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Run Baby Run
This is one of the most powerful true stories of our day. It tells the tale of one man, a legend among the anarchic street gangs of New York, broken and transformed by God.
At one level, the story of Nicky Cruz is a heady mix of tribal warfare, loyalty and betrayal, sex, drugs and murder. At another level, it digs deep beneath the pride and power that made him one of the most feared gang leaders in the city and reveals the lonely, confused heart of a man inwardly running scared.
An encounter with the unlikely character of David Wilkerson led Nicky to open his life to Christ - a conversion that amazed all who knew him.
At one level, the story of Nicky Cruz is a heady mix of tribal warfare, loyalty and betrayal, sex, drugs and murder. At another level, it digs deep beneath the pride and power that made him one of the most feared gang leaders in the city and reveals the lonely, confused heart of a man inwardly running scared.
An encounter with the unlikely character of David Wilkerson led Nicky to open his life to Christ - a conversion that amazed all who knew him.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
292 people are currently reading
4841 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Cruz
68 books119 followersNicky was only 3½ years old when his heart turned to stone. As one of 18 children born to witchcraft-practicing parents from Puerto Rico, bloodshed and mayhem were common occurrences in his life. He suffered severe physical and mental abuse at their hands, at one time being declared the "Son of Satan" by his mother while she was in a spiritual trance.
When he was 15, Nicky's father sent him to visit an older brother in New York. Nicky didn't stay with his brother long. Instead, full of anger and rage, he chose to make it on his own.
Tough, but lonely, by age 16 he became a member of the notorious Brooklyn street gang known as the Mau Maus (named after a bloodthirsty African tribe). Within six months he became their president. Cruz fearlessly ruled the streets as warlord of one of the gangs most dreaded by rivals and police. Lost in the cycle of drugs, alcohol, and brutal violence, his life took a tragic turn for the worse after a friend and fellow gang member was horribly stabbed and beaten and died in Nicky's arms.
As Cruz' reputation grew, so did his haunting nightmares. Arrested countless times, a court-ordered psychiatrist pronounced Nicky's fate as "headed to prison, the electric chair, and hell."
No authority figure could reach Cruz - until he met a skinny street-preacher named David Wilkerson. He disarmed Nicky - showing him something he'd never known before: Relentless love. His interest in the young thug was persistent. Nicky beat him up, spit on him and, on one occasion, seriously threatened his life, yet the love of God remained - stronger than any adversary Nicky had ever encountered.
Finally, Wilkerson's presentation of the gospel message and the love of Jesus melted the thick walls of his heart. Nicky received the forgiveness, love and new life that can only come through Jesus. Since then, he has dedicated that life to helping others find the same freedom.
He reaches today's youth because they relate to his background, trust his peer authority, and respond to the message of hope he delivers with both passion and conviction.
Run Baby Run is Nicky's story in book form.
When he was 15, Nicky's father sent him to visit an older brother in New York. Nicky didn't stay with his brother long. Instead, full of anger and rage, he chose to make it on his own.
Tough, but lonely, by age 16 he became a member of the notorious Brooklyn street gang known as the Mau Maus (named after a bloodthirsty African tribe). Within six months he became their president. Cruz fearlessly ruled the streets as warlord of one of the gangs most dreaded by rivals and police. Lost in the cycle of drugs, alcohol, and brutal violence, his life took a tragic turn for the worse after a friend and fellow gang member was horribly stabbed and beaten and died in Nicky's arms.
As Cruz' reputation grew, so did his haunting nightmares. Arrested countless times, a court-ordered psychiatrist pronounced Nicky's fate as "headed to prison, the electric chair, and hell."
No authority figure could reach Cruz - until he met a skinny street-preacher named David Wilkerson. He disarmed Nicky - showing him something he'd never known before: Relentless love. His interest in the young thug was persistent. Nicky beat him up, spit on him and, on one occasion, seriously threatened his life, yet the love of God remained - stronger than any adversary Nicky had ever encountered.
Finally, Wilkerson's presentation of the gospel message and the love of Jesus melted the thick walls of his heart. Nicky received the forgiveness, love and new life that can only come through Jesus. Since then, he has dedicated that life to helping others find the same freedom.
He reaches today's youth because they relate to his background, trust his peer authority, and respond to the message of hope he delivers with both passion and conviction.
Run Baby Run is Nicky's story in book form.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
February 15, 2011
I've read this one several times. Each time, it only seems more powerful.
February 2, 2009
Having read The Cross and the Switchblade as well as Lonely but Never Alone in 1990, I thought I knew the story well enough not to still bother with "Run Baby Run". I mean, if you've heard it once, you've heard it all ... besides, I couldn't get hold of this book at our local library then.
But I was wrong. This book reveals far more details of Cruz' life before he ran away from home - here you have his motivations and start to understand his fear once he's the leader of the Mau Maus. In fact, it might be a very good idea to go back to the other books I mentioned and read them again - "The Cross and the Switchblade" being Wilkerson's view of that ghetto and Nicky's conversion. God walks with those He loves.
PS Someone like Kez (and Mark) needs to get to one of their outreaches.
But I was wrong. This book reveals far more details of Cruz' life before he ran away from home - here you have his motivations and start to understand his fear once he's the leader of the Mau Maus. In fact, it might be a very good idea to go back to the other books I mentioned and read them again - "The Cross and the Switchblade" being Wilkerson's view of that ghetto and Nicky's conversion. God walks with those He loves.
PS Someone like Kez (and Mark) needs to get to one of their outreaches.
June 16, 2017
One of the best books I have ever read. Even after several re-reads this book still leaves me speechless.
This is the story of Nicky Cruz, a misunderstood teenager from Puerto Rico who finds himself the leader of one of the most notorious gangs of New York, the Mau-Maus. Struggling with the lifestyle of a warlord, fighting gangs, killing, stealing, drugs, sex and much more. He stumbles upon a preacher, David Wilkerson. Soon Nicky's eyes are open and his life goes down a different path.
This powerful story of a boy that develops and grows into one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world is a unique, heart wrenching story.
This book is one of those powerful books that will stay with you forever. I would recommend this to anyone, though beware that it can be very descriptive and very real.
Thank you Nicky for sharing your amazing story.
This is the story of Nicky Cruz, a misunderstood teenager from Puerto Rico who finds himself the leader of one of the most notorious gangs of New York, the Mau-Maus. Struggling with the lifestyle of a warlord, fighting gangs, killing, stealing, drugs, sex and much more. He stumbles upon a preacher, David Wilkerson. Soon Nicky's eyes are open and his life goes down a different path.
This powerful story of a boy that develops and grows into one of the most influential Christian leaders in the world is a unique, heart wrenching story.
This book is one of those powerful books that will stay with you forever. I would recommend this to anyone, though beware that it can be very descriptive and very real.
Thank you Nicky for sharing your amazing story.
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April 27, 2012Must read! Get the book, “Run, Baby, Run“.
And coming soon see the movie, “Thousand Pieces – The Nicky Cruz Story“
Nicky’s conversion was depicted in the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade starring Erik Estrada as Cruz and Pat Boone as David Wilkerson.
And coming soon see the movie, “Thousand Pieces – The Nicky Cruz Story“
Nicky’s conversion was depicted in the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade starring Erik Estrada as Cruz and Pat Boone as David Wilkerson.
August 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and read it twice. I would read it again. It is very well written and it's a page turner. For anyone who likes Cross and the Switchblade, this is the book for you.
The bulk of the book is about Nicky's experience in the gang called Mau-Maus. Truthfully, the kid was a terror and that's putting it mildly. The stage is set. Nicky was a ruthless violent thug, the police were scared of him and he was pretty much immune to reprisal.
Enter David Wilkerson, skinny preacher. David presented Jesus and afterwards, Nicky was never the same. The second half of the book is how Nicky became a preacher and helped go back to the streets he had grown up in during Teen Challenge's formative years.
For anyone looking for a book about the life changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this is the book.
The only negative thing I can say about the book is that Nicky placed a big emphasis on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the modern day, which I really don't know that I agree with for reasons I will avoid here. He also had some sort of connection to Kathryn Kuhlmann who was almost like the Benny Hinn of her day. So with those two facts, I would advise readers to proceed with caution, exercise Acts 17:11 and proper discernment. I'm not dpubting Nicky's salvation, just advising to be careful if you are a young Christian. This book did help me in some ways, but it also had some stuff that I felt was not right for me.
The bulk of the book is about Nicky's experience in the gang called Mau-Maus. Truthfully, the kid was a terror and that's putting it mildly. The stage is set. Nicky was a ruthless violent thug, the police were scared of him and he was pretty much immune to reprisal.
Enter David Wilkerson, skinny preacher. David presented Jesus and afterwards, Nicky was never the same. The second half of the book is how Nicky became a preacher and helped go back to the streets he had grown up in during Teen Challenge's formative years.
For anyone looking for a book about the life changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this is the book.
The only negative thing I can say about the book is that Nicky placed a big emphasis on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the modern day, which I really don't know that I agree with for reasons I will avoid here. He also had some sort of connection to Kathryn Kuhlmann who was almost like the Benny Hinn of her day. So with those two facts, I would advise readers to proceed with caution, exercise Acts 17:11 and proper discernment. I'm not dpubting Nicky's salvation, just advising to be careful if you are a young Christian. This book did help me in some ways, but it also had some stuff that I felt was not right for me.
September 14, 2014
Wow. This book is just amazing. Nicky Cruz's story is so inspiring and makes you want to reach out to everyone you meet. 'The cross and switchblade' by David Wilkerson gives another insight to this story and I will never tire of hearing God's amazing work in this man's life.
June 6, 2022
This book was absolutely amazing to say it quite frankly!
It completely changed my view point on people who need salvation. It gave me a little glimpse into the sincerity and desperation of those who are lost.
This book made me realize that people shouldn't be judged, period.
The amount of compassion that book gave me for troubled teens and others around me that need God was amazing. I have been humbled and convicted of my own prejudice and now feel that I understand myself better and made me see that Christians aren't better than anyone else and that we need to love others as Christ loved us, truly, sincerely, and even when it's hard.
Absolutely, hands down, a must read book for everyone.
It completely changed my view point on people who need salvation. It gave me a little glimpse into the sincerity and desperation of those who are lost.
This book made me realize that people shouldn't be judged, period.
The amount of compassion that book gave me for troubled teens and others around me that need God was amazing. I have been humbled and convicted of my own prejudice and now feel that I understand myself better and made me see that Christians aren't better than anyone else and that we need to love others as Christ loved us, truly, sincerely, and even when it's hard.
Absolutely, hands down, a must read book for everyone.
March 16, 2025
Kippenvel
June 17, 2018
Run Baby Run is one of the best books I've read written by a Christian, and without a doubt, one of the best books I have yet to read.
It's a powerful testimony of a man whose hardened heart could only be broken through by relentless love. The main character, Nicky Cruz, started life out bitter and angry, having been born into a family who practiced witchcraft. He hit the streets of New York City at fifteen, thieving, drinking, attacking, and it wasn't three years later when his life changed in a drastic way.
There was so much hurt buried in Cruz's heart, that it allowed the reader to resonate to a degree, while still his sins could not be excused. There was so much love, and light that came afterwards when he came to Christ. Though it's necessary to say things didn't become automatically easy for him in the aftermath.
I did have a few doubts when I realized the ministries and characters, involved were mainly Pentecostal, as I come from a middle class family, and was raised in a non-denominational
setting. While I wouldn't discount the things I've learned from the church, I feel there were spiritual aspects seldom mentioned. The power of the Holy Spirit, or the work of the enemy -constantly working at tearing us down. Spiritual warfare itself, though usually, it's hardly spoken of among Christians I know.
And while I'm sure this isn't always the case with all Evangelical and Non denominational Christians, Run Baby Run reminded me that there is a tremendous battle being waged. It reminded me that there is a great evil that can manifest itself in many ways, and trying to self medicate will not solve anything. That we can not be so intent on fitting in that we forget that this is not our home. Out hearts and minds must be transformed, renewed by the Holy Spirit.
To put it briefly, this book is about redemption, relational redemption, and being bought back, paid for to be free. Nicky Cruz was a man who would have never thought to love, a killer, a gangster, but the seriously overwhelming, never ending love of God changed that.
It's a powerful testimony of a man whose hardened heart could only be broken through by relentless love. The main character, Nicky Cruz, started life out bitter and angry, having been born into a family who practiced witchcraft. He hit the streets of New York City at fifteen, thieving, drinking, attacking, and it wasn't three years later when his life changed in a drastic way.
There was so much hurt buried in Cruz's heart, that it allowed the reader to resonate to a degree, while still his sins could not be excused. There was so much love, and light that came afterwards when he came to Christ. Though it's necessary to say things didn't become automatically easy for him in the aftermath.
I did have a few doubts when I realized the ministries and characters, involved were mainly Pentecostal, as I come from a middle class family, and was raised in a non-denominational
setting. While I wouldn't discount the things I've learned from the church, I feel there were spiritual aspects seldom mentioned. The power of the Holy Spirit, or the work of the enemy -constantly working at tearing us down. Spiritual warfare itself, though usually, it's hardly spoken of among Christians I know.
And while I'm sure this isn't always the case with all Evangelical and Non denominational Christians, Run Baby Run reminded me that there is a tremendous battle being waged. It reminded me that there is a great evil that can manifest itself in many ways, and trying to self medicate will not solve anything. That we can not be so intent on fitting in that we forget that this is not our home. Out hearts and minds must be transformed, renewed by the Holy Spirit.
To put it briefly, this book is about redemption, relational redemption, and being bought back, paid for to be free. Nicky Cruz was a man who would have never thought to love, a killer, a gangster, but the seriously overwhelming, never ending love of God changed that.
June 12, 2020
Wow. What makes this book hard to read is the violence and language. The book tells a testimony of a reputable gang leader of one of NYC’s most violent gang members in the 50’s. He is explicit in his telling of crimes and his use of foul language and racial slurs. He admits that he was full of fear, hate, and sin. You could argue the point in how he could use that language and use such violent detail as a redeemed person. I don’t think he was trying to glorify his sin, but paint the picture for what it was -full of fear, hate, and sin - and to get a beautiful picture of God’s forgiveness. Nevertheless, maybe he could have done that in a better way. You decide. If you can get past the language and violence, you find an amazing story of redemption. God loves, and can change the worst of the worst into a beacon for his glory. I’m glad I don’t have a past like his, but I want his love, devotion, and boldness for God.
August 19, 2020
I can’t remember the last time I have properly been gripped by a book. This is a BANGER. Highly recommend!
March 31, 2023
What a beautiful story of the love of God. He really can do anything!
It was an inspiring testimony and has challenged me to be a willing vessel of God in all areas of my life. I definitely recommend this book to any and all.
It was an inspiring testimony and has challenged me to be a willing vessel of God in all areas of my life. I definitely recommend this book to any and all.
November 15, 2025
I found this book on my shelves no clue how it ended up with me but brought it along because it was small and I like a biography. It was really good, I thought about it a lot after each read and the story is pretty incredible. Finished outside the airport in Guatemala City. 🌆
September 16, 2025
One of my new favorite books. Such a tangible example of the power of the Gospel and how Jesus changes everything. Cried a lot and was deeply moved reading about such huge transformation. HIGHLY recommend.
September 11, 2023
This book is about the ex-president of the Mau Mau's, his journey to faith, and how he afterward helped others with a similar backstory. It really had a powerful effect on me and reminded me of the essential job of a Christian to help and love those around us.
January 3, 2019
Es gracioso que a mis siete años, este fue el primer libro que leí. Me acuerdo que debí hacerlo a escondidas porque mis padres no me permitían leerlo, decían que era muy "violento", entonces Sofia esperaba que todos se durmieran e iba a sacar el libro de la estantería ayudándose de un banquito, cuando una o dos horas después le daba sueño, iba y escribía en un papelito la página en la que había quedado, y guardaba el papelito en una caja. Y para qué mentirles, a mis siete años amé ese libro, me hizo hervir de fe, y no es de extrañarse, todos los libros en mi casa eran religiosos y cada domingo desde que tengo memoria debía estar lista a las 8am para ir a la iglesia no importa cuanto le dijera a mami que me quería quedar viendo Cartoon Network. Por al menos cinco años más seguí respetando el libro, e incluso oía las prédicas de Wilkerson, es de locos, imagínense a una niña de 11 años tragándose libros como Una vida con propósito. Ahora no puedo decir que opino lo mismo que hace 11 años, sin embargo le guardo un atisbo de cariño a este libro porque fue el comienzo de mi pasión, le agradezco por haber removido mi curiosidad. Pero sólo eso.
July 20, 2025
Wow! What a difference Jesus makes in a life!
Challenging too, what are we doing for Christ and the lost?
Challenging too, what are we doing for Christ and the lost?
February 11, 2021
this book made me to realize that God can use anyone he choose to use .It does not matter how far off you had gone from him. Just like Nicky he can use a simple thing that many don't understand like I LOVE YOU. This can change someone beyond measure. here God assures us that his love is beyond all that earthly people give us. God is love and he loves us unconditionally. Nothing we do can change his love for us. There is no human being who is willing to pay a price of death for their beloved best friend but Jesus paid that for us. This is what makes this book so amazing .it clearly brings our God's love for us.
December 19, 2011
Run Baby Run is a novel about a boy named Nicky Cruz. He lives in Puerto Rico, and moves to New York to live with his brother. When getting to New York he drops out of school and soon leaves his brother’s house. He now has no place to live or food, which leads him to rob in order to provide for himself. Nicky then becomes president of the Mau Mau gang where at the time was the most violent gang. One day a preacher meets this gang and Nicky agrees to attend one of the services. After being in several services n Nicky leaves his gang and stops doing drugs, he then commits to change his ways.
October 18, 2020
Luin kirjan koska halusin tietää miltä tuntuu olla jengissä. Kirja vastasi haluuni hyvin mutta bonuksena kertoi myös täysin erilaisen tarinan, mikä oli jopa mielenkiintoisempi. Lisäarvoa minulle myös toi tieto, että kirja on tositarina. Kirja sijoittuu 1950-luvulle, joten en suosittele sitä jos haluat tietää miltä tuntuu kuulua nykyaikaseen jengiin.
May 16, 2023
RTC but WOW this is a book that everyone should read.
December 28, 2020
According to my mother, this was one of my grandfathers favourite books. Hence why I thought it a good one to read.
Nicky Cruiz’s life is a compelling story about a journey away from loneliness, hatred and violence, and toward faith and fulfilment. The first half of this book glimpses the dark reality of life without love (cliche, I know. But this is quite literal). It will have you empathising with malicious behaviour as you recognise the challenged upbringing some children and teenagers endure.
And while I love a good story about faith, this book is extremely repetitive. Parts of it were great and god clearly influenced Nicky’s life in a positive way but I found myself slugging through most of it.
This is a Christian classic, if you’re searching the genre, give it a try. If you aren’t searching the genre, go look for something else.
Nicky Cruiz’s life is a compelling story about a journey away from loneliness, hatred and violence, and toward faith and fulfilment. The first half of this book glimpses the dark reality of life without love (cliche, I know. But this is quite literal). It will have you empathising with malicious behaviour as you recognise the challenged upbringing some children and teenagers endure.
And while I love a good story about faith, this book is extremely repetitive. Parts of it were great and god clearly influenced Nicky’s life in a positive way but I found myself slugging through most of it.
This is a Christian classic, if you’re searching the genre, give it a try. If you aren’t searching the genre, go look for something else.
February 24, 2025
A very insightful book that should be read right after reading The Cross and The Switchblade. Both describe the challenges of reaching our youth, especially those lost in gang activities. However, Jesus reigns supreme in even those dark places. Nicky Cruz’s life testifies to this and is a very encouraging story of overcoming a dysfunctional family, years of drugs and violence, and significant feelings of inferiority.
July 13, 2021
I haven’t rated this based on how well it’s written or not. I’ve rated it based on Nicky’s testimony and how much it has spoken to me both times I’ve read it. Strength of character and a level of faith many don’t seem to have nowadays. There is so much to learn about how God works just from reading this.
November 17, 2022
Wow, I am so touched by Gods grace visible in this man‘s life! The trouble and temptation to go back to his old ways was always there but God provided and gave him support and help! God is so good!
This book really ignited in me again the urgency to tell the people around us about Jesus! To not be afraid of man but to fear God most of all!🙏🏻
This book really ignited in me again the urgency to tell the people around us about Jesus! To not be afraid of man but to fear God most of all!🙏🏻
August 27, 2024
I would consider this a sequel to "The Cross and the Switchblade," even though it's a memoir of one of the reformed gang members. Be prepared to hear about gang life before proceeding to the coming of Jesus in Nicky Cruz's life. It's amazing the work God does in our lives when we choose Him. From gangster to preacher, this is an inspirational story of a sad, lonely, and scared kid that wanted to be loved...and then He found Jesus.
April 20, 2023
This is the personal and passionate biography of a young man who was utterly hopeless and lost; and how the unbelievable mercy and loving kindness of a Mighty God turned his hopelessness into a shining hope for thousands. It's a brutally honest witness to the power of a Messiah Who can break any enslaving chain.
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September 2, 2024Una historia que leí en mi niñez y me trae recuerdos de un testimonio que en un momento me impactó y me enseñó como Dios puede cambiar vidas.
November 7, 2023
Quick read. Wonderful story of Nicky’s conversion, but the first half of the book is detailed and graphic. I’d not recommend the book for a young audience. Wonderful to see God’s life changing power in his life.
November 1, 2025
Inspiring book from 30 years ago, but still as relevant today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews