Liz Murray’s BREAKING NIGHT is the riveting memoir of a young woman who triumphed over the harrowing circumstances of her childhood. A homeless high school dropout at age fifteen, Liz took control of her destiny and graduated from Harvard University. Her narrative—like Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle—is remarkable for its clarity and lack of self-pity. Liz’s unputdownable account of prevailing against all odds will inspire hope in readers of all ages.
Liz was born to loving but drug-addicted parents. Neglected and raised in squalor, she was often so hungry that she resorted to eating ChapStick and toothpaste. She was taunted by schoolmates for her dirty clothing and lice-infested hair, eventually skipping so many classes that she was put into a girls’ home. When her family finally unraveled, Liz dropped out of high school. Later, after her mother’s death from AIDS, Liz realized that if she went back to school, she could change her own life. Completing her assignments in the hallways and subway cars where she slept, she squeezed four years of high school into two. Liz ultimately won a scholarship to Harvard. Even then, she had to rely on her inner strength and the support of her friends. After reconciling with her father, who was dying of AIDS, Liz took him into her home so she could care for him during the last years of his life. Liz graduated from Harvard in June 2009.
My thoughts
This memoir chronicles Liz Murray’s life in New York City. Haven been born into poverty to tow drug addicted parents, she decides at the age of fourteen to run away from home and live on the streets or with friends.
She details how she overcame her obstacles and was able to go to Harvard. The story is inspirational, uplifting and thought provoking. It’s good to know that she has taken her experiences to speak to and motivate others to better their lives.
Disclosure: I received this book for review from the publisher through the goodreads.com program. I received no compensation for my thoughts.
1 comments:
This does sound like a good memoir. Another example of growing up and breaking out of the mold set for you in childhood.
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