresh view on overcoming challenges and promoting positive change. I recommend this book to those seeking inspiration and profound insights into personal and societal matters. It's a gem that will linger with you after finishing the final page.

An unforgettable read - a MUST for any parents or teachers

Incredible story and insight. I can’t remember the last time I read a book this meaningful.

Worth your time

The story Rob tells here was very captivating. I remember knowing some kids who were in the foster care system when I was growing up. I didn't quite realize what it might be like to be in their shoes. The insights he has gained from his upbringing and education are very valuable. I really appreciate the effort that went into sharing them with us. I'm sure most others will too.

Gripping and Elucidating Journey

Henderson brings the reader along on the soul bearing journey of his life. In relating the tragedies and people/facts, Troubled examines the current Foster Care system’s flawed design which primarily benefits bureaucrats and many exploitive “parents”.

The authors time at Yale and the observation of the passive-aggressive game of public “virtue” for personal gain was insightful. This helped me understand why so many of our institutions are failing as they are led by many self-serving, low-character Ivy grads devoid of real world life experiences.

This book also changed my concept of child development by exploring how chaos/trauma at a young age can make it almost statistically impossible to become a self-sufficient, high contributor to strengthen our society.

Grateful for the authors self-reflective life story that inspired an examination my own..

A caring and enlightening memoir

Vocabulary may be at a higher level than the audience it is trying to reach, but it will definitely impact and change lives. Thank you for your honesty and for caring.
Blessings

Brilliant Read!

Beautifully written memoir of a difficult childhood. Great commentary on values, social class, and elite western belief systems that damage our most vulnerable.

Worth every second and more

outstanding.
Maybe my favorite book this year. I will buy the hard copy and suggest everyone whos si educated read this vook.

Outstanding

Rob Henderson captures and presents a truthful argument for why the family is crucial for all of society. Not just a luxury for the upper class to enjoy.