this was a great read about some one growing up in an upside ...
587777
this was a great read about some one growing up in an upside down life style and turned her life around helping someone else she never knew. felt sorry for her she never had kids of her own.
410457
I greatly enjoyed this book, even though it had some very sad parts.  No child should have to suffer the kind of childhood that he endured.  His parents were just using him as a meal ticket.  He was so brave to step out on his own at fifteen, and he has matured into a loving and kind adult.  I wish him a life filled with great happiness and contentment.
3794158
I really enjoyed this story about a migrant family's struggle for a life in America from one generation to the next.  The time period that the story takes place in was a period that I remember hearing stories about as a kid. I hope to read more from this author.
676037
This is a great read for a young man coming of age and wavers on the virtues of good living. A young boy answers the call of help in a time of need and learns that it is not the clothing or armor that you wear, nor the victories you have won in a staged arena, but it is answering the call in the most difficult of times and listening to that still small voice that lives within us all that tells you to do what is right and just even during those times. Here is a series that will become a hit from the first read. Great job and well done!
3953771
This was an awesome read. It takes a very special person to reveal the REALNESS of his struggles in hopes that if this may save someone else from a burn out. Great, great read
1435515
I related to so much in this book on a personal level, having grown up in the 1950's, gone to college in the 1960's, participated in the protests of the Vietnam era, and worked after college as an educator. The book was very well-written, and described the main character's experiences and challenges in a way that brought back memories of my own--not all of them happy ones. I couldn't put the book down.
4315268
Its refreshing to read a story from someone who doesnt win the race, someone that the vast majority of us can relate to.  A really great read.
1642068
I enjoyed reading this story of a young girl, Belle Teal, growing up in the 60's when civil rights movements were taking place and schools were becoming integrated.  Seeing things from Belle Teal's point of view gave me a different outlook of people during that time.  I was especially surprised to feel her embarassment everyday when she had to walk into school with parents picketing because they did not like the fact that black children would now be attending what was once an all white school district.  It was nice to see her befriend Darryl, the new African American boy, despite their racial differences.  In the end, it was great to see her befriend Vanessa, another person who at first, Belle strongly disliked because of her differences.  I also felt that many young readers could relate to Belle Teal and her family. Belle Teal's mother was struggling to keep her job and her grandmother seemed to be suffering a mild case of alzheimers.  Belle had a lot of responsibility in her family, which is one issue that many kids with single parents can relate to.  Belle Teal also acts as the heroine in the story when one of her closeset friends is the victim of his father's abusive behavior.  Overall, Martin does an excellent job of addressing family, friend, and racial issues throughout this book.
593317
I thought this story about a girl growing up with parents who were hoarders was absolutely fascinating.  I know someone whose parents are just like this, and like the author, she has been frustrated in her attempts to fix things for her parents. The way she had to hide the truth, and strive to be appear to be perfect to the outside world reminded me of other memoirs of children growing up with alcoholics, drug users, etc.
Worth reading! Makes me clad I have a cleaner come every week!
3628526
A good read bc its exactly what a bunch of teens are going through today.  The pressure, the eagerness to grow up tooo fast, as well as dealing with parental issues while simply trying to fit in as a kid.  Loved the storyline and the realness of the characters.  No matter how smart Amara may have been in the end the author made a way to show the readers how the decisions she made shows how much of a kid she truly is.  Her grandmother...just like grandmothers we know.  Her momma...oh we know several.  Her grandfather...who don't have a grand daddy like that! And those so called friends, its all apart of growing up and handling the ups and downs of being in high school.  Kuddos to the author.  She def made the story relatable and entertaining in every way.
1880157
3.5-4 stars. This is a great memoir following Keenans life and thoughts. The reader gets an insight into his childhood and personal struggles as well as a firsthand account from someone with more than one mental disorder. The timeline can be a little difficult to follow sometimes, but not to the extent of being utterly lost. All in all this a great, interesting read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I am not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.
996101
This was a very interesting read.  I really enjoyed it.  It's not just about waiting tables, it's about growing as a person.  You also get perspective on the corporate world and how money, greed, is all around.  I really enjoyed all of the stories, well spoken!
3120324
Having finished high school right at the time that this was set, this book rang very true to me. She captured the time period and the angst of adolescence and the need for something to happen so well. I thought the end was a bit abrupt, but overall I thought this was a great read and she is also a talented writer.
4333676
This was a very good book. It reminded me of "The Outsiders" with the teenage boys in an inner city gang, but set in the 60's, when teens were becoming more promiscuous and drugs coming on the scene. They live in the Bronx and their world is changing; not only traditions and expectations, but the community is as well. Adolescence is always so confusing, but the majority of these kids, living in the inner city, children of immigrants existing in a violent and chaotic environment and time, try to make sense of the world around them and just where they fit in. I really enjoyed this book; it had the feel of a memoir. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review was posted on Goodreads as well.
145229
This book is an excellent read to help one discover why one does the things one does, as it really addresses one's initial environment while growing up
318597
I thought this was an exciting read.  Gaby drew on her personal life to explore what life could be like giving in to stereotypes.  I don't know many people who would be as creative with a senior high school project.  I wish more people would understand that people who end up in scary situations need all the support they can to make it out as a person of integrity.  She encouraged her peers and anyone who cared to believe that there is always opportunity for personal growth and self achievement, even when told by many that life was over.
4478253
This story was a sad commentary on the life of a young woman who grew up in a poor, dysfunctional, and abusive family without hope of improving her plight in life. Only after the birth of her son, did she find happiness and that was taken away by a a sick man. Amazing that she was able to continue to live her life with such a good attitude. I hope that one day she will be reunited with her son. Best of luck and a better life going forward. Not many of us would have survived what she did,