I received this book through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

There are so many things I like about this book, I don't even know where to start.

For starters, Tina S.'s story is one that is not only interesting, but eye opening as well. The account is written with such brutal honesty about the ups and downs of her life. She is easy to empathize with, even when she does things the reader may not agree with. Overall, Tina S. seems like a very likable and smart person, which really comes out in the writing. Even when Tina S. did something bad, you can't help but still like her.

Tina S. chronicles her life in Grand Central Station as well as the lives of those around her. She recounts drugs, alcohol, rape, abortion, abuse, panhandling, theft, and crime as it happened to her and the people around her. Her words help to bring awareness about homelessness and drug abuse, some of the issues the homeless population faces, and reasons for why many people stay homeless.

Secondly, this is a book of non-fiction, but it reads like fiction. It is so easy to get into the story. It has a really important message and brings awareness to an important issues, but also is fascinating to read. Tina S. has a very unique story.

The timeline recounted jumps from chapter to chapter and even within chapters, but overall the story is relatively easy to follow. And I feel that the time jumps add an interesting layer to Tina S.'s story.

An amazing book because of it's writing and the intriguing story it tells. A very important story on a personal level as well as a social level in what is really needed for people who are homeless. ( )

As interesting as the story was, I was really annoyed by the style of the book. Knowing that it wasn't written the way it was by Tina S., Bolnick's structuring and tone were distracting and made this feel more like fiction than a true account. Still a worthwhile read. ( )