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Ezra and Hadassah: A Portrait of American Royalty Paperback – January 15, 2014

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 60 ratings

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Ezra and Hadassah: A Portrait of American Royalty is the remarkable true story of a family torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. Born to mentally challenged parents, Ezra and Hadassah spend the first years of their lives in foster care while keeping ties with their biological parents. Without warning, the children are taken by complete strangers. While their parents fight to get them back, Ezra and Hadassah do everything they can to survive the horrors of their new adoptive home.
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Ezra and Hadassah: A Portrait of American Royalty is an extraordinary, riveting memoir that will take you through the gamut of emotions, from side-splitting hilarity to heart-rending sorrow, full-on rage to soul-searching contemplation. " -more at: rationalfaiths.com/book-review-ezra-hadassah-portrait-american-royalty/

" Through her deeply moving account of loss, struggle, and the search for love, Young opens herself to her readers with all the faith her brother instilled inside her and all the heartfelt honesty born into her from her parents;
Ezra and Hadassah is a memoir about endurance in tragic circumstances and, above all, about the roles other people play in our lives, from the villains to the unexpected and beloved heroes." - more at: literaryinklings.com/2014/05/book-review-ezra-and-hadassah-by-heather-young/

"I totally enjoyed this book, even with its hard subject matter. It was written in such a way that it wasn't overly emotional, or graphic, or "woe is me." It was direct and matter of fact and I think that made it easier for me to read. At the same time, it drew me in made me feel invested from the very first page."
-more at:
sueysbooks.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-discussion-ezra-and.html

" I read this book in two sittings. It was very well written and I needed to see how things turned out for Heather and Rex.Despite horrific trauma no child should have to go through, they are survivors. They are inspiring. I highly recommend you give "Ezra and Hadassah: A Portrait of American Royalty" a read." - more at:
lastmom.com/adoption-book-review-ezra-hadassah-portrait-american-royalty/

"This was a sad, true story. Ezra and Hadassah: A Portrait of American Royalty is a book about two children and their journey through the foster system and their experiences as adoptees. In the beginning, the book reminded me of A Child Called It, but soon, I was engrossed enough in the story that it stood alone for me." - more at:
grtlyblesd.blogspot.com/2014/02/ezra-and-hadassah-book-review-giveaway.html

About the Author

Heather Young is an advocate for children and families with hearing loss and other special needs. She currently resides in Seattle, WA on a boat with her husband.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 15, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 149431116X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1494311162
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.24 x 0.55 x 7.99 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 60 ratings

About the author

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Heather M. Young
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Heather Young was born in Portland, Oregon. She spent the first seven years of her life in foster care in Portland. After she and her brother were adopted, they moved to Eugene, Oregon and then to Phoenix Arizona. Now she is back in the Pacific Northwest, this time living on a boat in Seattle, WA.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
60 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2015
I very rarely write reviews, but was compelled to in this case. I heard about this book from a friend (who I believe knows the author) and it piqued my interest, but I had no idea what a heart-wrenching yet triumphant story I was starting. The story of Heather and Rex's childhood is told in what I can describe as an insightful, yet matter-of-fact, narrative that provides an understanding both of what Heather felt/thought as a child and her perception of events as an adult looking back. This is a story of children caught up in an abusive, adoptive household and their (real) parents who are caught up in the system. Yes, it is horrific on some level because no one should endure what these children (and others) did, nor should their (real) parents have been shunted to the side by the system. But it also gives me hope - both children broke the cycle of abuse that was foisted on them by their adoptive parents, though they obviously had lasting emotional scars. In addition to being a story about this somewhat heroic brother and sister, the book paints an interesting picture of dynamics within an abusive family and the pitfalls of society and government agencies of the 70s and 80s in dealing with child abuse. It is a well-written, thought-provoking read and I applaud the author for bearing her soul the way she does.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2017
This is an amazing story of a young girl who survived the odds and grew into a healthy, productive, and caring woman. I commend her for her success and continued campaign to change the foster care system. It is a mess. The ones who suffer are the children. I happen to have known the Spencers and their convicted murderer son, Eugene Colombaro. They appeared to be caring and loving people when in actuality, they were twisted. My association with them cost me and my family dearly so I'm so glad Heather overcame her horrendous experiences with Harley and Jean Spencer. I'm sorry about Emilia. She was a beautiful girl. I'm sorry about Matthew. I remember him as a kind and gentle boy. Shame on the Spencers. They have met their Maker and will answer to Him. Best wishes for healing and a wonderful life, Heather.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2014
When you think of childhood in America the picture of bicycles and friends, clean clothes and healthy food, and a safe home with loving parents in what comes to mind. Sadly this is not the situation for far too many children, and even more tragic, the reality is far worse than benign neglect and genteel poverty.

Such is the story of Ezra and Hadassah, a brother and sister born to a mentally ill mother and a father with lower than average intelligence. The state of Oregon sought to terminate the parental rights and ultimately succeeded, allowing Ezra (his name changed to Rex) and Hadassah (renamed Heather) to be adopted into a far worse situation than they ever faced with their birth parents.

Their story will absolutely gut you and tear you to pieces. In the end you are given hope that it is entirely possible to rise above the worst of the world and that life can be full of love and happiness.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2014
I read this book in one day because I couldn't put it down. The memoir is unique because these children were born to a mother with a serious mental illness and a handicapped father with a low IQ. They went through hell but inevitably chose love and service to others over bitterness and surrender. The beauty of their lives is in their triumph. How they did it---what they experienced at the hands of supposedly well meaning adults is one of the most compelling stories I've ever read. Heather writes with wit and courage and total honesty about her struggle to survive her childhood and leads the reader to hope. Ezra's story will break your heart, but his never failing attempts to be a better person and serve others leaves one feeling respect and even exultation. Many lessons to be learned from this book but the story will draw you in and mesmerize you till the end. Bravo!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2014
A classic story of triumph over adversity and amazing determination to overcome the effects of abuse and the resulting emotional feelings of dissociation. Heather's journey is an inspiration and an example of one that many other children have, but are unable to put into words. Let's hope that we are all inspired to be on the alert for other children who are in need of help in abusive situations. There are a few children who overcome huge obstacles to become contributing members of society, and Heather is a prime example as was her brother, Rex, who was able to find peace and exist in a space of universal love and acceptance even for his abusers. Heather is an outstanding person and incredible homeopathic physician and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to read her story.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2014
This book was very eye opening for me. I grew up knowing these children. Knowing that they were different yet NOT knowing why or just how sad their home life was. I guess I was clueless in my own little world. It makes me wonder how many other families there might be out there with similar issues. I am an adoptive parent and it makes me aware of how certain situations could affect my beloved adopted child. I can not imagine the pain Ezra and Hadassah went through. BUT I would love to prevent any other child from experiencing the type of treatment they did. It makes me more aware of children around me. I enjoyed it so much I couldn't put it down.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2015
Two amazing children in a horrible situation they should have never been placed in. Every foster parent should read this book. So much can be learned from Rex and Heather and also their biological parents. I was reminded of one boy in particular who we fostered as I read their story. His birth parents were a lot like theirs. I wonder how he is doing now. I wonder how they are doing. More has to be done to help the biological parents and their children. I understand it is not easy but maybe if more people read this story it might be more noticeable when something is wrong.
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