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Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis
A gripping, unfiltered, and courageously candid portrayal of a family of girls on the run.
The narrative begins in 2024; Jenny runs out of her bed after she lets out a blood-curdling scream. PTSD is an aftereffect of her childhood trauma from the 1970s and 1980s. Despite her early days living with a drug-addicted father, she overcame significant obstacles, including foster home abuse, rarely missing school, and never missing church.
This eye-opening real-world saga shows how unflagging self-determination and a heart filled with God’s light can shatter any chains and lead to triumph. If you like real-life struggles, finding salvation in the darkest of times, and never giving up, then you’ll love Jenny Cafaro’s heart-stopping tale.
The narrative begins in 2024; Jenny runs out of her bed after she lets out a blood-curdling scream. PTSD is an aftereffect of her childhood trauma from the 1970s and 1980s. Despite her early days living with a drug-addicted father, she overcame significant obstacles, including foster home abuse, rarely missing school, and never missing church.
This eye-opening real-world saga shows how unflagging self-determination and a heart filled with God’s light can shatter any chains and lead to triumph. If you like real-life struggles, finding salvation in the darkest of times, and never giving up, then you’ll love Jenny Cafaro’s heart-stopping tale.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
728 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 20, 2024
Run, Girls by Jenny Cafaro
If you found Demon Copperhead interesting….you’re going to DEVOUR Run, Girls! It’s a true story, fast paced, and riveting!
Cafaro’s writing is so uplifting, even though she discusses some wildly grim situations. It’s an amazing, intense, yet optimistic view of life growing up in Appalachia where she is surrounded by abuse, drug and alcohol addictions, and is in and out of foster care with her four sisters.
This is her triumphant story of breaking generational curses. Her buoyancy, perseverance, ambition, drive, and spirituality are her ticket to rid herself and her daughters of that curse. She is able to make lemonade out of lemons, so to speak. She learns at an early age that God helps those who help themselves and sticks with that motto throughout her life. She turns Run, Girls from a terrifying moment to a powerful message to her daughters.
This is the perfect book for those who wish to be empowered by strong women! I highly recommend this wonderfully written memoir and testament of faith and severing of generational curses.
If you found Demon Copperhead interesting….you’re going to DEVOUR Run, Girls! It’s a true story, fast paced, and riveting!
Cafaro’s writing is so uplifting, even though she discusses some wildly grim situations. It’s an amazing, intense, yet optimistic view of life growing up in Appalachia where she is surrounded by abuse, drug and alcohol addictions, and is in and out of foster care with her four sisters.
This is her triumphant story of breaking generational curses. Her buoyancy, perseverance, ambition, drive, and spirituality are her ticket to rid herself and her daughters of that curse. She is able to make lemonade out of lemons, so to speak. She learns at an early age that God helps those who help themselves and sticks with that motto throughout her life. She turns Run, Girls from a terrifying moment to a powerful message to her daughters.
This is the perfect book for those who wish to be empowered by strong women! I highly recommend this wonderfully written memoir and testament of faith and severing of generational curses.
July 27, 2024
This is a very good book to read. I highly recommend it. It is written by friend of mine. We graduated high school together bin 1992. Please read it if you get a chance. It just may help you or someone you know that is going through what Jenny and her family did
August 7, 2024
This book is amazing! It is about a woman and the trials that she has endured as she has grown up and how she has risen above her circumstances. It is written in a way that pulls you into the story. This book is definitely hard to put down and if you do, you can’t wait to get back to it and find out what happens next. We all go through trials and reading about Jenny’s trials made me thankful I have not had to endure some of what she and her family have. However, reading how she had overcome her different situations only encourages me that all things are possible!! I believe this is why she has written this memoir, to give hope to others! Well done Jenny! Well done.
July 27, 2024
I didn’t realize that my dear friend Jenny had hard life growing up. Her and sisters are very strong. This was a PDF copy
March 11, 2025
Good
What a horrific but inspiring story! However it was written very tastefully. Her faith and strength shone through. Worth reading.
What a horrific but inspiring story! However it was written very tastefully. Her faith and strength shone through. Worth reading.
July 25, 2024
Run, Girls by Jenny Cafaro
This is a novel to read! Well done and well written. What a story this author has to tell, and she tells it well. She had just the right about of detail and description without it being too much. The reader can just imagine the rest.
What a life to have lived and experienced in such a short amount of time, although it probably felt like forever, and to come out on top. Heartache, loss, love, fear, abuse, to name a few....Jenny you have overcome and accomplished and should be so proud of yourself. I can feel the love that you feel for your children, your siblings and your mom in this memoir. You are so brave to have put this on paper and publish it for your readers. You are a strong woman!
I have to say this was quite the read, I kept thinking things had to get better, not worse, and the courage this woman had to do just that over time and with so little.
I felt so many emotions in this book, my own and the authors. From such a young age she experiences things that most never will and some that no one should. Some of the emotions and memories are hard to read about, as the author describes being raised in poverty with abuse and alcoholism so prevalent. I'm sorry the author was raised this way, I'm glad she had her sister's for love and support, I think that her life experiences made her a stronger person, as did the love of her mom and sisters. She also made it sound like some of the events left some good positive memories in place.
Jenny mentions at the end of her novel that her sister is also writing a book, that's on my to be read list.
This is a novel to read! Well done and well written. What a story this author has to tell, and she tells it well. She had just the right about of detail and description without it being too much. The reader can just imagine the rest.
What a life to have lived and experienced in such a short amount of time, although it probably felt like forever, and to come out on top. Heartache, loss, love, fear, abuse, to name a few....Jenny you have overcome and accomplished and should be so proud of yourself. I can feel the love that you feel for your children, your siblings and your mom in this memoir. You are so brave to have put this on paper and publish it for your readers. You are a strong woman!
I have to say this was quite the read, I kept thinking things had to get better, not worse, and the courage this woman had to do just that over time and with so little.
I felt so many emotions in this book, my own and the authors. From such a young age she experiences things that most never will and some that no one should. Some of the emotions and memories are hard to read about, as the author describes being raised in poverty with abuse and alcoholism so prevalent. I'm sorry the author was raised this way, I'm glad she had her sister's for love and support, I think that her life experiences made her a stronger person, as did the love of her mom and sisters. She also made it sound like some of the events left some good positive memories in place.
Jenny mentions at the end of her novel that her sister is also writing a book, that's on my to be read list.
July 29, 2024
I want to start with saying, I personally do not like to review memoirs or biographies as I feel what right do I have to judge someone writing about their life experience. But since I read this as an ARC, guess I have to lol.
I will say that I felt Jenny did a wonderful job writing her story. I'm sure this wasn't easy, having to relive her past. It shows her strength and courage!
Run, Girls by Jenny Cafaro is a deeply moving memoir about her tumultuous childhood and relentless pursuit of a better life. Growing up in a family dealing with abuse and poverty, Jenny’s story is all about resilience and hope. She openly shares the physical and mental abuse she endured and the hardships her family faced.
What makes this memoir stand out is Jenny’s unbreakable spirit and faith, which gave her strength during the darkest times. Her writing is so vivid and sincere that you can’t help but feel her pain and cheer for her victories. Run, Girls is an inspiring story of overcoming challenges and finding light in the darkest moments, reminding us that there’s always hope and a way forward.
I will say that I felt Jenny did a wonderful job writing her story. I'm sure this wasn't easy, having to relive her past. It shows her strength and courage!
Run, Girls by Jenny Cafaro is a deeply moving memoir about her tumultuous childhood and relentless pursuit of a better life. Growing up in a family dealing with abuse and poverty, Jenny’s story is all about resilience and hope. She openly shares the physical and mental abuse she endured and the hardships her family faced.
What makes this memoir stand out is Jenny’s unbreakable spirit and faith, which gave her strength during the darkest times. Her writing is so vivid and sincere that you can’t help but feel her pain and cheer for her victories. Run, Girls is an inspiring story of overcoming challenges and finding light in the darkest moments, reminding us that there’s always hope and a way forward.
March 25, 2025
Good read, well written memoir of growing up impoverished in the hills of KY. A great deal resonated with me as I also shared the challenge of growing up in a challenging environment with very little money. For that reason, I connected with a good amount of her stories. It did get a bit confusing when she introduced facts regarding people in her life that made me scratch my head and have to go back and reread. When I did that rereading, it still left me puzzled as to where the new information had come from. The other issue I had was the preaching and religious aspect from about three-quarters through. Scripture was quoted so much that I felt like I was in a Bible class from a good bit of the reading. I'm glad she has her faith and feels it so deeply, but that much is never what I'm personally looking for; it made me want to skip pages and even chapters. I didn't skip, since it was a fairly short read, but it sure took the flow out of the book for me.
July 26, 2024
I waited to read this book until I knew I could read it cover to cover. You will not want to put it down once you begin reading it! It is such an extraordinary book and memoir. It stands out among so many other memoirs due to the authenticity and vulnerability of her voice. She is unflinching in describing her life and all the steps she had to take and the losses she incurred as a result. But for me, the brilliancy of the book shines through with her time through the entire book. Ultimately, this is a book about growth and transformation. Will read again. 100/100
February 23, 2025
It started out interesting, but ended super religious. I’m sure some people will love it, but I was turned off. It gave the feeling that it was written by two different people, or in two different styles?
December 14, 2024
Run Girls!
Written by Jenny Cafaro
My 5⭐️ Review!
“A Beacon Of Light”
To write a Memoir is no easy feat. Doing so takes a lot of strength and a lot of courage.
Mrs Cafaro has displayed just that as she is a vivid storyteller that allows you to take this journey with her.
The Appalachian lifestyle has been one that has intrigued many throughout the years, the music, the folklore, and the mountain range itself. Many books, movies and songs have been written about the culture.
Mrs Cafaro story is bravely portrayed in this well written Memoir not only about herself but her family included and what is what like growing up in Appalachia!
It is a story that’s sets you on an emotional rollercoaster, its heart wrenching and heart warming all at the same time allowing you to sympathize with her through the many trials and tribulations as well as that of her families.
Despite her many setbacks Jenny’s Faith in God is what held her together. Giving her the resilience she most needed to make it through life each and everyday. Understandingly her life brought a tremendous amount of hurt and pain, even resentment and some hatred.
Navigating through the mess and I mean a mess she saw a difference in the people she encountered through her earlier years as she attended a church. That difference was a light she desired to become a part of and it would be her guide through her deepest and darkest moments.
That light was the love and power of Jesus Christ who not only spoke into her life but performed many miracles within it!
From victim to victor Jenny’s story is one that will inspire you to achieve your greatest goals and reach your highest potential.
Through her faith and her story she has become a beacon of light to all who know her and share her story. Her memoir is a beacon of light and a must read for anyone who has dealt with some of life’s greatest tragedy’s. Thank you Jenny for sharing this deeply moving story with us while sharing your faith in Jesus Christ with us as well.
Written by Jenny Cafaro
My 5⭐️ Review!
“A Beacon Of Light”
To write a Memoir is no easy feat. Doing so takes a lot of strength and a lot of courage.
Mrs Cafaro has displayed just that as she is a vivid storyteller that allows you to take this journey with her.
The Appalachian lifestyle has been one that has intrigued many throughout the years, the music, the folklore, and the mountain range itself. Many books, movies and songs have been written about the culture.
Mrs Cafaro story is bravely portrayed in this well written Memoir not only about herself but her family included and what is what like growing up in Appalachia!
It is a story that’s sets you on an emotional rollercoaster, its heart wrenching and heart warming all at the same time allowing you to sympathize with her through the many trials and tribulations as well as that of her families.
Despite her many setbacks Jenny’s Faith in God is what held her together. Giving her the resilience she most needed to make it through life each and everyday. Understandingly her life brought a tremendous amount of hurt and pain, even resentment and some hatred.
Navigating through the mess and I mean a mess she saw a difference in the people she encountered through her earlier years as she attended a church. That difference was a light she desired to become a part of and it would be her guide through her deepest and darkest moments.
That light was the love and power of Jesus Christ who not only spoke into her life but performed many miracles within it!
From victim to victor Jenny’s story is one that will inspire you to achieve your greatest goals and reach your highest potential.
Through her faith and her story she has become a beacon of light to all who know her and share her story. Her memoir is a beacon of light and a must read for anyone who has dealt with some of life’s greatest tragedy’s. Thank you Jenny for sharing this deeply moving story with us while sharing your faith in Jesus Christ with us as well.
February 2, 2025
Inspirational Book
Having been raised in an alcoholic, abusive home and then going on to marry an abusive alcoholic, this book brought back many memories of that type of home life. It is so inspiring to read how Jenny and her sisters were able to overcome the hardships of poverty and achieve so much with education and faith. God was a powerful force in their lives and Jenny has expressed her gratitude and devotion for His help in her life. A powerful book!
Having been raised in an alcoholic, abusive home and then going on to marry an abusive alcoholic, this book brought back many memories of that type of home life. It is so inspiring to read how Jenny and her sisters were able to overcome the hardships of poverty and achieve so much with education and faith. God was a powerful force in their lives and Jenny has expressed her gratitude and devotion for His help in her life. A powerful book!
October 6, 2025
I found this book to be relatable in that Jenny and I are the same age. I also grew up poor, but not at the extreme of which Jenny and her 3 sisters endured. I have often said we all come from disfunction, the level of disfunction varies. Jenny's story is at a higher level of disfunction that one does not wish upon anyone. Jenny's will to overcome her past and be someone is inspirational.
January 4, 2025
You want to read this!
I genuinely appreciate this book and how it was written. The author, Jenny, is a true survivor and overcome. She is honest, forthcoming and sincere. I couldn't stop reading this memoir! Thank you for sharing your life journey and inspiring me to rest in Gods promises.
I genuinely appreciate this book and how it was written. The author, Jenny, is a true survivor and overcome. She is honest, forthcoming and sincere. I couldn't stop reading this memoir! Thank you for sharing your life journey and inspiring me to rest in Gods promises.
December 16, 2024
Inspiration book.
December 17, 2024
Great story
This was an excellent memoir. The strength and fortitude it took to break the generational path is beautiful and full of hope
This was an excellent memoir. The strength and fortitude it took to break the generational path is beautiful and full of hope
February 7, 2025
Beautiful!
Very well written and easy to read. Like me, you won't be able to put it down. I have so much respect for mom and "the girls". What a wonderful family!
Very well written and easy to read. Like me, you won't be able to put it down. I have so much respect for mom and "the girls". What a wonderful family!
January 4, 2025
👌 excellent story of perseverance
Jenny speaks about hard times but then shows how anyone can overcome a crisis. Even if it's only one step it's forward progress.
Jenny speaks about hard times but then shows how anyone can overcome a crisis. Even if it's only one step it's forward progress.
August 6, 2024
AMAZINGGGGG!!!
This is one of the first memoir style books I have ever read - and I couldn’t put it down! Literally finished the entire book in less than a day, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished it. Some of the trials and tribulations Jenny faced really struck home with me - and gave me a sense of hope that change and happiness is achievable. Great read. Great story. 10/10.
This is one of the first memoir style books I have ever read - and I couldn’t put it down! Literally finished the entire book in less than a day, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished it. Some of the trials and tribulations Jenny faced really struck home with me - and gave me a sense of hope that change and happiness is achievable. Great read. Great story. 10/10.
November 3, 2024
Run Girls
This book is amazing. I felt as though I was with her as she described her life experience. I couldn't put it down
This book is amazing. I felt as though I was with her as she described her life experience. I couldn't put it down
October 1, 2024
AmazIng
I very much enjoy biographies, and this one was a wonderful story of a life that althougrh started in deprivation rose to a level of success many fail to achieve. Yes, the story of Jenny's life as it moved so strongly towards her faith was, for me, a bit much but I still could not put it down and I powered through it in about a day (A real accomplishment for me. As I'm not a fast reader).
I frequently choose books based on the cover and if it is $0.00. This was a lucky find.
Great job Jenny Cafaro!
I very much enjoy biographies, and this one was a wonderful story of a life that althougrh started in deprivation rose to a level of success many fail to achieve. Yes, the story of Jenny's life as it moved so strongly towards her faith was, for me, a bit much but I still could not put it down and I powered through it in about a day (A real accomplishment for me. As I'm not a fast reader).
I frequently choose books based on the cover and if it is $0.00. This was a lucky find.
Great job Jenny Cafaro!
September 20, 2024
Very interesting and real story of this family.
I found this book a very real accounting of the life of these girls as they grew up in a very poor and dysfunctional family. The experiences they had with the drug and alcohol abuse turned into some abuse they had. Their turning to faith in God to give them the strength to survive and go forward to become better people is inspirational.
I found this book a very real accounting of the life of these girls as they grew up in a very poor and dysfunctional family. The experiences they had with the drug and alcohol abuse turned into some abuse they had. Their turning to faith in God to give them the strength to survive and go forward to become better people is inspirational.
October 6, 2024
good
I had trouble putting this life story down! The author writes beautifully! She makes you feel like your right in her story. Being raised poor, in several foster homes and growing up under alcoholic parents Jenny rises above all these set backs. Her story is well worrh the read and i look forward to more books by her
I had trouble putting this life story down! The author writes beautifully! She makes you feel like your right in her story. Being raised poor, in several foster homes and growing up under alcoholic parents Jenny rises above all these set backs. Her story is well worrh the read and i look forward to more books by her
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April 2, 2025Book Review: Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis by Jenny Cafaro
Overview
In Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis, Jenny Cafaro delivers a deeply moving account of her life growing up in the Appalachian region, characterized by both beauty and hardship. This memoir encapsulates the themes of trauma, resilience, and the enduring strength of family bonds, offering readers a candid look into the complexities of life shaped by abuse and addiction.
Plot Summary
Cafaro’s memoir takes readers on a journey through her tumultuous childhood, marked by the challenges of living in an environment riddled with drug and alcohol addiction. She recounts her experiences with raw honesty, detailing how these struggles impacted her family dynamics and her own path to self-discovery. The narrative weaves personal anecdotes with broader reflections on the social issues facing Appalachia, creating a rich tapestry of life that is both specific and universal.
The title, Run, Girls, is emblematic of the escape that Cafaro and her sisters sought from their troubled surroundings. Throughout the memoir, Cafaro explores the concept of running—both as a physical act and a metaphor for seeking freedom from the constraints of their circumstances. This theme resonates powerfully as she reflects on the choices she made in pursuit of a better life.
Key Themes
Resilience in Adversity: Cafaro’s narrative highlights the strength and determination required to navigate a life overshadowed by addiction and trauma. Her story serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and thrive despite overwhelming odds.
Family Bonds: The memoir explores the complexities of familial relationships in the face of crisis. Cafaro illustrates how love and fear intertwine within her family, showcasing both the support and dysfunction that coexist in challenging environments.
Impact of Environment: Through her storytelling, Cafaro provides insight into the broader social issues affecting Appalachian communities, including economic hardship and the stigma surrounding addiction. This context enriches the reader’s understanding of her personal struggles.
Self-Discovery and Empowerment: As Cafaro recounts her journey, she reflects on her personal growth and the steps she took to reclaim her narrative. This theme of empowerment serves as an inspiring element throughout the memoir.
Hope and Transformation: Despite the heavy subject matter, there is an underlying sense of hope that permeates Cafaro’s writing. She emphasizes the possibility of change and the strength found in vulnerability, encouraging readers to find their own paths to healing.
Writing Style
Cafaro’s prose is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the emotional weight of her experiences while remaining accessible. Her ability to convey complex emotions with clarity allows readers to connect deeply with her story. The memoir balances moments of despair with flashes of humor and warmth, creating an engaging reading experience.
Conclusion
Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis is a powerful and heartfelt exploration of life in a region often misunderstood. Jenny Cafaro’s honest portrayal of her family’s struggles and triumphs offers readers a profound understanding of the realities faced by many in Appalachia. This memoir is not just a personal narrative; it is a voice for those who have endured similar challenges, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in stories of resilience, family, and the pursuit of hope.
This book is highly recommended for readers seeking an authentic, emotionally charged memoir that sheds light on the struggles and strengths of Appalachian life. Cafaro’s inspiring journey is sure to leave a lasting impact on all who read it.
Overview
In Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis, Jenny Cafaro delivers a deeply moving account of her life growing up in the Appalachian region, characterized by both beauty and hardship. This memoir encapsulates the themes of trauma, resilience, and the enduring strength of family bonds, offering readers a candid look into the complexities of life shaped by abuse and addiction.
Plot Summary
Cafaro’s memoir takes readers on a journey through her tumultuous childhood, marked by the challenges of living in an environment riddled with drug and alcohol addiction. She recounts her experiences with raw honesty, detailing how these struggles impacted her family dynamics and her own path to self-discovery. The narrative weaves personal anecdotes with broader reflections on the social issues facing Appalachia, creating a rich tapestry of life that is both specific and universal.
The title, Run, Girls, is emblematic of the escape that Cafaro and her sisters sought from their troubled surroundings. Throughout the memoir, Cafaro explores the concept of running—both as a physical act and a metaphor for seeking freedom from the constraints of their circumstances. This theme resonates powerfully as she reflects on the choices she made in pursuit of a better life.
Key Themes
Resilience in Adversity: Cafaro’s narrative highlights the strength and determination required to navigate a life overshadowed by addiction and trauma. Her story serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and thrive despite overwhelming odds.
Family Bonds: The memoir explores the complexities of familial relationships in the face of crisis. Cafaro illustrates how love and fear intertwine within her family, showcasing both the support and dysfunction that coexist in challenging environments.
Impact of Environment: Through her storytelling, Cafaro provides insight into the broader social issues affecting Appalachian communities, including economic hardship and the stigma surrounding addiction. This context enriches the reader’s understanding of her personal struggles.
Self-Discovery and Empowerment: As Cafaro recounts her journey, she reflects on her personal growth and the steps she took to reclaim her narrative. This theme of empowerment serves as an inspiring element throughout the memoir.
Hope and Transformation: Despite the heavy subject matter, there is an underlying sense of hope that permeates Cafaro’s writing. She emphasizes the possibility of change and the strength found in vulnerability, encouraging readers to find their own paths to healing.
Writing Style
Cafaro’s prose is both lyrical and poignant, capturing the emotional weight of her experiences while remaining accessible. Her ability to convey complex emotions with clarity allows readers to connect deeply with her story. The memoir balances moments of despair with flashes of humor and warmth, creating an engaging reading experience.
Conclusion
Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis is a powerful and heartfelt exploration of life in a region often misunderstood. Jenny Cafaro’s honest portrayal of her family’s struggles and triumphs offers readers a profound understanding of the realities faced by many in Appalachia. This memoir is not just a personal narrative; it is a voice for those who have endured similar challenges, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in stories of resilience, family, and the pursuit of hope.
This book is highly recommended for readers seeking an authentic, emotionally charged memoir that sheds light on the struggles and strengths of Appalachian life. Cafaro’s inspiring journey is sure to leave a lasting impact on all who read it.
January 31, 2025
Jenny Cafaro’s Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis is a raw and deeply personal memoir that chronicles the author’s tumultuous upbringing in the Appalachian foothills. From the opening pages, it’s clear that this is not a sugar-coated tale but rather an unflinching exploration of generational trauma, survival, and resilience. Cafaro guides readers through her chaotic childhood, marked by domestic violence, poverty, and moments of unexpected grace, as she and her family navigate life in a world both beautiful and harsh.
What struck me most about the book is Cafaro’s ability to vividly capture the emotional and physical landscapes of her upbringing. In “Wallpaper Snow,” she paints a haunting scene where a shotgun blast turns a wall into a cascade of shredded paper, a moment that symbolizes both destruction and surreal beauty. Cafaro’s language here feels cinematic, and I couldn’t help but feel like a silent observer in the room, holding my breath as chaos unfolded.
Her storytelling is visceral and unapologetically honest, which made it impossible for me to put the book down. At times, the sheer weight of the violence and trauma described can feel overwhelming, though this is arguably intentional. These harrowing details serve a purpose, they underscore the desperation and courage of a family trying to escape a dangerous cycle. Cafaro balances these moments with glimpses of her family’s toughness and humor, offering a much-needed reprieve and highlighting the complexity of her experiences.
One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of resilience. Cafaro’s mother emerges as a figure of grit and determination, battling rodents in a camper with a hammer or carrying her children to safety while dodging bullets. These moments left me in awe of the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Run, Girls is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring memoir that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of survival against all odds. Cafaro’s candid prose and vivid storytelling make this a compelling read, though it’s not for the faint of heart. I recommend this book to those who value unvarnished accounts of family dynamics and those who find strength in tales of overcoming adversity. This memoir doesn’t just tell a story, it grabs you by the hand and pulls you into the Appalachian hollers, leaving you changed by the journey.
What struck me most about the book is Cafaro’s ability to vividly capture the emotional and physical landscapes of her upbringing. In “Wallpaper Snow,” she paints a haunting scene where a shotgun blast turns a wall into a cascade of shredded paper, a moment that symbolizes both destruction and surreal beauty. Cafaro’s language here feels cinematic, and I couldn’t help but feel like a silent observer in the room, holding my breath as chaos unfolded.
Her storytelling is visceral and unapologetically honest, which made it impossible for me to put the book down. At times, the sheer weight of the violence and trauma described can feel overwhelming, though this is arguably intentional. These harrowing details serve a purpose, they underscore the desperation and courage of a family trying to escape a dangerous cycle. Cafaro balances these moments with glimpses of her family’s toughness and humor, offering a much-needed reprieve and highlighting the complexity of her experiences.
One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of resilience. Cafaro’s mother emerges as a figure of grit and determination, battling rodents in a camper with a hammer or carrying her children to safety while dodging bullets. These moments left me in awe of the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Run, Girls is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring memoir that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of survival against all odds. Cafaro’s candid prose and vivid storytelling make this a compelling read, though it’s not for the faint of heart. I recommend this book to those who value unvarnished accounts of family dynamics and those who find strength in tales of overcoming adversity. This memoir doesn’t just tell a story, it grabs you by the hand and pulls you into the Appalachian hollers, leaving you changed by the journey.
July 28, 2024
This memoir is one that will keep you hooked all the way through. Once you start, you won’t want to stop. Once you finish, you’ll wish you could read it for the first time all over again.
The author writes in a way that is enthralling. Her description is so detailed the reader feels as if they were there, watching.
I read this book hoping for a Jeanette Walls (Glass Castle) style experience and was not disappointed.
The author will have you reflecting back on your own life and challenge you to look at things positively. My favorite part was learning how the author was able to laugh at situations that would have caused others to cry. Her humor made this heartbreaking story much lighter and easier to digest, without losing the heaviness of her experiences.
At the end, I was so proud to see how far her family has come even through their traumas.
10/10, would read again and again.
The author writes in a way that is enthralling. Her description is so detailed the reader feels as if they were there, watching.
I read this book hoping for a Jeanette Walls (Glass Castle) style experience and was not disappointed.
The author will have you reflecting back on your own life and challenge you to look at things positively. My favorite part was learning how the author was able to laugh at situations that would have caused others to cry. Her humor made this heartbreaking story much lighter and easier to digest, without losing the heaviness of her experiences.
At the end, I was so proud to see how far her family has come even through their traumas.
10/10, would read again and again.
December 15, 2024
I felt immersed in this book from page one where Jenny writes about her nights that she suffers from ptsd.
She takes the reader back to her childhood, where we feel like we are walking beside of her.
It is gut wrenching at times and others you can’t help but to laugh.
Still yet there are moments I felt tears well up.
Finally, Jenny is about to take control of her life and as she tells it, she attributes that to joining a church which led her to a personal relationship with the Lord.
This is one of those memoirs that stick with you and you can’t help but to wonder why?
If you are open into spiritual and inspirational writings, this book is for you.
The editing is great the writing is beautiful!
This would make a great movie!
Get it!
She takes the reader back to her childhood, where we feel like we are walking beside of her.
It is gut wrenching at times and others you can’t help but to laugh.
Still yet there are moments I felt tears well up.
Finally, Jenny is about to take control of her life and as she tells it, she attributes that to joining a church which led her to a personal relationship with the Lord.
This is one of those memoirs that stick with you and you can’t help but to wonder why?
If you are open into spiritual and inspirational writings, this book is for you.
The editing is great the writing is beautiful!
This would make a great movie!
Get it!
December 4, 2025
I wanted to like this book but I finished it feeling disturbed and disappointed.
The way her experiences are described made it impossible for me to connect with or respect the narrative. The author recounts suffering abuse from foster parents. In a later scene, the author describes smiling when her pastor encouraged her to discipline her own daughter with a switch—and she follows through, expressing satisfaction about it. Regardless of the book’s intended message, this moment is extremely unsettling.
I read memoirs to understand, to empathize, to see growth. Instead, this book left me feeling uncomfortable for all the wrong reasons. Not a story I can recommend.
The way her experiences are described made it impossible for me to connect with or respect the narrative. The author recounts suffering abuse from foster parents. In a later scene, the author describes smiling when her pastor encouraged her to discipline her own daughter with a switch—and she follows through, expressing satisfaction about it. Regardless of the book’s intended message, this moment is extremely unsettling.
I read memoirs to understand, to empathize, to see growth. Instead, this book left me feeling uncomfortable for all the wrong reasons. Not a story I can recommend.
March 8, 2025
This book is filled with pain from Jenny's life..a life impacted by circumstances that her parents placed her in. When you read about the poverty, unstable family life, the foster care and the devastation.. you will reflect on your own upbringing and no matter good or bad will bring you to empathy and gratefulness.
To see her so determined to change the trajectory of her own life, to make choices and changes for her own dreams was inspirational. Kudos to her and her sisters on their guts and glory!
To see her so determined to change the trajectory of her own life, to make choices and changes for her own dreams was inspirational. Kudos to her and her sisters on their guts and glory!
August 6, 2024
This memoir is of the life of a young girl who grew up (mostly) in Kentucky, but spent portions of her life in other areas of Appalachia. Jenny lived a life that no one would wish upon a child. Abusive parents. No stable housing. Foster homes. Different forms of the Christian religion. The cycle was repetitive. Jenny is a very strong human that tells her story through this and shares how she uses her faith to make it through what’s been thrown at her.
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