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by Robin Sharma
One for the Murphys summary
Brief summary
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a heartwarming story about a foster child finding family in unexpected places. It explores themes of love, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Table of Contents
One for the Murphys
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Foster Care System
In One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, we are introduced to Carley Connors, a young girl who has been placed in foster care after a traumatic incident involving her mother. Carley is initially resistant to the idea of living with the Murphys, a seemingly perfect foster family, and she struggles to fit into their loving and structured household.
As the story progresses, Carley's tough exterior begins to soften as she experiences the warmth and care of the Murphys. She forms a close bond with Mrs. Murphy and her youngest son, Michael Eric, and starts to see the possibility of a different, more stable life. However, she remains guarded, fearing that she will be hurt again if she allows herself to become too attached.
Emotional Healing and Acceptance
Carley's journey in One for the Murphys is not just about adapting to a new family, but also about coming to terms with her past. She grapples with feelings of guilt and anger over her mother's actions, and struggles to understand her place in the world. Through her interactions with the Murphys and her experiences at school, Carley begins to confront her emotions and slowly starts to heal.
One of the turning points in the story is when Carley participates in a school play, which helps her to express her feelings and gain a sense of belonging. She also learns to stand up for herself and others, challenging the tough-girl persona she has adopted as a defense mechanism. These experiences help Carley to accept herself and her circumstances, and to open up to the love and support offered by the Murphys.
Reconciliation and Moving Forward
As One for the Murphys nears its conclusion, Carley's biological mother re-enters her life, causing a great deal of emotional turmoil. Carley is faced with a difficult decision: whether to return to her mother or stay with the Murphys. This conflict forces her to confront her past and consider what she truly wants for her future.
In the end, Carley chooses to stay with the Murphys, recognizing that they have become her family in every sense of the word. She also realizes that her decision does not mean she loves her mother any less, but that she needs the stability and love that the Murphys provide. The novel ends with a sense of hope and a new beginning for Carley, as she looks forward to her future with her newfound family.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, One for the Murphys is a poignant and heartwarming story about the complexities of family, love, and resilience. Through Carley's journey, we gain insight into the foster care system and the emotional struggles faced by children in such situations. The novel also emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and second chances, leaving us with a message of hope and the power of healing.
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What is One for the Murphys about?
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a heartwarming and poignant novel about 12-year-old Carley who is placed in a foster home after a difficult family situation. As she navigates her new life with the caring and supportive Murphy family, Carley learns about love, trust, and the true meaning of family. This beautifully written book reminds us that sometimes, family is not about blood, but about the people who love and support us.
One for the Murphys Review
One for the Murphys (2012) tells the heartfelt story of Carley, a tough foster kid who finds herself in an unexpected and loving home. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a raw and honest portrayal of the foster care system, shedding light on the realities faced by many children.
- Through Carley's journey, the book explores themes of resilience, love, and healing, making it a powerful and emotional read.
- With its realistic characters and heartfelt narrative, the story immerses readers in Carley's world, evoking empathy and leaving a lasting impact.
Who should read One for the Murphys?
- Readers who enjoy realistic and heartfelt stories
- Those interested in exploring themes of family, identity, and belonging
- Teachers, parents, or caregivers looking for a book to discuss empathy and resilience with young readers
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One for the Murphys FAQs
What is the main message of One for the Murphys?
The main message of One for the Murphys is that love and compassion can heal even the deepest wounds.
How long does it take to read One for the Murphys?
The reading time for One for the Murphys varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is One for the Murphys a good book? Is it worth reading?
One for the Murphys is a heartwarming and thought-provoking book that is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of One for the Murphys?
The author of One for the Murphys is Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
What to read after One for the Murphys?
If you're wondering what to read next after One for the Murphys, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau