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Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets, One Helping Hand at a Time
“Riveting . . . A genuinely important book that casts the problem of sex trafficking in America into stunning, heartbreaking relief.” (Kirkus Reviews)
A School Library Journal Best Adult Book for Teens
A Joan F. Kaywell Award Finalist from the Florida Council of Teachers of English
Carissa Phelps was a runner. By the time she was twelve, she had run away from home, dropped out of school, and fled blindly into the arms of a brutal pimp. Even when she escaped him, she could not outrun the crushing inner pain of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. With little to hope for, she expected to end up in prison, or worse. But then her life was transformed through the unexpected kindness of a teacher and a counselor. Through small miracles, Carissa accomplished the unimaginable, graduating from UCLA with both a law degree and an MBA. She left the streets behind, yet found herself back, this time working to help homeless and at-risk youth discover their own paths to a better life. Like the multimillion-copy bestseller The Glass Castle, this memoir moves us through the power of its unflinching candor and generosity.
A School Library Journal Best Adult Book for Teens
A Joan F. Kaywell Award Finalist from the Florida Council of Teachers of English
Carissa Phelps was a runner. By the time she was twelve, she had run away from home, dropped out of school, and fled blindly into the arms of a brutal pimp. Even when she escaped him, she could not outrun the crushing inner pain of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. With little to hope for, she expected to end up in prison, or worse. But then her life was transformed through the unexpected kindness of a teacher and a counselor. Through small miracles, Carissa accomplished the unimaginable, graduating from UCLA with both a law degree and an MBA. She left the streets behind, yet found herself back, this time working to help homeless and at-risk youth discover their own paths to a better life. Like the multimillion-copy bestseller The Glass Castle, this memoir moves us through the power of its unflinching candor and generosity.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2012
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1128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 29, 2012
I like reading about when the underdog wins. This is exactly how I would describe Carissa's story. Carissa had a lot of odds stacked aganist her but in the end she came out on top and is now a successful attorney and motivational speaker. Of course, the path to get where Carissa is now was not easy. To be honest, Carissa did not help the situation any by running away as much as she did. The situations where Carissa was used by men, I don't blame her for. She was only twelve. A time when young girls should be thinking about makeup and preparing for their teen years. Instead Carissa was hanging out with pimps, crack heads, and selling her body for sex. Of course, during those times, the men took advantage of Carissa and even threatened her with guns.
I thought when Carissa went to talk to the boys correctional facility and the one boy asked Carissa if she had forgiven her mother for dropping her off, that this was a really good question. I was suprised when Carissa said that no one had asked her that question yet. I honesty do not blame Carissa for her response that she can't and does not know if she will be able to. Your mother is suppose to have your back and love you and support you. Instead, Carissa's mother had her new husband's back and did not want to rock the boat of a good thing she had. Seeing Carisa's point of view, I could see why she ran away but it is still hard to read what she had to endure. I am glad that she met the right people who helped her get her life straight. This was really Carissa's story and Larkin Warren just helped to put it into words.
I thought when Carissa went to talk to the boys correctional facility and the one boy asked Carissa if she had forgiven her mother for dropping her off, that this was a really good question. I was suprised when Carissa said that no one had asked her that question yet. I honesty do not blame Carissa for her response that she can't and does not know if she will be able to. Your mother is suppose to have your back and love you and support you. Instead, Carissa's mother had her new husband's back and did not want to rock the boat of a good thing she had. Seeing Carisa's point of view, I could see why she ran away but it is still hard to read what she had to endure. I am glad that she met the right people who helped her get her life straight. This was really Carissa's story and Larkin Warren just helped to put it into words.
August 6, 2012
This is a must read - for many reasons. One is gripping, horrifying, exultant with bravery, and a deep portrayal of young kids on the streets, lots, desperate and painful. It's about sex trafficing in America and what happens to the thousands of kids every year in the United States who are forced to leave home.
It should be in the schools, read by everyone. It was written by Carissa Phelps and Larkin Warren, and the book has pages of resources such as www.saving innocence.org, www.htresourcesproject.com, www.childhelp.org, www.hollyaustinsmith.com, www.polarisproject.org, www.gems-girls.org, www.misssey.org, and over 15 pages of additional resources for Adults and examples of model programs.
If you are conscious, and want to be aware of 1,000s who are hurting, maybe if read this book, you'll have an opportunity to help someone!
It should be in the schools, read by everyone. It was written by Carissa Phelps and Larkin Warren, and the book has pages of resources such as www.saving innocence.org, www.htresourcesproject.com, www.childhelp.org, www.hollyaustinsmith.com, www.polarisproject.org, www.gems-girls.org, www.misssey.org, and over 15 pages of additional resources for Adults and examples of model programs.
If you are conscious, and want to be aware of 1,000s who are hurting, maybe if read this book, you'll have an opportunity to help someone!
March 2, 2016
Runaway Girl provides a real life account of one woman’s journey from a girl on the streets, to a successful attorney, motivational speaker, and youth advocate. The book begins with a flashback, to her first week of the second grade and her abusive stepfather, and from there the story follows Carissa’s journey, as she struggles to find her place in the world. By the time she’s twelve she’s between couches, escaping from group homes, and has done time in juvenile hall. Her struggles are brought to a new level when she’s introduced into the sex industry by a drug addict named Icey, who became her pimp, and raped her. Eventually, she escapes, and spends time going between juvenile hall and the group homes they assign her to, until the law catches up to her, which turns out to be her first big break. At Wakefield, an alternative school she meets Ron, who opens new doors for her in the world of education and her views on people as a whole. In her memoir Carissa proves that life goes on, and that no matter how many awful things have happened to you that there will always be good people to help you along the way.
Carissa portrays herself with weaknesses, she doesn’t start her life as an empowered woman, she starts as a street kid, who grows into a strong, independent, and empowered woman. There is no prince charming in her story, there are platonic role models that helped her get where she needed to be. Women reading this are proud of Carissa, she doesn’t hold anything against men, despite the number of horrifying encounters she’s had, she recognizes the individuals for their actions, not the gender as a whole. She inspires anyone with a past that they have a future, whether that past involves the sex industry, drugs, alcoholism, or abuse, she gives the message that a positive life is always possible.
I really appreciate that Carissa gives credit to the people that helped her along the way, she understands that the help she accepted made her the person she is today, and I liked that she didn’t write as if she was a one woman show. However, she skips large chunks of time in her adult life, and switches gears to her work as an activist fairly abruptly. While there is no doubt that I enjoyed her book, I often found myself reading the same things over again, though because this is non fiction that may have been unavoidable. Despite the repetition, Carissa’s writing style makes the reader feel for her, you feel her fear, but you also see how rebellious she was, and you have to determine her best course of action from the point as you turn each page.
Carissa portrays herself with weaknesses, she doesn’t start her life as an empowered woman, she starts as a street kid, who grows into a strong, independent, and empowered woman. There is no prince charming in her story, there are platonic role models that helped her get where she needed to be. Women reading this are proud of Carissa, she doesn’t hold anything against men, despite the number of horrifying encounters she’s had, she recognizes the individuals for their actions, not the gender as a whole. She inspires anyone with a past that they have a future, whether that past involves the sex industry, drugs, alcoholism, or abuse, she gives the message that a positive life is always possible.
I really appreciate that Carissa gives credit to the people that helped her along the way, she understands that the help she accepted made her the person she is today, and I liked that she didn’t write as if she was a one woman show. However, she skips large chunks of time in her adult life, and switches gears to her work as an activist fairly abruptly. While there is no doubt that I enjoyed her book, I often found myself reading the same things over again, though because this is non fiction that may have been unavoidable. Despite the repetition, Carissa’s writing style makes the reader feel for her, you feel her fear, but you also see how rebellious she was, and you have to determine her best course of action from the point as you turn each page.
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August 15, 2012Carissa Phelps memoir is a heart-pounding, cautionary, painful tale of life on the streets at the tender age of twelve. This beautiful woman was repeatedly raped and abused as a girl. Yet, with the love of some incredible people, she managed to not only survive, but make something pretty incredible out of her life. With a degree in business and law, Carissa Phelps is now trying to make a difference for others.
Phelps reveals an America many of us never see. It's important for our eyes to be open. We never know when it's possible to have a positive impact on others. It just takes one, and that power can change the world.
Simply and honestly written, I highly recommend this novel for those who enjoy memoirs or want to understand another aspect of life in America.
I am in awe of Phelps's personal strength. Without a doubt, this book only scratched the surface of some of the pain she endured. My hope for her is that goodness comes back five hundred fold. It won't change the past, but it will enable Phelps to continue to help other children who are suffering now. Thanks for being their voice.
Phelps reveals an America many of us never see. It's important for our eyes to be open. We never know when it's possible to have a positive impact on others. It just takes one, and that power can change the world.
Simply and honestly written, I highly recommend this novel for those who enjoy memoirs or want to understand another aspect of life in America.
I am in awe of Phelps's personal strength. Without a doubt, this book only scratched the surface of some of the pain she endured. My hope for her is that goodness comes back five hundred fold. It won't change the past, but it will enable Phelps to continue to help other children who are suffering now. Thanks for being their voice.
July 20, 2012
A brilliant and riveting account of the triumph of the human spirit. For her courage, her integrity and her strength, Carissa Phelps is someone to be admired.
Runaway Girl had this reader runaway with her as she (I) could not stop reading once I started.
Larkin Warren does an amazing job of telling Carissa's story, utilizing an active voice to make it seem like it's happening now, thereby injecting a sense of urgency into the prose.
This is a must read for parents and for teachers. Ms. Phelps story demonstrates Shakespeare's contention that "honor and beauty in the owner's arms are weakly fortress'd in a world of harms>'
Ms. Phelps navigates through this "world of harms" while keeping her sense of honor, beauty and namely, her selfhood intact.
Runaway Girl had this reader runaway with her as she (I) could not stop reading once I started.
Larkin Warren does an amazing job of telling Carissa's story, utilizing an active voice to make it seem like it's happening now, thereby injecting a sense of urgency into the prose.
This is a must read for parents and for teachers. Ms. Phelps story demonstrates Shakespeare's contention that "honor and beauty in the owner's arms are weakly fortress'd in a world of harms>'
Ms. Phelps navigates through this "world of harms" while keeping her sense of honor, beauty and namely, her selfhood intact.
August 5, 2012
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK! It is written by my dear friend, Carissa Phelps, who has survived the tragedy of human trafficking and has rebounded back into life and prepared to help others. This is a story of resilience and faith.
January 30, 2022
A must read.
A memoir of a survivor of human trafficking. Brutally honest, graphic, painful.
A tough read - but a necessary one. This book is so important and brings light to issues that many overlook or don't understand.
When I began reading, the novel seemed like a fiction book. Some of the instances and occurances seemed to only be true in movies - but they're not. These things are happening everywhere. Awareness of child sex trafficking and exploitation is something everyone should have. Read this memoir if you want to become more educated in the horrors children are facing every day. In order to make a difference or impact, one must first be educated in what they are fighting for. The last pages of this book even give resources for different states and ways to help.
Carissa Phelps - you are an inspiration. Your story is heartbreaking but eye-opening and only encourages me to want to fight harder for people and children like you. You're a survivor and your story touched my soul. I want to be a voice for the voiceless, just as you said.
A memoir of a survivor of human trafficking. Brutally honest, graphic, painful.
A tough read - but a necessary one. This book is so important and brings light to issues that many overlook or don't understand.
When I began reading, the novel seemed like a fiction book. Some of the instances and occurances seemed to only be true in movies - but they're not. These things are happening everywhere. Awareness of child sex trafficking and exploitation is something everyone should have. Read this memoir if you want to become more educated in the horrors children are facing every day. In order to make a difference or impact, one must first be educated in what they are fighting for. The last pages of this book even give resources for different states and ways to help.
Carissa Phelps - you are an inspiration. Your story is heartbreaking but eye-opening and only encourages me to want to fight harder for people and children like you. You're a survivor and your story touched my soul. I want to be a voice for the voiceless, just as you said.
July 6, 2024
Read for an upcoming workshop on sexual trauma and human trafficking. A difficult read, but a great illustration of the difference a compassionate adult can make and the importance of trauma-informed care.
July 5, 2023
When Carissa Phelps was 12-years old, home was not a safe place. Her mother was too indifferent to care properly for her kids and stepchildren, and her stepfather was an abusive alcoholic. With 11 kids to feed and clothe, the entire family lived in abject poverty. Eventually her mother had had enough of her antics, and she had her locked up in juvie. Growing tired of it all, she decided to run away, thinking that the streets couldn’t be any worse than home.
It wasn’t long before Phelps dreams of freedom became a nightmarish hell. A few days later she encountered Icey and his battered, very pregnant girlfriend, who told Phelps that “she was too young to be running the streets.” But he was no youth outreach worker: He was a pimp, and it wasn’t long before he put Phelps to work.
It was with Icey that Phelps encountered the worst traumas of her life. She was raped by her customers, and brutalized by Icey until he was arrested on some warrants. As he was driven away in the squad car, he blew Phelps a kiss, and was never seen by her again.
In the ensuing years Phelps went from pillar to post, back to her parent’s home, to juvie, and back on the streets again. More trauma and more rapes, with drugs and drink to ease the pain of it all. It took the kindness of counselors, teachers, and mentors for her to heal from her trauma, and to begin her work helping kids who are lost, alone, and victims of sex trafficking.
“Runaway Girl” is a heartbreakingly sad read. Her brutalization by Icey and of others she encountered will make you cry, because it’s just too real “My mouth is too small, I’M too small.” Phelps’s despair is felt by readers when her mother’s need to save face took precedence over comforting her daughter, who had just told her that she was brutalized by a pimp. At 12 “I wasn’t even worth comforting or shedding tears over.” Her story is also inspiring, as we see Phelps confront the role she played in her struggles, and how she forgave herself and ones who abused her.
“Runaway Girl” is a book of hope, and shows how readers can be change agents to at-risk youths. Phelps’s faith in God was pivotal to her growth and her healing, which is evident in Runaway Girl. She does not proselytize readers, but at times Runaway Girl reads like a book you buy at the Megachurch bookstore after hearing its guest speaker. That said, the book is somewhat repetitive and drags on, hence the 3 stars. A decent read, overall.
It wasn’t long before Phelps dreams of freedom became a nightmarish hell. A few days later she encountered Icey and his battered, very pregnant girlfriend, who told Phelps that “she was too young to be running the streets.” But he was no youth outreach worker: He was a pimp, and it wasn’t long before he put Phelps to work.
It was with Icey that Phelps encountered the worst traumas of her life. She was raped by her customers, and brutalized by Icey until he was arrested on some warrants. As he was driven away in the squad car, he blew Phelps a kiss, and was never seen by her again.
In the ensuing years Phelps went from pillar to post, back to her parent’s home, to juvie, and back on the streets again. More trauma and more rapes, with drugs and drink to ease the pain of it all. It took the kindness of counselors, teachers, and mentors for her to heal from her trauma, and to begin her work helping kids who are lost, alone, and victims of sex trafficking.
“Runaway Girl” is a heartbreakingly sad read. Her brutalization by Icey and of others she encountered will make you cry, because it’s just too real “My mouth is too small, I’M too small.” Phelps’s despair is felt by readers when her mother’s need to save face took precedence over comforting her daughter, who had just told her that she was brutalized by a pimp. At 12 “I wasn’t even worth comforting or shedding tears over.” Her story is also inspiring, as we see Phelps confront the role she played in her struggles, and how she forgave herself and ones who abused her.
“Runaway Girl” is a book of hope, and shows how readers can be change agents to at-risk youths. Phelps’s faith in God was pivotal to her growth and her healing, which is evident in Runaway Girl. She does not proselytize readers, but at times Runaway Girl reads like a book you buy at the Megachurch bookstore after hearing its guest speaker. That said, the book is somewhat repetitive and drags on, hence the 3 stars. A decent read, overall.
May 20, 2016
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12549021
True story by a young woman who left a neglectful, abusive family to live on the streets when she was very young. Phelps tells us the details of how she got caught up in prostitution, how she landed in one institution or another, and finally how one of the counselors in a youth institution believed in her enough to help her start believing in herself.
Not without some slips, she strove to get an education and became a lawyer working for homeless and at-risk youth.
It's certainly an inspiring story. Like others I have read that have an undertone of God in them, this one feels a little lacking. I wanted something more and I think I know what it is. It is clear from how Carissa was treated as a young girl that a great many people in the youth-treatment industry give up far too soon. They assume they are all "bad kids" and point to their arrests and other misdeeds as proof without looking beyond those to ask "how did you get here?" That was the question that the counselor, Ron, had asked Phelps. I feel we are asking the wrong questions and that while this was emphasized in this book it needs to be its own book.
Worth reading for the details. Also of note: Carissa spent some time living where I do, so there is a little bit of a local aspect to the story.
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12549021
True story by a young woman who left a neglectful, abusive family to live on the streets when she was very young. Phelps tells us the details of how she got caught up in prostitution, how she landed in one institution or another, and finally how one of the counselors in a youth institution believed in her enough to help her start believing in herself.
Not without some slips, she strove to get an education and became a lawyer working for homeless and at-risk youth.
It's certainly an inspiring story. Like others I have read that have an undertone of God in them, this one feels a little lacking. I wanted something more and I think I know what it is. It is clear from how Carissa was treated as a young girl that a great many people in the youth-treatment industry give up far too soon. They assume they are all "bad kids" and point to their arrests and other misdeeds as proof without looking beyond those to ask "how did you get here?" That was the question that the counselor, Ron, had asked Phelps. I feel we are asking the wrong questions and that while this was emphasized in this book it needs to be its own book.
Worth reading for the details. Also of note: Carissa spent some time living where I do, so there is a little bit of a local aspect to the story.
July 27, 2012
Carissa lived a lifetime before age 14. She was saved from a hellish life or certain death because a couple of people she met took an interest in her life. Her mom was incapable of loving or caring for her children and as a result Carissa was left on her own. Somehow against all odds, she graduated from high school and law school. She is honest in her book and some parts will break your heart and I just had to skip some passages on how she was raped by strangers. Carissa is an amazing woman and she had a story to tell.
Roman 8:28
Roman 8:28
April 12, 2015
This is an inspirational story of Carissa Phelps, a runaway who was abused, raped and neglected. Her life was transformed by a teacher and a counselor. With their support an her drive to better herself she graduated from UCLA with both a law degree and an MBA. She never forgot her former life and turned her back on lucrative jobs to work with at-risk youths to help them discover their own paths to success. As a teacher, this book appealed to me because I was moved while reading about the extraordinary relationship Carissa had with her math teacher.
July 17, 2012
It is very obvious that the author is not a writer, and that's part of the beauty of this book. You can tell that this is her story, from her words, with very little assist from the "helper" writer. Sure, it's choppy in parts, but I can't help but be amazed at someone who is the same age as me yet has overcome so much. Truly inspiring. This woman has a lot of resilience.
The resource index of organizations for runaways at the end of the book is a great added tool for librarians.
The resource index of organizations for runaways at the end of the book is a great added tool for librarians.
August 8, 2018
I work in a Juvenile Justice facility - which is both highly rewarding and extremely challenging. It's easy sometimes to forget why I do my job - personal life, lack of sleep, frustration with other aspects of the job (administration, policies, etc.) but reading a once "delinquent" juvenile's story helps bring one back down to earth and remember why. Carissa's story is heartbreaking and inspiring and reminds me why my job is so important.
July 23, 2013
Dang, this was a hard read. Unflinchingly graphic at parts, I had to skip a couple chapters in the beginning. I've met Carissa and we show her documentary to our students and engage in conversations about her life and the systemic issues surrounding her story. powerful. A reality check about how life in America is for some on the margins.
December 31, 2019
I could not put this book down. The author has survived the unthinkable and shared just how powerful the faith and support of teachers and counselors can be. I am inspired by the honesty, grit, and determination Carissa Phelps has put into her education, healing, and the desire to change a horrifying reality of child sex trafficking/abuse.
March 16, 2019
We read for different reasons at different times: to be entertained, to learn, to understand. Some of the most important books out there are difficult to digest. This powerful memoir by Carissa Phelps opened my eyes and was worth the heartache. #runawaygirl
#readtolearn #humantrafficking #survivor
#readtolearn #humantrafficking #survivor
December 19, 2014
good read. it's sad that it's a true story; however it is a good eye opener
August 12, 2020
Now my life's really going to change, I thought--as though it hadn't been changing all along. (p.330)
This book was sitting on a table in the library at the school where I work. The students, teachers, and staff were booted rather abruptly from the building last spring, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and evidence abounded throughout the school. Posters dotted the walls, advertising events long gone by. Lockers were left filled, gym gear held captive at school until we could organize their release, months later. Crazy times.
Why was this book sitting on a back table, next to A Teenager's Journey ? Perhaps someone on the Maintenance crew wanted to work through some issues while on a break and pulled up a little armchair to the table. The large print of this edition cheered me in that I thought I'd zip through it really fast, but kind of turned me off because it also made it seem more . . . amateur, in some way.
I've read Slave Stealers: True Accounts of Slave Rescues: Then and Now , and the subject of child trafficking seems to be all anyone's posting about on Facebook these days (beyond COVID and what they ate for dinner). Guess it was in the right place at the right time!
She is graphic, in a matter-of-fact way, about the sexual situations and abuse she endured, so I wouldn't be giving this to anyone very young to read (though she was awfully young when it happened--quite the dichotomy). Though I think it was well-written, I suppose the writing isn't particularly sophisticated. Nevertheless, it all comes across as very authentic, insightful, and well-told.
What stood out to me most were her parenthetical comments on interactions with authority in her life--namely, hardly anyone ever seemed to ask her for the context that framed how she got in the trouble she did, or merely reassured her that they loved her/cared about her, and those reactions are what she craved. The notable exceptions, of course, were Ron, Mrs. W., Barbara, and Marx. It was a behind-the-scenes look at the conditioning that causes one to choose instability and a dangerous night on the streets rather than accepting a warm bed with rules.
It's a hard thing to reconcile, of course--the notion of free will and accountability versus weighing (or dismissing) the sometimes poor choices and frustrating cycles and actions of someone who has been abused, and especially abused from such a young age. She doesn't address the drugs and alcohol issues much, but seems pretty healthily aware of some things she could have done better, and learning from--rather than getting mired down and obsessing about what she shouldn't waste time on (though it's a loooooong road to forgiveness and self-respect/self-knowledge, of course).
July 6, 2023
When Carissa Phelps was 12-years old, home was not a safe place. Her mother was too indifferent to care properly for her kids and stepchildren, and her stepfather was an abusive alcoholic. With 11 kids to feed and clothe, the entire family lived in abject poverty. Eventually her mother had had enough of her antics, and she had her locked up in juvie. Growing tired of it all, she decided to run away, thinking that the streets couldn’t be any worse than home.
It wasn’t long before Phelps dreams of freedom became a nightmarish hell. A few days later she encountered Icey and his battered, very pregnant girlfriend, who told Phelps that “she was too young to be running the streets.” But he was no youth outreach worker: He was a pimp, and it wasn’t long before he put Phelps to work.
It was with Icey that Phelps encountered the worst traumas of her life. She was raped by her customers, and brutalized by Icey until he was arrested on some warrants. As he was driven away in the squad car, he blew Phelps a kiss, and was never seen by her again.
In the ensuing years Phelps went from pillar to post, back to her parent’s home, to juvie, and back on the streets again. More trauma and more rapes, with drugs and drink to ease the pain of it all. It took the kindness of counselors, teachers, and mentors for her to heal from her trauma, and to begin her work helping kids who are lost, alone, and victims of sex trafficking.
“Runaway Girl” is a heartbreakingly sad read. Her brutalization by Icey and of others she encountered will make you cry, because it’s just too real “My mouth is too small, I’M too small.” Phelps’s despair is felt by readers when her mother’s need to save face took precedence over comforting her daughter, who had just told her that she was brutalized by a pimp. At 12 “I wasn’t even worth comforting or shedding tears over.” Her story is also inspiring, as we see Phelps confront the role she played in her struggles, and how she forgave herself and ones who abused her.
“Runaway Girl” is a book of hope, and shows how readers can be change agents to at-risk youths. Phelps’s faith in God was pivotal to her growth and her healing, which is evident in Runaway Girl. She does not proselytize readers, but at times Runaway Girl reads like a book you buy at the Megachurch bookstore after hearing its guest speaker. That said, the book is somewhat repetitive and drags on, hence the 3 stars. A decent read, overall.
It wasn’t long before Phelps dreams of freedom became a nightmarish hell. A few days later she encountered Icey and his battered, very pregnant girlfriend, who told Phelps that “she was too young to be running the streets.” But he was no youth outreach worker: He was a pimp, and it wasn’t long before he put Phelps to work.
It was with Icey that Phelps encountered the worst traumas of her life. She was raped by her customers, and brutalized by Icey until he was arrested on some warrants. As he was driven away in the squad car, he blew Phelps a kiss, and was never seen by her again.
In the ensuing years Phelps went from pillar to post, back to her parent’s home, to juvie, and back on the streets again. More trauma and more rapes, with drugs and drink to ease the pain of it all. It took the kindness of counselors, teachers, and mentors for her to heal from her trauma, and to begin her work helping kids who are lost, alone, and victims of sex trafficking.
“Runaway Girl” is a heartbreakingly sad read. Her brutalization by Icey and of others she encountered will make you cry, because it’s just too real “My mouth is too small, I’M too small.” Phelps’s despair is felt by readers when her mother’s need to save face took precedence over comforting her daughter, who had just told her that she was brutalized by a pimp. At 12 “I wasn’t even worth comforting or shedding tears over.” Her story is also inspiring, as we see Phelps confront the role she played in her struggles, and how she forgave herself and ones who abused her.
“Runaway Girl” is a book of hope, and shows how readers can be change agents to at-risk youths. Phelps’s faith in God was pivotal to her growth and her healing, which is evident in Runaway Girl. She does not proselytize readers, but at times Runaway Girl reads like a book you buy at the Megachurch bookstore after hearing its guest speaker. That said, the book is somewhat repetitive and drags on, hence the 3 stars. A decent read, overall.
May 8, 2019
Overall, the narrative in this is pretty well-covered: considering what Carissa went through, it's unfair to judge her on her inability to remember details from her life. It's interesting, going through the lower-rated reviews of this book...people seem ready to judge this book based on how they felt the author handled her situation. And, I guess, it's hard to judge an autobiography differently than that, but it's still pretty fascinating (and disturbing) that people are SO ready to victim blame. The author HERSELF touches on the fact that she thought this was all her fault. She was a child. Again, as this is my profession, I know about trauma bonding, so it's frustrating to see people want to learn about these stories and STILL find a way to brush them off or not believe them or hold in their empathy because she 'made bad decisions.'
May 24, 2019
Carissa life in the end came to a good finish but still had many hardships. She was determined to help girls that were growing up in her footsteps so she started to speak to girls in juvenile halls. There was one girl, K, that she started to help very day, but she eventually ran. Carissa was broken but she knew she needed to keep going forward. After not being happy with a job in finance she went to her home town and was determined to get rid of motels where girls would get taken. With not much money she couldn’t do a whole lot, but she helped and then eventually got a traveling job involving a documentary about her life. In the end she is happy, healthy, and slowly starting to forgive and forget.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2023
First of all... I have absolutely no idea how I came to own this book. This is not something I would have bought on my own or even asked for as a gift. So I'm thinking maybe it was in a donation (to me) pile from a friend or relative?? Anyways... WOW what a book and what a story! It's a memoir of a girl who grew up on the streets, was abused and exploited, and spent years in and out of group homes and juvie. The way she has turned around her life is quite a testimony! Very inspiring, but also very hard to read (emotionally). Also big time trigger warnings because much of her abuse is described in great detail.
June 27, 2024
Pros :: Such a touching, inspiring, and heartbreaking story of Carissa Phelps. "Drugs and alcohol were a way to manage the stress, loneliness, and unpredictability of my life - a drug, a beer, a boy, a fast care ride, a lost weekend, a lost week. It was a fight between the girl who knew what was good and the girl who often just couldn't give a shit." Page 201. Several teachers -- including Ron Jenkins, Mrs. Wegerman, and Barbara -- and math, were able to help Carissa until she was able to overcome being kidnapped by several pimps, making bad decisions and becoming a phoenix from a totally horrible dysfunctional family.
Cons :: Nothing
Cover art :: 5 out of 5
Cons :: Nothing
Cover art :: 5 out of 5
October 13, 2024
There are evil people in the world who think nothing of exposing children to a life on the streets. There are also wonderful people in the world who see the best in a broken soul though they may not see it themselves. She ran from both of these groups. She found her way and in the end those who believed in her were there to share her success. A remarkable story of how she survived so much in her life to end up helping those who find themselves sharing her past experiences. I was cheering her every small success all along the way.
June 22, 2021
I read this book for a second time after 6 years. Having experienced a lot more of the world (and its seedy underbelly) in those 6 years, I had a much greater appreciation for Carissa’s journey and the odds she overcame to become a successful lawyer and businesswoman. The trafficking scenes involving 12-year-old Carissa are easily the most harrowing, even nauseating, to read.
October 22, 2023
This was a difficult memoir to read: it describes pain , violence and the long lasting effects of trauma in one’s life. But at the same time it is a testimony of resilience,courage and a deep appreciation of the importance of life mentors and education. Ms. Phelp’s honesty , courage and determination are admirable.
November 24, 2023
This book is a must to read!! The book presents a gripping narrative that stirred up feelings of sadness, prompting me to ponder at various points. The main character's ability to endure and overcome obstacles was genuinely motivating. Even in times of hopelessness, she persisted and emerged victorious. Her journey, filled with difficulties, culminated in achievement.
January 15, 2021
This woman's story is a heartrending one, and sadly, is not unique. It just took someone with the special combination of personal experience with ugly happenings, intelligence, writing ability, and willingness to reveal herself to record it for the rest of us to read.
September 9, 2023
Incredibly inspirational…this book was somehow both the saddest and happiest thing I’ve read. I she’d tears and I cracked smiles. A very poignant reminder of how we can overcome adversity if we work hard enough.
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