Open Daily: 10am - 10pm | Alley door pickup 10am - 7pm 3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
612-822-4611

  • Open Daily: 10am - 10pm
    Alley-side Pickup: 10am - 7pm

    3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
    612-822-4611

Open Daily: 10am - 10pm | Alley-side Pickup: 10am - 7pm
3038 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN
612-822-4611
Taken On My Birthday

Taken On My Birthday

James, Michael

Paperback

Series: Broken Wings, Book 3

Biographies GeneralAbuse

Currently unavailable to order

ISBN13: 9798296313355
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Aug 2 2025
Pages: 134
Weight: 0.42
Height: 0.29 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Taken on My Birthday is a powerful, emotional memoir that traces the life of Michael James, who was removed from his home by the state on his fourth birthday. What should have been a day of joy marked the beginning of four painful years in state custody and foster care-years marked by fear, abandonment, and trauma.

The story chronicles his journey through broken foster homes, emotional silence, and the loss of innocence. At age eight, Michael was finally returned to his loving but struggling mother, and he began the difficult process of reconnecting with his family-his mother, his brother Joe, and his sister Brandy-while healing from years of emotional damage inflicted by his abusive father and the system that failed him.

Just when life seemed to be stabilizing, tragedy struck again. In 2007, Michael suffered a life-threatening fall that left him in a coma for seven days. The experience was terrifying and surreal-he describes the trauma of floating outside his own body, helpless and scared. When he awoke, he had to rebuild everything-speech, movement, and memory-through painful and relentless rehabilitation.

The memoir moves through themes of trauma, survival, and redemption. It highlights the strength found in family, the kindness of strangers, and the slow but courageous road to recovery. Michael reflects deeply on the rage, silence, and invisible battles that shaped him. He honors the people who helped him survive and speaks directly to others who have lived through similar pain.

The final chapters are filled with hope. Michael finds purpose through telling his story, connecting with others who have felt invisible, and helping to break the silence around childhood trauma. Through all of it, he never gives up. He stands as a survivor, a fighter, and now-a storyteller.

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