They Cage the Animals at Night
by Jennings Michael Burch

Reviewed by
Nicole Valladares

When people see the word autobiography, some think of history, or a very dull point in someone’s life. For some people, this might not be the case. There are some autobiographies that entrance people with their sensational pages, of love, or hardships or the pain of losing someone. Like the story of Anne Frank.

Jennings Michael Burch is different, similar to Anne Frank, but much, much, different. They Cage the Animals at Night is truly a heart shattering novel that will make you look twice at the world. It will have you questioning the meaning of love, the meaning of friendship, and the morbid feeling of being alone.

This is the story of Jennings Michael Burch, abandoned by a mother who could not possibly care for him. He is sent to an orphanage, and faces problem after problem, hanging on to the hope that his mother might come for him again. This young boy is stolen of the childhood that many of us had the luxury of experiencing. This boy learns about survival, he learns about friendship, and about the power of love.

I thought the book was marvelous, is marvelous.  Jennings’ writing style is something that just sucks you in- this man has the capability to intrigue twelve- year- olds. In my opinion, this book was made for all ages. Children who just happen to come across it, teenagers that just happened to have time on their hands, and parents who are expecting a child should read this novel. It’s something you can cry over, laugh, and smile at.