Dr. Roger Saillant will be at Doylestown Presbyterian Church at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, in the Celtic Cross Room for an interactive talk about his powerful memoir, “The Power of Being Seen.”
The book describes Dr. Saillant’s life as a foster child in Bucks County in the 1950s and 1960s. He was placed on a subsistence farm in New Britain Township when he was only 4 years old.
Saillant, who was given up in the first year of his life, is on the board of Casas in New York State, where he resides, and is an advocate for improved foster care. He welcomes questions and discussion. The talk is sponsored by the library committee of DPC and the Read and Chat group of DPC.
Despite myriad challenges during his childhood, Saillant manages to succeed. He graduated from college and earned a doctorate. He worked for 32 years at The Ford Motor Company, became CEO of Power Plug and later executive director and adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University. He co-authored two books, in addition to writing his memoir.
While the memoir details the hardships Saillant endured, it also celebrates the people who tried to help him.
The memoir received the first place award for 2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year from Outstanding Creator Awards. Saillant also was awarded the 10th spot in the Top 10 Authors of 2023 by Outstanding Creator.
A review of his memoir by Outstanding Creator.com says in part, “This is a haunting and mesmerizing glimpse into the foster care system, specifically in the middle of 20th century America before major reforms.”
Admission to the talk is free, and there is no registration needed.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
