About the Book
Title: Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace
Author: Mary A. Perez
Genre: Memoir
Number of Pages: 360
Synopsis: More than a memoir—this book is a promise of hope for anyone who was abandoned as a child, to anyone who woke up hungry and went to bed hungrier every day, for every wife who has loved a husband who left bruises on her heart and on her body.
Somewhere between stealing cold cuts from stray cats and watching a stranger leave her mother’s bed after breaking in through their bedroom window, Mary figured out that her family was dirt poor. Worse than her empty stomach, she was hungry for acceptance and love. She thought she found it when her baby sister was born and she became her “mommy”, taking care of her needs as best she could at the age of seven. Then she had to say goodbye over a small white casket.
Mary’s grandparents, first generation immigrants from Puerto Rico, took her in and gave her a glimpse of faith and stability. For a brief, shining spell, she had a real home—until they decided that Mama needed her. They may have been right, but Mama needed more than a little girl could give and Mary lost her way again.
Just out of Juvy Hall, Mary found a knight in shining armor to take her away. She became a teenage bride to a man twice her age—a man as deeply enslaved to booze as every “step-dad” she’d had as a child. She loved him anyway, even wearing the bruises he gave her, even when she tried to leave him to give their children a better life. Despite her fear and loneliness, she never imagined it would take a gunshot in the middle of the night to teach her courage. She was even more surprised when rediscovered faith paved the path to forgiveness after so many years of pain.
Running in Heels is a memoir of the grit and grace that carried a young girl through the shadows of her mother’s choices and on through an abusive marriage. Mary A. Pérez narrates an incredible story of survival in the face of hopelessness, and learning to forgive against all odds.
A story of coming of age, and coming into grace.
Author: Mary A. Perez
Genre: Memoir
Number of Pages: 360
Synopsis: More than a memoir—this book is a promise of hope for anyone who was abandoned as a child, to anyone who woke up hungry and went to bed hungrier every day, for every wife who has loved a husband who left bruises on her heart and on her body.
Somewhere between stealing cold cuts from stray cats and watching a stranger leave her mother’s bed after breaking in through their bedroom window, Mary figured out that her family was dirt poor. Worse than her empty stomach, she was hungry for acceptance and love. She thought she found it when her baby sister was born and she became her “mommy”, taking care of her needs as best she could at the age of seven. Then she had to say goodbye over a small white casket.
Mary’s grandparents, first generation immigrants from Puerto Rico, took her in and gave her a glimpse of faith and stability. For a brief, shining spell, she had a real home—until they decided that Mama needed her. They may have been right, but Mama needed more than a little girl could give and Mary lost her way again.
Just out of Juvy Hall, Mary found a knight in shining armor to take her away. She became a teenage bride to a man twice her age—a man as deeply enslaved to booze as every “step-dad” she’d had as a child. She loved him anyway, even wearing the bruises he gave her, even when she tried to leave him to give their children a better life. Despite her fear and loneliness, she never imagined it would take a gunshot in the middle of the night to teach her courage. She was even more surprised when rediscovered faith paved the path to forgiveness after so many years of pain.
Running in Heels is a memoir of the grit and grace that carried a young girl through the shadows of her mother’s choices and on through an abusive marriage. Mary A. Pérez narrates an incredible story of survival in the face of hopelessness, and learning to forgive against all odds.
A story of coming of age, and coming into grace.
My Review
Running in Heels is a compelling memoir that explore the life of author Mary Perez as she experiences tragedy, abuse, extreme loneliness, and ultimately forgiveness.
From the moment Mary's parents divorced, and she was sent to live with her mother, her life was set on a downward spiral. Her mother was more interested in drinking and men than in parenting and Mary often went without food and on a few occasions shelter. Her only reprieve was the time spent with her grandparents. A house full of love, laughter, and plenty to eat Mary longed to remain with them, but always found herself back with her mother. Due to lack of parenting Mary becomes a delinquent teen and ends up in juvy. Upon her release she finds her "prince charming," or so she believes, but her prince is abusive and possessive. Mary, vows to make the relationship work and believes Donny's empty promises which only lead to several pregnancies and lots of heartache. Will Mary ever escape the cycle and find the peace and love she deserves?
Running in Heels is a heartfelt recollection of a life filled with unimaginable struggles as well as the inspiring determination to survive which, by the grace of God, the author does. This gratifying memoir is well written and moving. I felt so many emotions as Mary suffered abuse, loss, and finally discovered the joy life has to offer.
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
From the moment Mary's parents divorced, and she was sent to live with her mother, her life was set on a downward spiral. Her mother was more interested in drinking and men than in parenting and Mary often went without food and on a few occasions shelter. Her only reprieve was the time spent with her grandparents. A house full of love, laughter, and plenty to eat Mary longed to remain with them, but always found herself back with her mother. Due to lack of parenting Mary becomes a delinquent teen and ends up in juvy. Upon her release she finds her "prince charming," or so she believes, but her prince is abusive and possessive. Mary, vows to make the relationship work and believes Donny's empty promises which only lead to several pregnancies and lots of heartache. Will Mary ever escape the cycle and find the peace and love she deserves?
Running in Heels is a heartfelt recollection of a life filled with unimaginable struggles as well as the inspiring determination to survive which, by the grace of God, the author does. This gratifying memoir is well written and moving. I felt so many emotions as Mary suffered abuse, loss, and finally discovered the joy life has to offer.
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
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