Lost Child

The True Story of a Girl Who Couldn't Ask for Help

By: Torey Hayden

Narrated by: Lucy Rayner

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

The first new book from beloved therapist and writer Torey Hayden in almost 15 years - an inspiring, uplifting tale of a troubled child and the remarkable woman who made a difference.

In a forgotten corner of Wales, a young girl languishes in a home for troubled children. Abandoned by her parents because of her violent streak, Jessie - at the age of 10 - is at risk of becoming just another lost soul in the foster system.

Precocious and bold, Jessie is convinced she is possessed by the devil and utterly unprepared for the arrival of therapist Torey Hayden. Armed with patience, compassion, and unconditional love, Hayden begins working with Jessie once a week. But when Jessie makes a stunning accusation against one of Hayden’s colleagues - a man Hayden implicitly trusts - Hayden’s work doubles: Now she must not only get to the root of Jessie’s troubles, but also find out if what the girl alleges is true.

A moving, compelling, and inspiring account, Lost Child is a powerful testament once again of Torey Hayden’s extraordinary ability to reach children who many have given up on - and a reminder of how patience and love can ultimately prevail.

©2019 Torey Hayden (P)2019 HarperAudio

Gripping True Story of an Abused Child

The only performance that I wished was difference was the American woman’s accent. Good listen/read.

Loved Jess

Tori Hayden does not disappoint! Great story – loved Jess. I know if you kids like this and it helped hear the perspective.

I found the accent situation distracting.

Write more Tory

it moved me. My heart died for Jess. Tory was so loving and understanding. I'm always amazed how into the story I go. Can't wait to read what's next.

Not for the faint of Heart

I love Torey Hayden. However, if you are looking for a neat package that ties up all the loose ends, this is not for you. This is a true story about real people who are multifaceted, complex and human. No one is all good or all bad. It almost reads like a case study for a class.

Jessie Jessie Jessie

I really enjoyed reading/listening to this book. We had to read for a school bookclub and Jessie took us for a ride down the rabbit hole.. great book, great story.

This is a captivating story..

I felt Jessie’s hurt and sorry. I appreciated the loving therapy from the author. I wanted the book to go all through Jessie’s life…I truly appreciate both sides of the story.
What a brave and brilliant young lady.

Wonderful Book

Torey Hayden is my favorite author, and all of her books are wonderful. Once you read one, you will never see troubled children the same way. She seems to know what they are crying out for.

Great Story to the Last Half Minute!

Perfect Christmas listen for a depressed and lonely woman! Listener feels love for all the characters. The story is told thrillingly, which made me glad the story is true.Beautifully written and beautifully narrated. Very helpful listen for those who think psychological counseling is like watching paint dry. Thank you!

Sad

Very good but so sad what kids in the system go through. My son is from the system and he went through a lot before he came to me.

Mixed

Torey Hayden’s latest difficult case, Jessie, a girl with reactive attachment disorder (RAD) challenges her abilities as a therapist. Jessie’s symptoms include perpetual lying, everything from what foods she enjoys to having a brother. She lies to get out of trouble and to get others in trouble. Additionally, Jessie’s manipulative behavior includes inappropriate touching if others.

I admired Torey’s ability to empathize, and care about this truly unlikable child. Her unending patience is remarkable. Consequently, Hayden didn’t do a good job of setting boundaries and she rewarded maladaptive behavior, which probably put her at odds with the staff at the group home.

As a child psychologist, I cringed at some of Hayden’s practices and interventions, though I knew they came from a place of caring. Jessie’s story is fascinating and aside from wanting to ask Torey what she was thinking, LOST CHILD was an enjoyable read. If Hayden’s practices were simply unorthodox I be less bothered, but some of what she did bordered on malpractice. For example, when the cops tell you not to question a child about abuse allegations because doing so could taint the witness, you listen. If the child brings up the abuse, you listen without prodding for more information and you cannot be the investigator, no matter how much you believe a certain scenario. No therapist wants a child molester going free because the defense convinces the jury you led the witness. Children who will testify to abuse often see specialized therapists who are trained for these purposes. Hayden wrote she shouldn’t lead questions in a certain way, yet fails to heed warning.

LOST CHILD, while a fascinating case study, was ultimately a frustrating read.