Replacement Child

A Memoir

By: Judy L. Mandel

Narrated by: Laural Merlington

Judy L. Mandel was born into a family crippled by grief. But it would be years before she would discover the shocking circumstances of their loss.

In her award-winning memoir, Replacement Child - now a New York Times best seller - Mandel tells the true story of a horrifying accident: A plane crashes into a family's home, leaving one daughter severely burned and another dead. The death of the child leaves a hole in the family that threatens to tear it apart. In an attempt to fill the painful gap, the parents have a "replacement child."

This powerful tale of love and lies, family and hope, is an intimate account of being brought into the world to provide "a salve for the burns." As a child, Mandel unwittingly rides the deep and hidden currents of her family's grief - until her discovery of this family secret, years later, changes her life forever, forcing her to confront the complex layers of her relationships with her father, mother, and sister.

©2009, 2013 Judy L. Mandel (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

A Perfect Example of ‘Show Don’t Tell’ Writing

What an amazing memoir! So much life into one small book. Loved the way she jumped back and forth in telling the story yet I was never lost (except maybe which husband she was married to at the time). Judy’s use of ‘Show Don’t Tell’ is the perfect example of how to write a memoir, something I struggle with that made me stop writing. But she inspired me to get back an relook at mine.
The only unanswered question; What happened to her grandmother after she ran out of the house? I was transfixed waiting for the answer.
Even so, I can’t wait to start “White Flag.”

Amazing story, beautifully told

Having previously read the book, I knew what this story was. But hearing it read aloud was a very different experience. Listening to the words brought the story to life. The tension of the approaching accident was almost palpable and draws you into the story as if you are a witness to a moment in history.

I highly recommend this book. The reader does a great job of bringing the characters to life and the story will not disappoint.