Review by Marlene Engel
Everyone has an opinion when they see
a homeless person sleeping on the streets or panhandling for money, but not
everyone takes the time to learn their story.
Judith had always avoided these people.
A New York transplant, she wasn’t accustomed to associating with people
who weren’t like her. But when she
witnesses a scene between a homeless woman and two security guards outside the
Hearst building, there’s something about the woman that captures Judith’s
attention. She’s not sure if it’s the
interesting accent that she has or the pretty features she senses is beneath
the filth and grime that covers her.
Over the next couple years, Judith
befriends and learns a lot about this homeless woman, Michelle. Previously a beauty queen in Italy, Michelle
made her way to the states when an American photographer convinced her that
fame and fortune awaited her. The harsh
reality hit when her love of drugs and alcohol stripped away any chance of living
the “American Dream” and instead landed her on the streets. For almost a decade she lived like this until
Judith learned of her deteriorating health and set out on a mission to get her
back to her family in Italy. Her family
was unaware of the lifestyle that Michelle was living in New York and she was
too embarrassed to allow them to see the broken, fragile, sick woman she had
become. Judith knew that Michelle would
die on the streets of New York if she didn’t intervene, but the biggest obstacle
she had to face was Michelle’s addiction.
Her love of drinking had brought her to this dark place. A place where she had no home and where her
body was quickly starting to rebel. Judith
was willing to do all she could to help this woman, but was Michelle willing to
accept it?
The Street or Me is a raw, uncensored view of the homeless population in New York, the
stereotypes that come along with it, and the struggles that they face. Judith Glynn is not only the author, she is
the person who put aside her life and safety to help a perfect stranger. Her devotion, love and support for a fellow
human being is not only inspirational, but renews my faith in the human
race. This book will bring you through
so many emotions, but will leave you with a sense of pride that there are such
selfless people in this world such as Judith.
I could not put this book down. I was captivated by not only the story, but
the people who lived these lives. This
is an absolute must read! Such a
powerful story of life, loss, family and friendship! If you read only one book this year, this is the one!
About the Author:
Judith Glynn never intended to become a dedicated writer
when she chose a nighttime creative-writing class over belly dancing. She
simply wanted a distraction from her disintegrating marriage. Her first
assignment – Confidence. That’s all You Need in Life – received a D.
But her passion for the craft ignited her soul and innate talent, enough to
take her on a successful writing journey for three decades and counting.
Her travel-writing specialty surfaced after a trip to
Ireland and subsequent publication inThe Washington Post. That and numerous
articles led to a five-year, monthly shopping column in The Chicago Sun
Times and other newspapers. Spain eventually became a focus and where her
discerning writer’s eye captured the local flavor. However, after hours logged
in flight and new destinations produced only a nonchalant shrug, she closed her
notebook to build a successful entrepreneurial career in New York City. But she
still wrote because life wasn’t complete without writing a story – if only for
herself.
Connect with the author at:
Judith is generously giving 2 lucky winners signed copies of both of her books:
The Street or Me: A New York Story
&
&
A Collector of
Affections: Tales from a Woman's Heart
