When I first read the review on this book I was unsure if it was worth reading, after all there seem to be so many of these type of stories about abused or problem children who managed to make a decent life for themselves against all odds. Still, I suffer from depression and I know that reading something like this can lift my moods and give me a much-needed boost after reading. I'm so glad I did read this; it was on the librarian's desk ready to be placed on the new bookrack, as I was about to leave. Fate decided for me. The author, Liz Murray was someone I knew nothing about, probably since she's American. I haven't seen the television film made about her ...  Read the complete review

Breaking Night is the autobiography of Liz Murray, a young woman who was homeless at fifteen yet still made her way through the doors of Harvard University. It's both depressing and inspirational in equal measures, and completely absorbing. This book see Liz Murray track her life from early childhood to her entry to Harvard and it really is an incredible journey. Born with drugs in her system to loving but deeply flawed, drug-addicted parents in the Bronx, Murray's childhood is really quite horrifying. This part of the book can be quite difficult to read - the image of Liz and her sister sharing a tube of lip balm because they were so hungry will stay with me ...  Read the complete review