Published: Jan. 20, 2013
Words: 62,059 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781301964215

Description

Gritty and gripping, this is the story of the author's journey from almost two decades of prostitution, addiction and prison to a life of blindness, motherhood and happiness. She has survived brutality and discrimination with resilience and optimism. "Horrifying, heartbreaking, informative and inspiring." "A riveting memoir." "An eye-opening view of life on the streets and beyond." "A must-read."

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages. For more information, see the Support FAQ.

Tags

addiction, cocaine, prison, recovery, prostitution, adoption, homelessness, motherhood, blindness, stem cells

Available ebook reading formats

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Reviews

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Review by: jose lopez on Feb. 12, 2013 :
I bought this book and read it all with in the same week of purchase, it was hard to put down. Each chapter painting a picture

The author has a straight forward honest account of her life of addiction.

As she shares her challenges after getting clean and facing new found blindness, a picture was indeed painted as I read her journey through addiction and beyond.

This book has indeed opened my eyes to struggles I was unaware of a culture is exposed in a way far different than I myself had envisioned it.


A must read human experience covering many facets from self mutilation, addiction, prostitution, prison from sighted to blind.

I was extremely moved when the author was faced with a choice of saving her eye sight or the life of her unborn child, then the pain as she was unable to parent the child instead of terminating the pregnancy, she bravely with love chose adoption

.

As I read this book, I was moved through a journey of darkness and despair to love and hope.

I look forward to reading more books by this new author.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Timothy Robnett on Feb. 12, 2013 :
I bought the book on a recommendation from a friend and had to finish it that same evening. The subject matter is compelling but the author's transparency, honesty and willingness to confront her own failures provides a rare glimpse into another human's mind and thoughts. I found myself confronting my own beliefs and questioning certain assumptions I had made as Christine shares her unvarnished story. I highly recommend this book.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Leonore H. Dvorkin on Jan. 31, 2013 :
This is, quite simply, an astonishing book. I know of no other that combines subjects as diverse as street-corner prostitution, drug addiction, homelessness, what it's like to go to jail numerous times, losing one's sight, motherhood, open adoption, and then heartfelt advocacy for the poor and ex-cons. The author's straightforward style and amazing lack of self-pity make her very personal story and then her important social messages all the more hard-hitting. I'm sure they'll stay with me for a long, long time.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Christy Bean on Jan. 26, 2013 :
This is an amazing read. I wasn't able to put it down...very compelling and eye-opening. For the price, it cannot be beat, and all the profits go to helping Christine and her son, who is 6, find a modest, two bedroom home, with a fenced yard. Currently, they share a tiny one-bedroom apartment, with no yard. Can you imagine being blind and having to tell your 6 year old that he can't play outside because you can't see if he is safe? I bought this book not only because I want to help Christine reach her goal of $10,000 in book sales, but also because it tells a great story. It inspires me to be a better person, and gives me hope for the future!!
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Wendy Poth on Jan. 25, 2013 :
This was a very good read and I really did appreciate the work that must have been needed for such a project. Congratulations
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

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