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Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard Audiobook, by Liz Murray Play Audiobook Sample

Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard Audiobook

Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard Audiobook, by Liz Murray Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Liz Murray Publisher: Tantor Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 9.50 hours at 1.5x Speed 7.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: June 2011 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781452672892

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

24

Longest Chapter Length:

49:04 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

06:47 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

35:35 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

1

Publisher Description

Liz Murray was born to loving but drug-addicted parents in the Bronx. In school she was taunted for her dirty clothing and lice-infested hair, eventually skipping so many classes that she was put into a girls' home. At age fifteen, Liz found herself on the streets when her family finally unraveled. She learned to scrape by, foraging for food and riding subways all night to have a warm place to sleep. When Liz's mother died of AIDS, she decided to take control of her own destiny and go back to high school, often completing her assignments in the hallways and subway stations where she slept. Liz squeezed four years of high school into two, while homeless; won a New York Times scholarship; and made it into the Ivy League. Breaking Night is an unforgettable and beautifully written story of one woman's indomitable spirit to survive and prevail, against all odds.

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"This is truly an amazing and inspirational story. One that I will never forget. Liz's story proves that we are in control of our own lives and our destiny. Her story is definitely heartwrenching as she tells us of her life growing up in a rat infested, filthy NY apartment with her older sister and her drug addicted mentally ill parents. Her parents, who blew through their welfare check each month on drugs and liquor leaving her and her older sister with nothing. I was amazed how she always loved them regardless of their neglect, illnesses and addictions. I was swept away of how strong of a survivor she was, continually overcoming never ending hardships and struggles. As a young teenager, she was homeless, sleeping in stairwells, on the subway, under bridges, or crashing at friends houses once their parents left for the day. Liz was committed to turn her life around and how she belived she could. She is an incredible person and you will constantly be blown away by her strength, maturity and understanding."

— Mary (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Murray tells an engaging, powerfully motivational story about turning her life around after growing up the neglected child of drug addicts…In this incredible story of true grit, Murray went from feeling like ‘the world was filled with people who were repulsed by me’ to learning to receive the bountiful generosity of strangers who truly cared.”

    — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
  • “Neither sensationalizing nor soliciting pity, Murray’s generous account of and caring attitude toward her past are not only uplifting, but also a fascinating lesson in the value of dedication.”

    — Booklist
  • Murray tells an engaging, powerfully motivational story.

    — Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Breaking Night Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.628571428571429 out of 54.628571428571429 out of 54.628571428571429 out of 54.628571428571429 out of 54.628571428571429 out of 5 (4.63)
5 Stars: 25
4 Stars: 8
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " An absolute must read. I didn’t want it to end! "

    — Samantha , 2/24/2019
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Similar to Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, but this girl made her life harder on herself than it even was. Interesting direction in the 'difficult childhood' genre (my favorite reads): because here it's clear that it's not the circumstances, even with drug addict parents, dumpster clothes and barely enough food, it's all in how you cope. "

    — Louisebrodnitz, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Excellent read. Better than Glass Castle! "

    — Pam, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Liz Murray grew up in a filthy apartment where her daily routine was not structure and school, rather striving to fit into her parents' drug centered lives. Her teenage years were spent homeless in New York. Her inspiring ability to independently overcome all odds and make her life change was influenced strongly by an alternative school led by passionate teachers. If you ever doubt YOUR ability to make things happen in life, read this book and you will change your mind! "

    — Rowlak5, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Absolutely amazing ! Little too fast towards the end but knowing that someone can make such difference in her life all alone is unbelievable . Highly recommend it ! "

    — Navid, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Fantastic read. Highly recommend this book. Truly inspiring!! "

    — Claudia, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book was difficult to read in parts because it is hard to believe that children can actually live threw situtations like this. At the same time it is very inspirational to see what Liz does with her life. It just goes to show that you can't always control what happens to you in your life but you can control how you let it affect you. "

    — Doloresfritz, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A moving story about love, hope, & overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Liz's tale will draw you in and keep you captivated. It's so sad to think that some people live in these conditions (or worse) and very inspiring to see that some do make it out successfully. Definitely eye opening for those of us who have led a pretty sheltered lifestyle. Liz truly is an amazing person. Great read! "

    — TKieninger, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I read Breaking Night in a few short days because I found Liz Murray's story so compelling. I was moved by every move she made that brought her from the Bronx all the way to Harvard. Liz Murray amazed me with the courageous decision she made. At some points in the story I was frustrated with where her life was taking her, but she managed to turn it around and completely change her future. I highly recommend this book! "

    — Taylor, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Not my usual read but really enjoyed it. Couldn't put it down. "

    — Rachel, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved this story of a young girls's survival while being raised by cocaine addict parents. "

    — Marianneflood, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book was ok but felt it moved vary slowly. I was ready for it to be done while still halfway through it. Do I recommend it... no. "

    — Alison, 12/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It's a great book for me as a teacher teaching in an at risk school to have more compassion and understanding of where my students came from and their struggle . "

    — Jenny, 11/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Memoirs like these are at times very sad, deeply moving, heart wrenching and inspirational. How Liz not only survived, but went on to thrive is nothing short of a miracle. "

    — Debra, 9/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I could not put it down, read it in one sitting. It's a sad but nonetheless inspiring story that our kids should read; it would help them realize how safe and fortunate they are! Loved it. "

    — Natalia, 7/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Great book....great story and a wonderful speaker. Liz spoke at a local event and she was excellent. "

    — Peggy, 6/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This one was very hard to read but a very inspiring and amazing true story. "

    — Lindquistheather, 5/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I loved this book. The story sucked me in immediately--of course, I'm a sucker for a good memoir. I was enthralled with Liz's story, and it was extremely well-written. I would recommend it. "

    — Lydia, 2/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Liz Murray has amazed me, how she turned out against the odds is beyond words. I won't forget this book in a hurry.. Thank you Liz! "

    — N, 12/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " my expectations were low, and it was actually pretty good. "

    — Mandy, 11/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Life through the eye's of a child whose parents are drug addicts. No pity asked for, no suggestion of victimization, just the facts and how she felt and handled whatever comes along. Very good book and an inspiration to show that obstacles can be overcome given the right mindset. "

    — Kandus, 6/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " I really liked this book. I actually could not put it down and i didn't stop until i finished reading it. This book inspires me to live up to my own dreams. One of the best books I've read. "

    — Michelle, 5/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Very well written, moving and inspirational... "

    — Emily, 1/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Such a strong and inspiring story. This is a must read! "

    — Analise, 11/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Everyone should read this book. That's really all there is to say! I'm sleep deprived from late nights of reading and not being able to put the book down. Just go read this heartbreaking yet courageous story. You'll be glad you did. "

    — Brittany, 9/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Non fiction. Hard to believe that this is true. Born to drug addicted parents who later die from AIDs. School drop out. Homeless at 15. NY Times college scholarship winner and Harvard graduate. You need to read this. I finished it in one day. "

    — Sandy, 6/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Heartbreaking, annoying, anger-inducing (at her parents) this is a story I could not put down. Liz Murray is someone I would love to sit down with, get to known, take to dinner and shake her hand. "

    — Jo, 6/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The writing is weak, but the story is still compelling. I've always felt that education was the way out...and she certainly made that case. "

    — Beccahartzell, 6/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Excellent memoir. Intense but so well written the pages fly by. "

    — Kathy, 6/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Amazing story. It's not for the faint of heart- it describes extremely graphic scenarios in this author's life. However, I give it five stars! "

    — Heather, 6/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The most astounding life story I have ever read. I am completely stunned and can barely believe all the events in this book happened to a single young person. My thanks to Liz for her courage and for being willing to share it. "

    — Jen, 6/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I found it gripping, and I was anxious to know what would happen next. As anxious as I was to keep reading, I didn't want it to be over, so I was sad when I finished it. "

    — Amy, 6/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " One of the most inspiring books I have read! Not only did I find this book inspiring but it made me realize how much I have taken my education for granted. "

    — Sarah, 6/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A gripping story of resilience and endurance. As an educator, this story helped me to understand the side of children's lives that I only gets hints about in schools. One of the best books I have read this year. "

    — Ellie, 6/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Very inspiring story with lots of great motivational quotes and advice. Proves that one can rise above their circumstances and choose the course of their lives. Highly recommend, material is definitely disturbing at times. "

    — Paulette, 6/7/2011

About Liz Murray

Liz Murray was left homeless at age fifteen after her mother’s death from AIDS. She fended for herself on the streets, eventually returning to high school. She was accepted into Harvard, where she attended college classes for three years before taking time off to help her father, who also died of AIDS. She returned to college, and is now taking graduate courses at Harvard. Liz now speaks at engagements around the country. A movie about her life, Homeless to Harvard, was made by Lifetime.