The Secret Adoption

By: Rafael Moscatel

Narrated by: Ryan Haugen

After a notorious lawyer, at the behest of a famed composer, meticulously conceals a child's origins, his adoptive mother spares no effort to bury the truth. Pulling strings and enlisting influential allies—including a television icon—she constructs an elaborate facade to ensure he never uncovers his past. Yet, as he ages, cracks appear, leaving him haunted by an unshakable sense that something crucial is being hidden. Set against Tinseltown's deceptive allure and shadowy intrigues, this memoir delves into the profound depths of childhood trauma, family secrets, and the universal search for belonging. Through a poignant journey of self-discovery and healing, the author reflects on the fragile bonds that define family, weaving an intensely personal narrative that lingers in the heart and mind long after you finish listening.

©2023, 2024 Rafael Moscatel (P)2025 Rafael Moscatel

Critic reviews

"Rafael Moscatel crafts a deeply engaging and entertaining story that will undoubtedly resonate with readers. Well-written with wit and honesty interspersed throughout, the author comes to terms with his upbringing, identity, and family's past. A truly unique story told with refreshing candor and emotional integrity." (Publishers Weekly)

"An engaging and surprise-filled memoir of a man whose true identity was kept from him well into adulthood that's full of twists and turns." (Kirkus Reviews)

"An amazing story about fighting demons and dealing with lies, loss, and rejection while growing up in Los Angeles, the City of Angels. Rafael's journey evokes a rollercoaster of emotions, from admiration to laughter to a deep feeling of empathy and comradery. His story is compelling, entertaining, and inspiring, a beacon of hope for those lost in the darkness of the human condition." (Indie Reader)

The depth of emotion.

A very personal and heartfelt tale of a man's life. I lived and grew up around Rafael's story. We have known each other most of our lives and went to elementary and high school together. It was interesting learning about one of my oldest friend's life story which to am exent by extention is part of my life story too. We have had our own whacky adventures that would make an interesting tale itself. Raphael has been supportive of my own writing since I started out many moons ago and we've never fully been out of touch so we always caught up from time to time. This is a very immersive tale that weaves many prominent figures of both politics and Hollywood legends such as Michael Landon and even Frank Sinatra. Growing up in Beverly Hills is a strange and rare thing to share where you met famous people and realized they were just people struggling through life like you.

Incredible vivid story of an amazing life

I loved this book! It grabbed me from the start and just built layers of emotions as it went. It was heart rendering all the way. It is funny and deep and just so interesting!!! I would listen again, which I would not often say.

An interesting tale

An interesting memoir, beautifully written. I think the narrator's voice, Ryan Haugen, held me on even longer. He reminds me a little of Christian Slater, a laid back whiskey voice. It was perfect.

Plenty of big names are peppered throughout, which is reasonable when you live in that town, people know people who know people. But that's just the frivolous side. Rafael's life is peppered with crazy girlfriends, a lack of friends and stupid decisions that send him on the wrong tangent. Blaming his adoption on most of them though is a bit of a cop-out. He is forever searching but not sure for what.

I think the author's writing skills and turn of phrase are definitely a stand out.

Best ‘read’ of the year.

Rafael is willing to share himself with us. He does a fabulous job of being open, vulnerable, and self aware.
Try it.

Refreshing story

It brought me back to my younger days and made me reflect on my own growth.