I almost gave up on this one, as it was incredibly bleak and infuriating. Liz Murray was the younger of two daughters born to drug-addicted parents who could barely keep themselves together, much less two young children. After detailing her harrowing years, Murray describes how she became homeless and eventually turned her life around. The book became a better read when there were fewer terrible decisions being made. Overall, though, it was less than satisfying.

3.25 stars ( )

“Ma and Daddy did not make decisions based on what they liked or didn't like, just as they didn't make decisions based on what was good or bad for our family. Instead, Ma and Daddy made decisions based on drugs." p 109

Murray's tone is matter of fact rather than self-pitying or entitled, which I really appreciated.

This book was recommended to me as an alternative to [b:Educated|35133922|Educated|Tara Westover|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1506026635l/35133922._SY75_.jpg|53814228], but Night isn't really about education. Despite the subtitle, Murray doesn't enter high school until page 279 (out of 335). Most of the book is about her growing up with drug-addicted parents and living in poverty.

I would have liked a bit more detail on her time in school, but she was so busy studying that perhaps there wasn't much of interest to write about.

I really enjoyed the book, but feel that something is missing from it, and I can't put my finger on what that something is.

Note: There is some profanity, and author mentions child abuse and sexual abuse. ( )

Check out my review at:
http://www.shannonsbookbag.blogspot.com/2013/01/breaking-night-murray.html ( )

If you like stories of despair to triumph (and I do) you will like this book. Once again I wonder how people manage to escape from a life of poverty and come out shinning. Recommended ( )

Wow, this might just be the best memoir I’ve ever read. Yes, the story is compelling and Liz Murray keeps you turning pages as she unfolds the incredible details of her trials and tribulations growing up in the Bronx, the daughter of drug addicts, with very little hope in life. But more than that, she is a fighter who picked up the very scattered pieces at age 16 and turned her life around. I found Murray’s writing style to be engaging and thoughtful while baring some hard-to-read parts of her soul. The conversation at the end of the book was interesting as well. My only wish would have been for some pictures of Liz’s family (they honestly probably didn’t have any) and friends. Otherwise, 5 very polished stars. Well done, Liz Murray!! ( )