Breaking Night

Breaking Night, a memoir by Liz Murray, tells the harrowing story of Liz's own "journey from homeless to Harvard." Growing up, there are many nights Liz and her older sister, Lisa go to bed hungry in their Bronx apartment after their parents' money goes to drugs instead of food. By the time she reaches high school, Liz has already been placed in a group home once because she will not attend school. Never wanting to go back, Liz decides to leave home for good, sleeping on the subway or in hallways when she is not staying with friends. After her mother loses her battle with AID's, Liz realizes she needs an education. Hoping to change her life for the better, Liz applies and is accepted to an alternative high school where she completes four years of high school credits in only two years, while homeless. Well on her way to success, Liz isn't finished yet. Determined to reach her goals, she applies to Harvard and for a New York Times scholarship. An incredible true story, Liz Murray's childhood and teen years are quite a rollercoaster ride. I highly recommend this book to anyone in need of some inspiration.

Reviewed by Kayla Britt