Mummy Please Dont Let Them Take Me Away to the Funny Farm

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 · 326 ratings  · 29 reviews

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I've been reading Casey Watson books for years. Way before I joined Goodreads. I've read the majority of her books although I've not written reviews as I wasn't aware of reviews "back in the day" and years ago bringing up my kids and running a home plus working part time. But I have read them! Honest!

Casey is returning to foster after a few months break. She's older, many years older since she first started fostering.

Special high facility cases are what I see her excel in.

It's a complex dysfunc

I've been reading Casey Watson books for years. Way before I joined Goodreads. I've read the majority of her books although I've not written reviews as I wasn't aware of reviews "back in the day" and years ago bringing up my kids and running a home plus working part time. But I have read them! Honest!

Casey is returning to foster after a few months break. She's older, many years older since she first started fostering.

Special high facility cases are what I see her excel in.

It's a complex dysfunctional family that needs joining together again.

The 4 year old she takes in has very "colourful" language. Bossy too.

It's an emotive story that you can't help but get involved with.

Her partners exasperation was evident at times in extreme situations and I agreed with him.

It's horrible to think some children have lives like this. Foster parents are a godsend.

...more

At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, she encourages her to tell Casey more about this difficult to place family and the circumstances around them. Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. Casey will fight there corner to keep this family together which isn't easy. At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, she encourages her to tell Casey more about this difficult to place family and the circumstances around them. Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. Casey will fight there corner to keep this family together which isn't easy. ...more

May 14, 2021 Bekah B rated it it was amazing

I don't think that Casey Watson will ever write a fostering memoir that I will rate lower than 5 stars. She writes with such emotion and honesty, even admitting her own faults, that it is impossible not to get caught up in the story being told. If you have read any of Casey's books previously, or any other fostering memoir, then you know how these books work. It's a tried and tested formula so there's not much to say other than it was fantastic as usual.
This book did feel a little different than I don't think that Casey Watson will ever write a fostering memoir that I will rate lower than 5 stars. She writes with such emotion and honesty, even admitting her own faults, that it is impossible not to get caught up in the story being told. If you have read any of Casey's books previously, or any other fostering memoir, then you know how these books work. It's a tried and tested formula so there's not much to say other than it was fantastic as usual.
This book did feel a little different than usual as it was a different type of fostering placement, it was a Mother and Baby placement. Jenna, the teenage mother has just been released from prison and she goes to stay with Casey and family, along with her 4 year old and newborn baby. Jenna is not the most likeable of people initially so it's hard to feel sympathy towards her situation and to understand why Casey is so determined to give her a chance.
This was one of those situations where you don't quite know which side to root for in the battle.
I loved this book as expected and can't wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review. ...more

Mar 24, 2022 Bailey rated it really liked it

My only complaint is the use of "lol" in this one. Were they actually saying "luhl/lohl" out loud??

Otherwise, I'm so happy for Jenna, Casey is a saint.

May 05, 2021 Julie Haigh rated it it was amazing

Excellent.

The Watson's have had a bit of a break in fostering, and Casey is ready to start again. This is the usual, very good, easy read from Casey Watson. I was straight into it, and enjoyed it all the way through. I read it in just a couple of days.

Casey seems down-to-earth, fun, there are some good word choices, which show her voice and personality. Ha! Some of her phrases and sayings! The occasional one of these help balance the often difficult circumstances.

Unpredictable, and certainly a

Excellent.

The Watson's have had a bit of a break in fostering, and Casey is ready to start again. This is the usual, very good, easy read from Casey Watson. I was straight into it, and enjoyed it all the way through. I read it in just a couple of days.

Casey seems down-to-earth, fun, there are some good word choices, which show her voice and personality. Ha! Some of her phrases and sayings! The occasional one of these help balance the often difficult circumstances.

Unpredictable, and certainly a page turner. Casey Watson right on form.

...more

Apr 18, 2021 Ian Mcnamara rated it it was amazing

Again another fantastic read from this author. I love how Casey regularly goes beyond what is required in order to help the children in her care. Her willingness to also help the mother to even though that was not stricktly her job apart from monitoring her. The watsons are very caring and always try and do what is best for the children in her care.

May 19, 2021 Linda Tilling rated it really liked it

You can't go wrong with a Casey Watson book. The emotion that she evokes in the reader from experiencing the lives of those children in care and the foster parents who go through hell with them is always something not to be missed.

In this book we concentrate on a whole family being fostered ready to be integrated back into society to stand on their own two feet, and I laughed, cried, swore and read late into the night to understand Jenna, Seth and Tommy. I was horrified at some of the things I r

You can't go wrong with a Casey Watson book. The emotion that she evokes in the reader from experiencing the lives of those children in care and the foster parents who go through hell with them is always something not to be missed.

In this book we concentrate on a whole family being fostered ready to be integrated back into society to stand on their own two feet, and I laughed, cried, swore and read late into the night to understand Jenna, Seth and Tommy. I was horrified at some of the things I read, but know that Casey's stories are always an accurate portrayal of life and I applaud her for her work as a foster parent and author.

...more

May 07, 2021 Kate Southey rated it it was amazing

Another fabulous book by Casey Watson. I'm a huge lover of the foster carer memoir genre in general but Casey to me stands out above the rest as being the most true to life and honest. The characters in Casey's books are not just her and Mike, the child(ten) they are fostering or their own children and grandchildren but also social workers. Having read all of Casey's books (she just doesn't write them fast enough for me!) I've seen how many different social workers she has had around her kitchen Another fabulous book by Casey Watson. I'm a huge lover of the foster carer memoir genre in general but Casey to me stands out above the rest as being the most true to life and honest. The characters in Casey's books are not just her and Mike, the child(ten) they are fostering or their own children and grandchildren but also social workers. Having read all of Casey's books (she just doesn't write them fast enough for me!) I've seen how many different social workers she has had around her kitchen table and how honest her assessment of them and the regulations they have to adhere to are. This book is no exception to that honesty. While other writers will gently criticise but add "it's not their fault I know they are under great pressure" so as not to look negative. Casey says "I didn't agree with what he said and I blame him for what followed" this honesty and willingness to stick her head above the parapet is what makes her books so readable.
This honesty is not just directed at the professionals she encounters but also at herself. She is well aware of her flaws and foibles and her marriage bears testament to that self awareness as when Mike points out that she's in the wrong she will huff and puff a bit, have a cup of tea and then admit that he's bang on.
This story is of a mother and baby placement that isn't. The Watsons have the children's mother living with them but she is not in care being 19. The boys are under a care order though so are Casey and Mike's responsibility. This adds a new layer of complexity to the placement and shows the Watson's resilience in all its glory.
What more can I say? It's another sure fire winner. If this is your first Casey Watson book, yes it is as good as the reviews say it is and oh I am SO jealous that you can now go on to read her entire 'back catalogue' when you've finished this one. ...more

As is always the case with Casey's writing. She takes you on a journey of highs, lows, heartbreak, heartache, shocks, hopes, fears, tears and expectations.

The first few pages were really shocking and hooked me in quickly. I really couldn't believe what I was reading!

The behaviour of 4 yr old Seth, made it easy to make assumptions about the way in which he had been brought up. But you quickly realise that this is based on societal rules, perceptions and prejudices that are rolled out. Often by pe

As is always the case with Casey's writing. She takes you on a journey of highs, lows, heartbreak, heartache, shocks, hopes, fears, tears and expectations.

The first few pages were really shocking and hooked me in quickly. I really couldn't believe what I was reading!

The behaviour of 4 yr old Seth, made it easy to make assumptions about the way in which he had been brought up. But you quickly realise that this is based on societal rules, perceptions and prejudices that are rolled out. Often by people who've never had nay experience whatsoever of the things they make their judgements and expectations on.

Casey writes so naturally and with excellent insight based on her extensive experience as a foster carer. She isn't afraid to show the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Which makes her so relatable. With each turn of the page, I was eager to find out if Jenna, Seth and Tommy got their happy ever after. As the story unfolded, I found myself really rooting for them.

Casey manages to take everything you think you know about the care system and the people within it, and turn those perceptions completely on their head!

A definite 'must read@ for memoir lovers and anyone interested in Sociology, Social Services and Social Care.

A really gritty but inspiring story of love, hope, courage, bravery and above all the ability to be resilient and triumphant in the face of real adversity.

I loved it!!.

...more

Jul 08, 2021 Daniel Stern rated it it was amazing

As always, Casey doesn't disappoint with her fostering memoirs and Mummy, Please Don't Leave is not an exception. I read it in one session, through the night!! Here she is telling us of her time with Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, s As always, Casey doesn't disappoint with her fostering memoirs and Mummy, Please Don't Leave is not an exception. I read it in one session, through the night!! Here she is telling us of her time with Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, she encourages her to tell Casey more about this difficult to place family and the circumstances around them .......

Foster carers should be spotlighted more - they work incredibly hard with children and young people who are having a challenging time and make a difference to each and every child they help.
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May 08, 2021 Sally Tyrer rated it it was amazing

I've always read and enjoyed the fostering memoirs of both Casey and Cathy glass, as they are so easy to read and truely reflect their family life warts and all.
Mummy please don't leave introduces us to Seth and Tommy and their mum Jenna, Casey has had a break from fostering but feels she is ready to start again, after discussion with her case manager she is informed of a hard to place family unit consisting of a teenage mum, baby and four year old and jumps at the thought of taking them on!
This I've always read and enjoyed the fostering memoirs of both Casey and Cathy glass, as they are so easy to read and truely reflect their family life warts and all.
Mummy please don't leave introduces us to Seth and Tommy and their mum Jenna, Casey has had a break from fostering but feels she is ready to start again, after discussion with her case manager she is informed of a hard to place family unit consisting of a teenage mum, baby and four year old and jumps at the thought of taking them on!
This case proves extremely challenging for Casey and her long suffering but supportive family, but with her consistent, practical, sensible care and support she enables Jenna to fight her case.
Thank you netgalley for this early read. ...more

As always, Casey doesn't disappoint with her fostering memoirs and Mummy, Please Don't Leave is not an exception. Here she is telling us of her time with Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, she encourages her to tell Casey more about thi As always, Casey doesn't disappoint with her fostering memoirs and Mummy, Please Don't Leave is not an exception. Here she is telling us of her time with Jenna (teenage mum) and her 2 boys, baby Tommy and 4 year old Seth. At the beginning of the book, Casey is feeling a bit lonely as her and Mike have had a break from fostering for a few months. She persuades her family that she and they are up to fostering again. When talking to her social worker, she encourages her to tell Casey more about this difficult to place family and the circumstances around them .......

Foster carers should be spotlighted more - they work incredibly hard with children and young people who are having a challenging time and make a difference to each and every child they help.

...more

Jul 19, 2021 Vanessa rated it it was amazing

OMG.........Mummy, Please Don't Leave by Casey Watson was a amazing heartbreaking true story of a broken family and the foster carer who wants to keep them together.............Then again all her books I have read I have reached out for a box of tissues. This is a book that will stick with you a very long time, Casey's books are always written from the heart and always get me a blubbering mess I don't know why i read her books but I am hooked to this author

I highly recommend this latest book fro

OMG.........Mummy, Please Don't Leave by Casey Watson was a amazing heartbreaking true story of a broken family and the foster carer who wants to keep them together.............Then again all her books I have read I have reached out for a box of tissues. This is a book that will stick with you a very long time, Casey's books are always written from the heart and always get me a blubbering mess I don't know why i read her books but I am hooked to this author

I highly recommend this latest book from Casey Fantastic read - Buy don't forget your tissues you will need more than a box!

Big Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

...more

Apr 25, 2021 Kelly Ferrett rated it it was amazing

Mummy, Please Don't Leave. by Casey Watson.
Great story about 4 year old Seth and his baby brother Tommy who come to Casey and family. The boys life is in turmoil ... their mum is in prison .... the grandparents are in no fit state to look after them .. they are in worst state than anyone.
Jenna ... the kids mum is coming out of prison but will be staying with Casey too .. so she can learn to be a parent to her boys .. not the easiest on anyone Seth is a very troubled little boy and Jenna does not Mummy, Please Don't Leave. by Casey Watson.
Great story about 4 year old Seth and his baby brother Tommy who come to Casey and family. The boys life is in turmoil ... their mum is in prison .... the grandparents are in no fit state to look after them .. they are in worst state than anyone.
Jenna ... the kids mum is coming out of prison but will be staying with Casey too .. so she can learn to be a parent to her boys .. not the easiest on anyone Seth is a very troubled little boy and Jenna does not understand what she needs to do as a mum! With a lot of help from Casey can she become the mum these boys need! ...more

Mummy, please don't leave

I just wanna say I loved this book from start to finish like all of Casey's books her and her husband Mike do a fantastic job in helping these children go on to better lives then where they've been & came from , and now I've started the recent one as once you start u can't put it down
I would give it 10+ stars if I could

Mummy, please don't leave

I just wanna say I loved this book from start to finish like all of Casey's books her and her husband Mike do a fantastic job in helping these children go on to better lives then where they've been & came from , and now I've started the recent one as once you start u can't put it down
I would give it 10+ stars if I could

...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This story was completely unbelievable to me. The parenting did not seem suitable for young traumatised children. While going above and beyond with your job is a good thing, work policies and procpolicies should be followed. I do not believe that a foster carer who broke court agreed policies and wrote inacurrate logs would still be working.

Mar 15, 2022 Maureen H rated it it was amazing

Excellent read

Another great story from Casey, just read this for the second time. I have read all Casey's books to date. Such a great job she does with the support of her husband Mike and her family.

Excellent read

Another great story from Casey, just read this for the second time. I have read all Casey's books to date. Such a great job she does with the support of her husband Mike and her family.

...more

Apr 17, 2021 mois reads rated it it was amazing

Jenna, Tommy, seth.

This is casey at her best taking on 2 children one a baby then there mother as well and casey will fight there corner to keep this family together which isn't easy but a definite 5 stars

Jenna, Tommy, seth.

This is casey at her best taking on 2 children one a baby then there mother as well and casey will fight there corner to keep this family together which isn't easy but a definite 5 stars

...more

Very

Good book. This girl went through lots bbut fought to keep her babies. I do wonder,at end you mentioned she wrote a book. You should have named it so people could buy her book too.

Apr 20, 2021 Kelly rated it it was amazing

Amazing Lady

What a remarkable family to foster troubled children. It must take loads of patience, love and understanding. What a generous heart Casey has. I hope for the best for Jenna's family. Thanks to Casey they have a chance.

Amazing Lady

What a remarkable family to foster troubled children. It must take loads of patience, love and understanding. What a generous heart Casey has. I hope for the best for Jenna's family. Thanks to Casey they have a chance.

...more

Yet another amazing Casey story

I love ashes books, once I start to read its so hard to put the book down. A very sad story that I hope turns into a beautiful life for The young family involved.

I really enjoyed this book. Casey is very honest and doesn't come across as a goody two shoes at all. She admits when she is wrong and doesn't pretend to be perfect. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen in this book.

Jan 05, 2022 Brent Seheult rated it it was amazing

Casey Does it again

As usual Casey does a wonderful job in telling the stories of the children in her care. This placement seemed to be a very challenging and difficult one for Casey and the family

May 15, 2022 Jenny McAteer rated it really liked it

Interesting read

The ending surprised me but it surprised Casey
too! Glad she gave us an insight after 2 years. Well written

Aug 07, 2021 Lau rated it really liked it

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is part of Casey's fostering memoirs and would recommend it to anyone to educate themselves on the dark side of foster care and social services. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is part of Casey's fostering memoirs and would recommend it to anyone to educate themselves on the dark side of foster care and social services. ...more

Wow. This is an incredible book. Very realistic comparing to the social justice system. Casey was so resilient and did not give up on those kids. Beautiful!

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