Fate has shaped Fredrick's life in dramatic ways—from being the "odd one out" in his family to surviving several near-death experiences. In his autobiography Switched at Birth: My Life in Someone Else's World, Fred shares the incredible journey that has defined his existence.
The switch occurred on Christmas 1946 when two newborn babies belonging to different families were mistakenly swapped in their hospital carts. In an instant, Fred, destined to be the second of five children in a devout Scottish Presbyterian family, was raised as the fifth of thirteen siblings in a Roman Catholic Lebanese household.
From religion and ethnicity to culture and economics, this event changed every aspect of Fred's identity. Raised in a lively, fun-loving environment, Fred's upbringing was a stark contrast to the more conservative family he would have known.
When Fred met his birth family, the Churchmans, he discovered remarkable similarities in appearance, mannerisms, and even personality traits with his biological relatives.
In his memoir, Fred emphasizes the significant influence of DNA on our identities, representing how deeply we can resemble our ancestors, both in physical traits and behaviors.
Reflecting on his first meeting with his birth brother, Owen, Fred recalls, "The similarities between us were undeniable—not just in looks, mannerisms, and voices, but even in the traits we shared. I discovered that I write just like my birth mother, whose handwriting resembles early Egyptian script. This reinforced the idea that our genes—and the traits they carry—play a powerful role in shaping who we are."
Fred has experienced numerous close calls throughout his life, leading him to believe he must have more lives than a cat. This book, Switched At Birth, is dedicated to his birth mother, the only living parent, as a way to show her what his life has been like without her.
Switched at Birth is also a message of acceptance for anyone who has been adopted or fostered. Fred encourages readers to embrace who they are and stay true to themselves. He also offers a heartfelt message to adoptive parents: the love and acceptance you offer to children are invaluable, and this book reflects the power of that love wholeheartedly.
Read the book now on Amazon.
About the Author
Frederick J. George is a passionate storyteller and lifelong learner. In his memoir Switched at Birth: My Life in Someone Else's World, he draws from his remarkable journey. A former marathon runner and athlete, Frederick has played rugby and cricket, and he continues to motivate others to pursue positive goals. Frederick strongly believes in the power of perseverance and hopes his book will inspire readers to never give up—life is too precious.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Switched-At-Birth-Someone-Elses-dp-1439204829/dp/1439204829/ref=dp_ob_title_bk