This is a heartbreaking story and I am so sorry the author lived this. This reinforced my strong belief that 1) we don't have strict enough laws about fostering/supervision of foster parents and 2) biological parents who screw up should not have unlimited chances. I had a very hard time reading this book because what was done to these kids (and their foster siblings) was equivalent to torture. Some of the sections had me physically sick.

I am so glad the author was able to make a good life for himself; many people who went through what he did are in jail, psychiatric institutions or are abusing kids themselves.

This memoir was very different than I was expecting, but that is not a bad thing. Be prepared for a range of emotions while reading this.I felt anger, sorrow,sadness, proud, happy. Stephen Jon Thompson told his story and I honestly could not stop reading until I finished. Well done Sir!

Thank you to the Publisher, Stephen Jon Thompson & NetGalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own thoughts on the content of this book.

Hotel Goodbyes by Stephen Jon Thompson touched me deeply. His courage to share his story so openly is truly inspiring. There were moments when I found myself pausing to reflect, relating his experiences to my own childhood and how they shaped who I am today. Stephen shares valuable advice he received from various people throughout his journey, especially while navigating the challenges of the foster system. By the end, I felt proud and uplifted by the life he has built as an adult. I highly recommend this memoir to everyone. Five stars.

This was an ARC provided by NetGalley and Forbes Books.

This memoir is a gut-wrenching yet beautiful account of Stephen Jon Thompsons childhood, which took a dark turn when his mother abandoned him and his four siblings in a motel. Imagine being a kid and having to make the tough call for help—Stephen, being the oldest, had to do just that, and it changed his whole life.

The story dives into the chaos of growing up in a broken foster care system, bouncing from home to home while clinging to the hope that maybe, just maybe, their mom would come back for them. It’s heartbreaking and makes you realize just how much kids can endure. It was painful reading about the abandonment these kids faced.

But here's the thing: amidst all that sadness, there’s also hope and kindness. Thompson shows how, despite everything, he becomes a true survivor. His outlook on life evolves, making him not just a survivor but a successful one at that.

"Hotel Goodbyes" is a powerful read that will stay with me. It’s a true reminder of resilience. I can’t recommend it enough—this book is a must-read for everyone.

If this memoir doesn’t make the adult in you want to pack these kids up and take them to a safe haven I would be extremely surprised. This vivid and inconceivable account of a young boy and his sibling’s journey through abandonment and a harrowing childhood will tug at your heartstrings.

Stephen Thompson’s writing is gripping. The easy way he describes his young life of turmoil, uncertainty, guilt and angst flows from each page. He has a unique ability of nonchalantly describing the harrowing moments in his young life and captivating his audience.

This book took me through so many emotions. I could visualize every scene the author describes with such clarity. When the book ended, I wanted to read more about this interesting individual and his family. This story of resilience and triumph is one that will stay with me for years to come.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forbes Books and that author for an advanced reader’s copy.

Stephen Thompson does an amazing job sharing his story of being abandoned at a young age and the importance of finding chosen family. This book is awe inspiring- his grit, perseverance, determination, and strength when life was excruciatingly hard. This book brought me a thankfulness and an appreciation for the importance of family and friends in my life. At the mile marker moments of his life, Stephen chose to become someone different than the examples he was given early in life. Beautifully told and shared.

Every few weeks, I scroll through the books on Netgalley to see if anything new pops out to me; this one did.

His mother was never reliable and any money that came in, went out immediately. There was no father (well, he met his dad a few times, but nothing to look up to as a role model). All he had was his siblings whom he would do anything for. Some family members did try and help them with food and shelter, but it was never a long term solution.

At the age of 9, Stephen was abandoned by his mother in a hotel in Reno, Nevada, and he took the responsibility of taking care of his 4 younger siblings after that happened.

This book tells the extraordinary story of his survival, not only of his, but also of his siblings. He went through foster care in Nevada, and eventually a family friend took him in as one of their own. He did get separated from his siblings, and when they found each other a little while later, the reunion made me shed some tears of happiness.

One thing I read in the description on Netgalley, but there wasn’t much on it in the book, was his job as a human resource executive for several of the top companies in the world. I would’ve liked to read that, but maybe he is saving that for a future book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I first saw the Reno arch on the cover and was intrigued because I lived near Reno in the 1980s and spent a lot of my youth there. Then I continued to read what the book was about and I had a feeling it would be a good book. I was not disappointed!
This is well written book. It's amazing to see how well Steve broke the cycle. He had such natural insight at such a young age!

Stephen was just 9 years old in 1980 when his mother Brenda abandoned him and his four younger siblings, the youngest 1 year old, leaving them in a motel room in Reno, Nevada. He summoned common sense and inner strength to handle this crisis and many others, forced to grow up well beyond his years. I marveled at his ability to keep his younger charges entertained and fed, even if it was only Nilla wafers and tap water available. He endured unspeakable heartbreak such as intense hunger, militant foster care situations, and family separation. I was impressed with his appreciation of the simple basic foundations in life that most children take for granted, but were so difficult for Stephen to experience- having a safe home, ample food, freedom of expression, and most of all- loving parents. His story exposed cracks in the system that leave abandoned kids such as him in further unsafe environments, but also the beauty of giving souls who will step up to sacrifice and save a life.

This was a very real, authentic, sobering, and inspirational memoir. The writing style was natural and pleasant to digest. I usually will read as many as three books simultaneously, but this memoir's raw and emotional story grabbed me by the heartstrings as I binge read it to its satisfying conclusion. I have incredible admiration and respect for the author and wish him well for the rest of his life.

Thank you to the publisher Forbes Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.