Honest and well written. Inspirational without being sappy. Really good read.

I felt as if I was there with her in her parents apartment and walking the streets and then going to school. So descriptive and raw. I cried many times for her throughout her journey. She is so inspiring. I pray for blessings for her and everything she touches and does.

Life changing! Simply amazing! I will never complain about the things I don't have after reading this book. Liz makes you appreciate what you have and gives you the inspiration to go after what you want. If she can do it with all the obstacles that were laid out before her, there is absolutely no reason you can't. Lesson learned: always be thankful for what you have bcz there are sooooo many others out there who don't have 1/2 of what you take for granted.

Such an inspiring read!

Whoa this one will stick with me! Incredible true story that I did not want to end. Life changing messages and I will recommend this book to all.

Excellent story. Her journey proves you can overcome anything with the right mindset and effort.

A story of survival and perseverance well told. A reminder to all of us that life is what we choose to make of it. Inspirational!

Truly amazing that she had the determination to bring herself out of what could have turned out very differently. Very good narration.

Honorable daughter to her parents. Amazing story.

The beginning of the book really dragged. It’s a great story, but definitely could have been a lot shorter. Could have used more detail about attending Harvard and how other successes occurred thereafter.

A beautifully written memoir of a triumphant survivor!

A powerful book about the about the ability to change and become what you want to be. Despite all that happened in her family, the love still was there. She grew and she learned and she matured, and she loved and appreciated those that were there for her. Loved this book!

This is a powerful story of rags to riches and told in such descriptive words I felt I was right there with her. It’s horrendous what Liz endured in her childhood and I’m so glad she didn’t fall into the trap of drugs like her parents. Very inspiring! Liz narrates her memoir beautifully.

Such a great story! Very encouraging!

Great book and found it very interesting !

Really powerful book and story. Everyone has a story and a struggle. Liz does a beautiful job of sharing hers. Every teenager should read this book to not only understand how important education is but how others struggle to receive it. Makes you believe in love, the good in people and community.

At first I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the author's voice because her voice sound light for such a heavy title. But I soon grew to love Liz's voice and her way of speaking. It's an understatement to say her story is amazing. She is amazing. I'm especially moved by Liz's ability to remain as loving a person throughout her life despite how she was brought up. I truly believe her parents loved her and Liz knew that, regardless of their extreme shortcomings in her upbringing, the bond survived. Knowing that she was accepted to Harvard before starting the book, I still found myself full of tears at the onset of her triumphs. Liz made things happen and was steady in her drive for something better. It seemed to me that, without much help in the beginning, she knew instinctively how to motivate herself mentally. I loved this book and am so grateful to Liz for sharing her story. Thank you.