Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Another Place at the Table summary
Kathy Harrison
Brief summary
Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison is a heart-wrenching memoir that sheds light on the foster care system. It shares the author's experiences and the challenges she faces while providing a safe haven for abused and neglected children.
Topics
Table of Contents
Another Place at the Table
Summary of key ideas
Unflinching Look at Foster Parenting
In Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison, we are given an unflinching look at the world of foster parenting. Harrison, a veteran foster parent, shares her experiences, both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as she takes in children from troubled homes, giving them love, care, and a 'place at the table' in her own family.
Harrison begins her story by recounting her early years as a foster parent. She shares the challenges she faced in managing the complex needs of children who had experienced severe neglect and abuse. She also describes the initial reluctance and even resistance from her own biological children in accepting these new family members.
Children with Severe Trauma
As the narrative progresses, Harrison introduces us to some of the children she has fostered. She describes their heartbreaking stories of trauma, abandonment, and neglect. We meet children like Lucy, who, at the age of five, had already suffered severe abuse, and Ben, a young boy who had been abandoned by his parents and left to fend for himself. Harrison's accounts of these children's struggles paint a stark picture of the harsh realities faced by foster children.
Despite these challenges, Harrison's unwavering commitment to her foster children shines through. She works tirelessly to provide them with a stable and loving home, advocating for their needs and helping them navigate the complexities of the foster care system. Her dedication and compassion are evident in the small, everyday acts of care and support she provides to each child.
The Impact of Foster Care
As Another Place at the Table progresses, Harrison delves into the broader issues surrounding foster care. She sheds light on the systemic problems within the foster care system, such as overburdened caseworkers, insufficient resources, and the lack of support for both foster parents and children. She also highlights the long-term impact of early trauma on children's emotional and behavioral development.
Despite these challenges, Harrison remains hopeful. She shares stories of resilience and healing, illustrating how the love and stability offered by foster families can make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children. She also emphasizes the importance of community support and advocacy in improving the foster care system.
A Call for Understanding and Action
In the final sections of the book, Harrison makes a passionate call for greater understanding and support for foster families. She urges society to recognize and appreciate the vital role played by foster parents in caring for our most vulnerable children. She also advocates for policy changes and increased resources to address the systemic issues within the foster care system.
In conclusion, Another Place at the Table offers a compelling and deeply personal exploration of foster parenting. Through her candid and compassionate storytelling, Kathy Harrison provides a poignant look at the joys and struggles of foster care, while also advocating for meaningful change. Her memoir serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of children and the transformative power of love and care.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Another Place at the Table about?
Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison is a powerful memoir that offers a firsthand account of the foster care system. Through her own experiences as a foster parent, Harrison sheds light on the challenges and rewards of caring for children who have been neglected or abused. This book is a poignant reminder of the importance of providing love and stability to those who need it most.
Another Place at the Table Review
Another Place at the Table (2003) by Kathy Harrison gives insight into the challenging world of foster care through the eyes of a dedicated social worker. Here's why this book is compelling:
- Offers a raw portrayal of the complexities and realities of the foster care system, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs within.
- Shares heartwarming stories of resilience and compassion, showing the transformative power of love and support in the lives of vulnerable children.
- Provides a poignant narrative that not only educates but also sparks empathy and understanding towards the foster care community, making it far from monotonous.
Who should read Another Place at the Table?
Individuals interested in foster care and the challenges and rewards it brings
People looking to gain insight into the lives of children in the foster care system
Those who want to understand the impact of trauma and the power of resilience
Categories with Another Place at the Table
Book summaries like Another Place at the Table
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Another Place at the Table FAQs
What is the main message of Another Place at the Table?
The main message of Another Place at the Table is the importance of fostering love and stability for foster children.
How long does it take to read Another Place at the Table?
The estimated reading time for Another Place at the Table is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.
Is Another Place at the Table a good book? Is it worth reading?
With its poignant story and heartfelt message, Another Place at the Table is certainly worth reading.
Who is the author of Another Place at the Table?
The author of Another Place at the Table is Kathy Harrison.
What to read after Another Place at the Table?
If you're wondering what to read next after Another Place at the Table, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
- All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
- The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
- Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
- Moms Mean Business by Erin Baebler and Lara Galloway
- Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
- Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
- Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
- The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller