"In 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and in 1969, I met my mother. I was eight years old."

In this gripping memoir, Randall James tears open his life story, taking the reader on a breathless roller coaster ride through his childhood, teen and adult life.

Despite years of neglect, poverty, and violence, Randall graduates from high school and heads out into the world. But his shaky foundation soon leads to drastic consequences, including a suicide attempt.

After battling alcohol, marital and health issues, Randall ultimately learns that life's roller coaster doesn't always conclude with a fairy tale ending. What's most important is not the ride itself, but who is with you along the way.

At times hilarious, at times harrowing, this candid account of one man's struggle, growth, and transformation points to the meaning beneath the hardships of life.

#1 Local Bestseller! A pan-Canadian story. 

The AUDIO BOOK is Now Available!

On Audible, Amazon and iTunes. 

Narrated by Gary Tredwell. 

Buy it at Audible

"Snuggled in on a cold rainy Cape Breton night and couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. Being the same age and knowing some people mentioned in the book I was surprised I didn’t know Randy from school...but after reading this book felt I knew him. Cape Breton Orphan brought me back to memories of growing up with the basics, how our struggles were normal but more importantly how we grew as a result of them. Our upbringing although tough to varying degrees helped define who we are today. Thank you Randy for sharing of yourself and your faith in this inspirational book."

--Sandra Boudreau

 "Well, I just finished this wonderful book! Randall, you poured your heart into sharing your story with us. The good times and the bad. I didn't want it to end! ENCORE!!!"

--Judy Urquhart
Whitby, Ontario

"One word ...WOW. Started this book at 5 a.m. this morning

and didn't put it down until I finished. I had no idea that Randy had

such a hard life. Most people would just give up, not him, he overcame. Randy is a humble man who made me feel much closer as a friend after I finished his memoir. Bravo, hats off to you my friend!!!!!"

--Tony Nemis

Cape Breton, NS

"Well I got the book today at 4 and just finished it! I know God is good. I really enjoyed your reflections from picking blueberries to the ball bouncing at Central school. It was so refreshing to hear the names of the people we grew up with.

A great read indeed! Best of luck."

--Ann White

"Pick this book up! Local author, Randall James, writes about his childhood in Low Point and New Waterford and his journey through life. Great stuff!"

--Patricia Hillier, Teacher

"I've fallen in love with these stories."

--Angela MacLean

  Hamilton, Ontario

 "I am enjoying this book very much! Even had tears."

--Nora Campbell

Sherwood Park, Alberta

"I am enjoying this story. My emotions are all over the place. Cannot wait to read on!"

--Sharon Burke Randles

Sackville, Nova Scotia (Proud Cape Bretoner)

 "It’s another snowy day in Halifax. Which is quite ok because I got to finish my recent novel, Cape Breton Orphan. Randall James put together a story of sadness, love, tragedy and forgiveness. I am sure that there are parts of the novel that we can all relate to. If I could take one thing away from the book, it’s hope. We all need hope in one shape or another. A must read not only for Capers but for everybody.”

--Damien Scott, Major (Retired), Halifax

"Received Cape Breton Orphan in the mail yesterday. What a compelling read!!! I read it all the way through yesterday evening. Lots of great memories (both the good and the bad ) of our home town and places and names that I hadn't heard in quite some time. What an amazing journey, Randalll James. May God bless you and your family and best of luck with this adventure and whatever else may come."

Allan MacDonnell, Halifax