Breaking Night : A Memoir Of Forgiveness, Survival, And My Journey From Homeless To Harvard by Liz Murray

In the spirit of The Glass Castle, Breaking Night chronicles the remarkable life of a teenage girl who found herself living on the streets at fifteen and later managed to gain admission into Harvard.

Liz Murray was born into a loving, yet drug-addicted, household in the Bronx. Throughout her school years, she endured ridicule due to her dirty attire and lice-infested hair. Eventually, her frequent absences led to her placement in a girls’ home. At the age of fifteen, Liz became homeless, relying on scavenging for food and sleeping on subway trains to find warmth at night.

When Liz’s mother succumbed to AIDS, she resolved to shape her own future and returned to high school. She would often complete assignments while sleeping in hallways or subway stations. Despite being homeless, Liz managed to compress four years of high school into just two. Furthermore, she received a prestigious scholarship from the New York Times and ultimately secured a place at an Ivy League institution.

Breaking Night is a profoundly moving account that showcases the unwavering determination of a young woman who defied all obstacles to survive and triumph against insurmountable odds.

Breaking Night: From Homeless to Harvard – Liz Murray’s Journey

Welcome to Bookie! Today, we will dive into the captivating story of “Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard.” This inspirational article revolves around a young girl named Liz Murray, who found herself homeless but refused to let her circumstances define her.

A Heartbreaking Childhood

Liz Murray was born in 1980 to a poverty-stricken family in New York. Her parents, deeply entrenched in a world of addiction to drugs, were unable to provide for their two daughters. Instead of working, they relied on welfare checks, the majority of which went straight into their drug habits.

Life was a constant struggle for the Murray family, and their meals often consisted of just eggs and ice water. However, the arrival of the welfare check each month brought a glimmer of hope. Liz eagerly awaited the postman, feeling a sense of importance as she looked out for his arrival.

When the check finally arrived, Liz and her mother would head to the check exchange office. Standing in the long line became a precious moment for Liz, as it allowed her rare one-on-one time with her mother. Despite her mother’s preoccupation with the line, Liz cherished these moments, chatting and seeking comfort under her mother’s arm.

A Descent into Homelessness

As Liz grew older, she started skipping school until eventually dropping out altogether. This decision plunged her into a life of homelessness on the unforgiving streets of New York. It was during this period that Liz received the devastating news of her mother’s death from AIDS, further deepening her sense of despair.

Liz’s life reached its lowest point when her once dependable boyfriend began dealing drugs and succumbing to addiction himself. His violent mood swings and unpredictable behavior frightened Liz, forcing her to confront the harsh reality of her future. It was clear that a change was desperately needed.

Rising Above Adversity

Determined to turn her life around, Liz made a life-changing decision to return to high school. Despite facing countless obstacles, she persevered and completed the four-year curriculum in just two years, graduating with exceptional grades. Her hard work paid off when she was awarded the prestigious New York Times undergraduate scholarship and gained acceptance into Harvard University.

Now a graduate of an Ivy League institution, Liz Murray travels the world as an influential speaker, delivering motivational speeches to inspire young people to resist the allure of drugs and gang life. She urges individuals to pursue their dreams without using their childhood hardships as excuses.

Liz’s incredible journey from destitution to success has drawn widespread acclaim. Hayden Kimmel, author of “A Girl Named Zippy” and “She Got Up Off the Couch,” states that Liz Murray exemplifies the best and worst of America. Her infectious smile has captivated many, reflecting her resilience in the face of adversity.

Upon its release, Liz’s book, “Breaking Night,” became an instantaneous New York Times bestseller. It has been described as a heartwrenching and deeply moving tale of triumph against all odds. In 2003, a film adaptation of Liz’s story, titled “Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story,” garnered critical acclaim and received multiple Emmy nominations.

The Journey Unveiled

In this edition of Bookie, we will take you through Liz Murray’s journey, dissecting three pivotal parts of her life. Part 1 explores her difficult and bitter childhood, while Part 2 delves into the harsh realities of her homeless existence. Finally, in Part 3, we unravel Liz’s inspiring journey through her determined high school years.

Join us as we uncover the extraordinary perseverance and unwavering spirit of Liz Murray as she fought against her fate and triumphed over oppressive poverty. This is a true tale of rags to riches, reminding us that no matter our circumstances, we have the power to reshape our destiny.