Three Little Words

A Memoir

By: Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Narrated by: Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Ashley Rhodes-Courter spent nine years of her life in 14 different foster homes. As her mother spirals out of control, Ashley is left clinging to an unpredictable, dissolving relationship, all the while getting pulled deeper and deeper into the foster-care system. In this inspiring, unforgettable memoir, Ashley finds the courage to succeed - and in doing so, discovers the power of her own voice.©2008 Ashley Rhodes-Courter (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

excellent book

really gives a clear concise insight to the crisis that is our foster care system.

LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!

Loved the memoir! I am in the process of a social work degree and this book, opened my eyes more.

Good book, important story.

I had to read this book for a school paper so it wasn't quite as an exciting or enjoyable experience for me, but with that said, I still enjoyed it and took quite a bit away from it. Ms. Rhodes-Courter is an exceptional writer and speaker for not being a writer by profession and tells her story with great care and detail. Overall, I recommend this memoir to anyone who is interested in adoption, foster care, or the various topics surrounding such issues as well as anyone who is simply interested in a good book with superb narration.

Something is Broken, Something is Mended

I read this book over a 24-hour period (and that included 8+ hours for sleeping). Ashley Rhodes-Courter is a gifted writer and a talented speaker/narrator. While it's clear she's not an actress, she depicts her own experiences with such raw power that you have no choice but to keep on listening.
Her memories as a child - all the foster homes and foster families and case workers and confusion - is depicted so well that you feel the fear and confusion right there. Your heart breaks as Ashley - not understanding what is happening to her - takes her frustrations out on her brother, bites her thumb so hard it becomes raw, buries herself into whatever school she's attending at the time. She distrusts everyone because she doesn't feel safe and secure, believing that any arrangement is temporary.
Though Three Little Words was compellingly written and narrated, I had a hard time listening to this book. It depicts a truly broken foster care system that doesn't protect the children that it claims to protect from abusive or neglectful parents. The Note to the Listener speaks volumes - that among an administration of nearly 200 people, only a handful (primarily volunteers) truly improved Ashley's life for the better.
I am looking forward to reading what Ashley's life has become in the years since this book was published.

I loved everything about this book

I have read both her books. She is a wonderful writer. And she did a fantastic job narrating her book!

Great story

I really enjoyed this book. Love that she wrote about her tragic life. It was decent to listen to and didn’t take long. Would recommend this to book club. I’m planning to read her next one also, three more words.

A Window into Foster Hell

I'm not crying, my eyes are cleaning themselves so I can see the truth.

Eye-Opening

This is a fascinating story about a dysfunctional foster care system and the horrors faced by children it was meant to protect. It’s an important read.

tragic story, helpful perspective

I found this book, after attending a training that Ashley spoke at. Although that was a quite a whil ago, I remebwr being really moved by her. As someone who works in the Child Welfare system, this story was hard to hear. It challenged me to think critically about how much is shared with children and what is truly in their best interest. Just a heartbreaking story, but with a positive outcome.

So well worth it!!

A powerful accounting of a young girls life. Written and read by this very real young woman. Sometimes I was bothered by the Rather cheery tone With which she Narrated but I think I understand it more now And I would recommend this to anyone. Also appropriate for all ages.