They Cage the Animals at Night

The True Story of an Abandoned Child's Struggle for Emotional Survival

By: Jennings Michael Burch

Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

The heartbreaking, iconic true story of an abandoned little boy's horrific journey through the American foster care system.

One misty evening, Jennings Michael Burch's mother, too sick to care for him, left her eight-year-old son at an orphanage with the words, "I'll be right back." She wasn't.... Shuttled through a bleak series of foster homes, orphanages, and institutions, Jennings never remained in any of them long enough to make a friend. Instead, he clung to a tattered stuffed animal named Doggie, his sole source of comfort in a frightening world.

Here, in his own words, Jennings Michael Burch reveals the abuse and neglect he experienced during his lost childhood. But while his experiences are both shocking and devastating, his story is ultimately one of hope - the triumphant tale of a forgotten child who somehow found the courage to reach out for love and found it waiting for him.

©1985 Jennings Michael Burch (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A deeply moving and inspiring story.” (Alan Arkin)

“Everyone who cares about the quality of life and the future of nation should read this book.” (William R. Bricker, National Director, Boys Clubs of America)

“This heartbreaking, shocking, ultimately triumphant tale is an extremely important book.” (Lucy Freeman, author of Fight Against Fears)

Comments from a reader

This is a memoir that can only be understood by survivors of child abuse. Survivors of child abuse will be able to relate to the lack of connection, abuse, lack of a stable home, and not having friends. Most importantly, this memoir will help survivors of child abuse to recove.

kindness of the human spirit

Heartwarming! This wasn’t the story I expected but it left me feeling so hopeful about the goodness in people. If only there were more stories like this. What a wonderful read! I will have my teenaged son read this book.

Very interesting story

I enjoyed this true story so much and wish I would have learned more of Jenning's life as he grew older. I've read other books about those monstrous orphanages. What makes someone be cruel to a child. I hope others will read this story. I recommend it.

I Cried

A book I known, and have read for years. I jumped at the audio book. Listen to courage.

This book pulled at all of my heart strings.

this is a remarkable story of overcoming the odds. I see this kind of scarimenss everyday. Hard to believe not much has changed in the system.

Unforgettable

I read this book in high school and it was one of the few books that really stuck with me years later. I had to read it again. This is an unforgettable memoir that will make your heart ache for Jennings, who went through things no child should ever have to go though. It was hard to read about the abuse Jennings experienced in the orphanages and foster homes and made it hard to believe people like that exist in this world. But the book is also touching too, with the friends Jennings made along the way, as well as the loving adults who were kind and helped him. It provided a sense of hope. Definitely recommend.

Great storytelling

While some of the bad people are noted, love how this tale of survival focused on the positive forces and people that helped Jennings develop into a thoughtful and caring person.

Good book

This is the saddest book ever it is amazing you should read it you will like it

Just wonderful

What a strong little boy! Loved this book and would recommend it to others. Very sad but has a wonderful ending.

A must listen

I fell in love with this book when I was quite young and have reread it many times over the last 30 years. The performance is spot on and so well done and exceeded every expectation i had die a book that has been so dear to me my whole life.

If you have never read this book I strongly suggest listening. It’s beautiful and heart shattering. It will
Leave you wanting to remain with Jennings even after the story is over.