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Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Lost Innocence, Modern Day Slavery & Transformation
In 1972, Barbara Amaya was 16 years old, leading a life far from a typical teenager and why she was Nobody’s Girl. She had been sent to three detention centers, lived on the streets of, first, Washington DC and then New York City. Amaya was forced to work as a prostitute and was hooked on heroin. The ten years she spent as a victim in the world of human trafficking is just the beginning of her story.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 7, 2018
Amaya's story is a truly inspiring one. She suffered abuse at home and then turned to prostitution once she ran away. It's remarkable that she survived everything that happened to her, and she's very brave for writing about her experiences. I did wish that there was a little more to this book. I finished it in just a few hours. I would have loved for Amaya to explore some of the events a tad more just to add some depth to the story, but overall, I'm still amazed and in awe of her life.
February 3, 2022
“Sometimes forgiveness isn’t about the person who hurt you; it’s about forgiving them so that you can help yourself”
Barbara’s story is truly inspiring and at the same time heartbreaking.
Barbara’s story is truly inspiring and at the same time heartbreaking.
February 7, 2017
Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Lost Innocence, Slavery, and Transformation is a memoir by anti-human trafficking activist, Barbara Amaya. Amaya herself was a runaway with a history of sexual abuse who was sold into prostitution. As she observed, my life is much more than my story, but my story is still part of me. I want to use it to help others transform their lives as well (Loc. 84).
Amaya eventually became hooked on heroin:
Many of the symptoms she describes are familiar to those of us who've worked with or read about drug addictions or child abuse. Unfortunately, Amaya had the problems associated with these issues, but also years of isolation from the learning opportunities offered in more typical childhoods. This isolation further complicated the kinds of problems often described. As workers in the field consider treatment, they need to hold a systemic and multi-faceted model of the problems that these women and men face.
Nobody's Girl isn't a substitute for more technical descriptions of trafficking, abuse, and addiction, but it does aim higher than offering only a simple outline of her life by providing readers with a series of useful recommendations and resources at the end. It humanizes a complicated subject, while being insightful enough to be a rich source of clinical and research hypotheses.
Amaya eventually became hooked on heroin:
I would crave the numbing peace the heroin gave me, and the way it took away all the abuse I had suffered as a child and all of the pain and worry of life on the track. Heroin, I thought, was saving my life and keeping me save. Unfortunately, it was highly addictive (Loc. 966).The first half of Nobody's Girl described her time "on the track" (prostituting), while the second half described her long slow process of recovery. Although she appears to have been in "the life" for about ten years (from age 13), her recovery process took decades and demonstrates the range of resources needed to rehabilitate someone well. She needed to learn basic adaptive living skills, including job skills; get her GED and go back to school; get off heroin; reconsider what was normal and adaptive; find other ways of coping with overwhelming feelings; recreate family relationships; learn to trust other people; and set healthier boundaries. Her own boundaries varied between non-existent and overly rigid, which meant that she often entered unhealthy relationships not recognizing the danger signals – and mistrusted those people who might have helped her.
Many of the symptoms she describes are familiar to those of us who've worked with or read about drug addictions or child abuse. Unfortunately, Amaya had the problems associated with these issues, but also years of isolation from the learning opportunities offered in more typical childhoods. This isolation further complicated the kinds of problems often described. As workers in the field consider treatment, they need to hold a systemic and multi-faceted model of the problems that these women and men face.
Nobody's Girl isn't a substitute for more technical descriptions of trafficking, abuse, and addiction, but it does aim higher than offering only a simple outline of her life by providing readers with a series of useful recommendations and resources at the end. It humanizes a complicated subject, while being insightful enough to be a rich source of clinical and research hypotheses.
June 14, 2015
This book was so intriguing I pretty much read it in two days! The book reads like a classic New Adult book – quick and easy. The story itself is a sad yet empowering tale of Barbara’s childhood trauma and how she later raised to the challenge and decided to help in the fight against human trafficking! Barbara describes the dark world of sex trafficked victims without being too explicit (if that’s possible). And at the end of the memoir there is some resources for how people can help these victims. Also there’s advice on how you could spot a sex trafficked victim and some things you should/could do to help them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wish to learn more about human sex trafficking and how young children get pulled into this dark world. This is a powerful read.
I gave it a 5/5
My rating: 4.5/5
I received an advance reader copy of this book thanks to Netgalley, in exchange for my honest and insightful review.
I gave it a 5/5
My rating: 4.5/5
I received an advance reader copy of this book thanks to Netgalley, in exchange for my honest and insightful review.
September 28, 2023
I got caught up and read the whole thing in an afternoon. By the end I was incredibly moved and near tears. I've read a lot of awful things, like everyone, considering all the bad news the world has to offer. But there's something about her frankness and straightforward tackling of uncomfortable, downright awful topics coupled with her childhood vulnerability and naivety, even as she writes about the past from a much more secure future. It's utterly heartbreaking. But not hopeless - Amaya is incredibly strong and self-aware despite decades of abuse in her family and at the hands of strangers, and of course the flood of side effects accompanying these misfortunes.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that she's an advocate for others who were voiceless as she once was, and by sharing her painful experiences she's spreading awareness and giving an all too clear picture of what goes on. You read with a lump in your throat at times and that dread sensation of something worse to come as the story rounds another bend. And yet it's so deeply important to know these things, because it's true and it happened and it's happening to someone else who feels like there's no way out, or stays for the wrong reasons, or thinks they'll never be whole again after what's happened to them. Here's the living proof that we're all more than what we do or what's been done to us. I can't think of a more important message, especially for young women suffering with self-esteem or familial/childhood issues that lead them into the hands of predators like the ones here.
In her author's statement, Amaya admits that writing the book was difficult, and she struggled at first with only a sixth grade education. She's selling herself short, since she also made it through her GED and a college degree, but seriously. Bravo, lady. What I found interesting about her writing style was that it matured as the narrative progressed: describing her childhood and family abuse, the language and tone are simplistic and childlike; as she grows up her writing about those periods naturally evolves along with her, until by the memoir's end her voice is polished, reflective and mature. She analyzes these events and why she made her choices with such clarity. Despite the gut wrenching story there's something peaceful in reading about her eventual personal triumphs.
I received a reviewer's copy courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for putting all this into words and making something meaningful out of something terrible, and dedicating herself to helping others caught in the same hideous situations. A crucially important story and an impressive woman.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that she's an advocate for others who were voiceless as she once was, and by sharing her painful experiences she's spreading awareness and giving an all too clear picture of what goes on. You read with a lump in your throat at times and that dread sensation of something worse to come as the story rounds another bend. And yet it's so deeply important to know these things, because it's true and it happened and it's happening to someone else who feels like there's no way out, or stays for the wrong reasons, or thinks they'll never be whole again after what's happened to them. Here's the living proof that we're all more than what we do or what's been done to us. I can't think of a more important message, especially for young women suffering with self-esteem or familial/childhood issues that lead them into the hands of predators like the ones here.
In her author's statement, Amaya admits that writing the book was difficult, and she struggled at first with only a sixth grade education. She's selling herself short, since she also made it through her GED and a college degree, but seriously. Bravo, lady. What I found interesting about her writing style was that it matured as the narrative progressed: describing her childhood and family abuse, the language and tone are simplistic and childlike; as she grows up her writing about those periods naturally evolves along with her, until by the memoir's end her voice is polished, reflective and mature. She analyzes these events and why she made her choices with such clarity. Despite the gut wrenching story there's something peaceful in reading about her eventual personal triumphs.
I received a reviewer's copy courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for putting all this into words and making something meaningful out of something terrible, and dedicating herself to helping others caught in the same hideous situations. A crucially important story and an impressive woman.
June 20, 2016
Nobody’s Girl is a story that is hard to hear, but is a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about sex trafficking. It is an excellent book for raising awareness of the dangers of runaways and pimp tactics.
Abused as a child and ignored by a mother who refused to believe her, Barbara’s pain is so deep that she leaves home at the young age of 12. I could not put the book down as I journeyed with Barbara through the horrors she experienced as a child growing up on the streets and falling into the hands of a pimp. Unfortunately, Barbara is able to educate us on the numerous manipulation and violent tactics pimps use to control their victims because she endured them all.
But Barbara’s story didn’t end there. She does find a way out and this book does a great job of showing how difficult it is for someone even after they've been "rescued" or have walked away from The Life. Several quotes from the book had me in tears as she clearly describes her struggles to live a normal life.
“I never learned how to do basic things like cleaning a house or doing laundry. I don't remember celebrating any birthdays or holidays.”
“Reuniting with my family during Christmastime was like sitting with strangers in a bus station - or being stuck in an elevator - with people you never saw before, standing in uncomfortable silence and counting down the stops until it's your turn to get off. The trouble was that I didn't know when my stop was.”
"No one asked me where I had been or what I had been doing for the last several years, not once."
"I had gone from being a child of twelve to a women in her twenties and had missed all those years in between, all the learning and experiences that make a person a person."
Through her own words, we see how incredibly difficult it is to put the pieces of your life back together, to move beyond the pain and trauma, and to learn to trust again. But Barbara has done that. Her story is ultimately one of hope, courage and strength. And she now uses her story to educate others. The back of the book contains excellent resources for teachers and counselors, law enforcement, medical personnel, and for the average person who wants to make a difference.
Thank you Barbara for your willingness to share your story so that others may learn and be moved to action. You are no longer a victim, but a victor! You are more than a survivor. You are an overcomer. You are incredible. www.OneSmallVoice4Freedom.blogspot.com
Abused as a child and ignored by a mother who refused to believe her, Barbara’s pain is so deep that she leaves home at the young age of 12. I could not put the book down as I journeyed with Barbara through the horrors she experienced as a child growing up on the streets and falling into the hands of a pimp. Unfortunately, Barbara is able to educate us on the numerous manipulation and violent tactics pimps use to control their victims because she endured them all.
But Barbara’s story didn’t end there. She does find a way out and this book does a great job of showing how difficult it is for someone even after they've been "rescued" or have walked away from The Life. Several quotes from the book had me in tears as she clearly describes her struggles to live a normal life.
“I never learned how to do basic things like cleaning a house or doing laundry. I don't remember celebrating any birthdays or holidays.”
“Reuniting with my family during Christmastime was like sitting with strangers in a bus station - or being stuck in an elevator - with people you never saw before, standing in uncomfortable silence and counting down the stops until it's your turn to get off. The trouble was that I didn't know when my stop was.”
"No one asked me where I had been or what I had been doing for the last several years, not once."
"I had gone from being a child of twelve to a women in her twenties and had missed all those years in between, all the learning and experiences that make a person a person."
Through her own words, we see how incredibly difficult it is to put the pieces of your life back together, to move beyond the pain and trauma, and to learn to trust again. But Barbara has done that. Her story is ultimately one of hope, courage and strength. And she now uses her story to educate others. The back of the book contains excellent resources for teachers and counselors, law enforcement, medical personnel, and for the average person who wants to make a difference.
Thank you Barbara for your willingness to share your story so that others may learn and be moved to action. You are no longer a victim, but a victor! You are more than a survivor. You are an overcomer. You are incredible. www.OneSmallVoice4Freedom.blogspot.com
November 20, 2015
This book is the story of Barbara Amaya based on her recollections. The horrors that she dealt with in her life will make you cry. The fact that she was able to save herself and use what she lived through to help save others is heroic.
Barbara left home at the age of twelve after being sexually abused by her father and older brother. She did not think anyone would believe her and that she was not loved or wanted. After heading off to Washington DC and getting involved in drugs, she was returned to her parents. After repeatedly running away, her parents were convinced to give up their parental rights to the state. That started in motion the sex trafficking that became the life for the next 3 to 4 years. Being beaten by her pimp, becoming hooked on heroin, being arrested and eventually sent to Riker's Prison finally resulted in her telling them her real name and age. This still did not get her to return home. She continued to use drugs off and on for years and eventually got mixed up with an alcoholic that almost killed her. It was not until her daughter ran away from home and she saw a news report of local teens being caught up in human trafficking that she realized she had to tell the truth to her daughter and get some help for herself so that she could help others.
Barbara Amaya is an award winning advocate and survivor of human trafficking helps vulnerable populations, potential victims and those who work with them learn how to avoid falling prey to human traffickers. The back of the book contains resources and suggestions for Parents, counsellors, teachers, Medical Personnel, Law Enforcement and Young Women and Men.
This is a great book to be used in highschool health classes, college and universities training any number of professionals. The average person could gain insight into the problem as well as to see how easily a young person can get caught up in "the life
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Barbara left home at the age of twelve after being sexually abused by her father and older brother. She did not think anyone would believe her and that she was not loved or wanted. After heading off to Washington DC and getting involved in drugs, she was returned to her parents. After repeatedly running away, her parents were convinced to give up their parental rights to the state. That started in motion the sex trafficking that became the life for the next 3 to 4 years. Being beaten by her pimp, becoming hooked on heroin, being arrested and eventually sent to Riker's Prison finally resulted in her telling them her real name and age. This still did not get her to return home. She continued to use drugs off and on for years and eventually got mixed up with an alcoholic that almost killed her. It was not until her daughter ran away from home and she saw a news report of local teens being caught up in human trafficking that she realized she had to tell the truth to her daughter and get some help for herself so that she could help others.
Barbara Amaya is an award winning advocate and survivor of human trafficking helps vulnerable populations, potential victims and those who work with them learn how to avoid falling prey to human traffickers. The back of the book contains resources and suggestions for Parents, counsellors, teachers, Medical Personnel, Law Enforcement and Young Women and Men.
This is a great book to be used in highschool health classes, college and universities training any number of professionals. The average person could gain insight into the problem as well as to see how easily a young person can get caught up in "the life
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2019
“Few people journey to hell and live to tell about it ... I believe that I was spared for a reason … to share my innermost demons and most horrific events of my life with friends and strangers alike ... to take my life back and to help others do the same.”
Like Virgil giving you a tour through the Inferno, Barbara takes us through the underworld of human trafficking. She begins with her traumatic childhood; this portion of her account will make your face burn with such anger you’ll barely even notice the tears stinging your eyes until they begin streaming down your cheeks. Then she retells her adolescence trafficked on the streets of DC & NY; this segment reveals the complicated nature of the trauma bond she shares with her viciously abusive captor. The book culminates with her transformation after motherhood; instead of relapsing into the self-loathing so pervasive in our victim-shaming culture, she finally directs her anger towards her abusers and begins the healing process.
Barbara Amaya’s history is very painful and incredibly inspiring. By sharing her story, the past no longer victimizes her, rather it has transformed her into a survivor and a champion in the war against human trafficking. Thank you Barbara for being so courageous and for sharing your life with us!
https://herresiliencycenter.org/staff...
Like Virgil giving you a tour through the Inferno, Barbara takes us through the underworld of human trafficking. She begins with her traumatic childhood; this portion of her account will make your face burn with such anger you’ll barely even notice the tears stinging your eyes until they begin streaming down your cheeks. Then she retells her adolescence trafficked on the streets of DC & NY; this segment reveals the complicated nature of the trauma bond she shares with her viciously abusive captor. The book culminates with her transformation after motherhood; instead of relapsing into the self-loathing so pervasive in our victim-shaming culture, she finally directs her anger towards her abusers and begins the healing process.
Barbara Amaya’s history is very painful and incredibly inspiring. By sharing her story, the past no longer victimizes her, rather it has transformed her into a survivor and a champion in the war against human trafficking. Thank you Barbara for being so courageous and for sharing your life with us!
https://herresiliencycenter.org/staff...
February 7, 2017
I am glad that I did not have to endure what Barbara Amaya went through. Sexual abuse at a young age from her father, then her brother. Running away when her alcoholic mother would not believe her. Going through the juvenile corrections system. Getting sold to a pimp, to be one of his under-aged prostitutes, in New York and the physical and mental abuse from him. Addiction to heroine. All of this before the age of 16.
This book comes about from Barbara finally breaking her silence of her story. Her daughter was one of the biggest influences in her adult life. She is now known for her human rights advocacy.
This book had me yelling at her to get away from her pimp. Had me crying and discouraged when her family abused or ignored her. Thrilled when she finally got away and started being able to be herself.
Even though it is written very matter of fact, this is a great book for those that have gone through any of the things she has, or older middle school and high school. Everyone needs to know that there is evil in the world, but that doesn't mean we need to hide. We need to let that evil be known, shed light on it, to get rid of it.
For my honest review, I received a free digital ARC from Animal Media Group LLC and NetGalley!
This book comes about from Barbara finally breaking her silence of her story. Her daughter was one of the biggest influences in her adult life. She is now known for her human rights advocacy.
This book had me yelling at her to get away from her pimp. Had me crying and discouraged when her family abused or ignored her. Thrilled when she finally got away and started being able to be herself.
Even though it is written very matter of fact, this is a great book for those that have gone through any of the things she has, or older middle school and high school. Everyone needs to know that there is evil in the world, but that doesn't mean we need to hide. We need to let that evil be known, shed light on it, to get rid of it.
For my honest review, I received a free digital ARC from Animal Media Group LLC and NetGalley!
June 4, 2018
This book is short and a quick read, but covers a lot of topics such as family abuse, runaways, prostitution, and drug addiction. Barbara Amaya's memoir is an eye-opening account of why she ran away from home at the age of 13 and ended up as a prostitute working the streets of New York City, and her brave attempt to break that cycle. It took a lot of strength on the author's part to finally free herself from this modern-day slavery and find some sort of "normalcy" for herself, but it did not come easy nor without some long-term medical problems. It was very insightful of her to add information in the back of the book regarding the ongoing problems of teenage runaways, drug addiction, and modern day slavery, and how to help. The author is now doing what she can to bring light to these problems and help anyone, in any way possible, to break free from these horrible plights.
Thank you to Net Galley and Animal Media Group LLC for this book.
Thank you to Net Galley and Animal Media Group LLC for this book.
June 18, 2015
Sexual child abuse, teenage runaways, human trafficking, drug abuse, heroin addiction, imprisonment - the list is long and disturbing. I wish it was just a novel, but it's very real.
This courageous well-written autobiography isn't trying to shock by graphic descriptions nor does is seek pitty for the poor author who had to suffer all these really despicable things. It's written as a wake-up call, to bring to awareness what's going on around us, to make the reader understand how these things can happen.
It is an appeal to help the victims of human trafficking and to prevent it however and wherever possible. The appendix gives helpful advice and for US-readers a list of addresses.
Read more on http://reading-experience.blogspot.co...
I want to thank Netgalley and the publishers for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This courageous well-written autobiography isn't trying to shock by graphic descriptions nor does is seek pitty for the poor author who had to suffer all these really despicable things. It's written as a wake-up call, to bring to awareness what's going on around us, to make the reader understand how these things can happen.
It is an appeal to help the victims of human trafficking and to prevent it however and wherever possible. The appendix gives helpful advice and for US-readers a list of addresses.
Read more on http://reading-experience.blogspot.co...
I want to thank Netgalley and the publishers for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2015
This is a pretty short book, I read it in around 5 hours. However, the horrors that it contains will definitely stay with you long after reading this book. Unfortunately this is not fiction. It is a memoir of a 13 year old little girl running away and living life wherever and however she can. The author isn't preaching or asking for "woe is me" pity. She is simply just telling the story of her life. I applaud her bravery and the fact she came out and is doing all that she can to help others.
EVERY teenage child needs to read this book. There are bad people out there everywhere, some even in your own living room.
I would like to think Animal Media Group and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
EVERY teenage child needs to read this book. There are bad people out there everywhere, some even in your own living room.
I would like to think Animal Media Group and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2015
At first this book seemed like any other memoir, very dry with little insight into the actual character. After reading further, I was pleasantly surprised to see the insight Barbara Amaya had into her own life. She doesn't blame her parents or others like many other people would for a mixed up childhood and abusive life. She instead tells it like it is and how her own lack of understanding of what is "normal" led her into the life she had. You can't help but feel sorry for her and her lack of any decent adult role models or even one person who would take the time to connect with her. I found she made me think about how every person we encounter can have an impact on our lives
April 19, 2022
This book will have you clingy to every page - it is a story of a rough childhood, unwanted loss of innocence, and modern day slavery. It is a quick and easy read that you will not regret!
5/5 Stars
5/5 Stars
June 27, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this women's story.
This book sums the word bravery up. Gripping and heartbreaking but a book I couldn't put down.
This book sums the word bravery up. Gripping and heartbreaking but a book I couldn't put down.
February 25, 2018
Genre: Biography and Memoirs
Excerpt from the book:
"Above all, I hope this book gives an understanding of what happens to young victims of human trafficking. What I went through years ago is exactly what victims are experiencing today. Nothing has changed in terms of recruitment methods, exploitation, abuse and manipulation. The most vulnerable are often the most preyed upon, something that makes human trafficking so very evil."
The authors sexual abuse began at age eight at the hands of her uncle. At age ten she was molested by both her father and older brother. She told her mother, more than once, but received no help, support or protection. The abuse continued on the unloved little girl. When she realized the whole family would deny, deny, deny - she ran away several times in search of love and acceptance. At age 13, she was on the streets when a couple invited her into their home. Instead of finding love and security, she was sold into the evil world of sex trafficking. A violent predator controlled her for ten years. By age 16 she was addicted to heroin. She escaped at age 23.
This amazing story gives a detailed accounting of the insidious grooming process employed by pimps when they exploit children. The shocking and true story of the evil she was subjected to will stay with you long after you have finished the last page of the book. The narrative moves the story along quickly. Barbara does not ask for pity, nor does she seem to hate or resent her family or the social system that let her down.
The story is also one of courageous hope and redemption. It is compelling to see her rise above the abuse and captivity and blossom into the advocate she is today.
The book has brought her acclaim as the winner of the 2014 James B. Hunter Rights Advocacy Award. Her remarkable story has inspired the Safe Harbor legislation. Several states are also drafting anti-human trafficking bills.
The book also has resource material and educational tools to assist law enforcement officers, first responders, medical personnel, counselors and teachers in identifying human trafficking victims. Tactics for intervention must begin first with recognizing vulnerable children. She points out our young men must also be educated, for as long as there is a market, there will be sex trafficking.
I highly recommend this book to every teenager who considers running away from home.
ARC courtesy of the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Excerpt from the book:
"Above all, I hope this book gives an understanding of what happens to young victims of human trafficking. What I went through years ago is exactly what victims are experiencing today. Nothing has changed in terms of recruitment methods, exploitation, abuse and manipulation. The most vulnerable are often the most preyed upon, something that makes human trafficking so very evil."
The authors sexual abuse began at age eight at the hands of her uncle. At age ten she was molested by both her father and older brother. She told her mother, more than once, but received no help, support or protection. The abuse continued on the unloved little girl. When she realized the whole family would deny, deny, deny - she ran away several times in search of love and acceptance. At age 13, she was on the streets when a couple invited her into their home. Instead of finding love and security, she was sold into the evil world of sex trafficking. A violent predator controlled her for ten years. By age 16 she was addicted to heroin. She escaped at age 23.
This amazing story gives a detailed accounting of the insidious grooming process employed by pimps when they exploit children. The shocking and true story of the evil she was subjected to will stay with you long after you have finished the last page of the book. The narrative moves the story along quickly. Barbara does not ask for pity, nor does she seem to hate or resent her family or the social system that let her down.
The story is also one of courageous hope and redemption. It is compelling to see her rise above the abuse and captivity and blossom into the advocate she is today.
The book has brought her acclaim as the winner of the 2014 James B. Hunter Rights Advocacy Award. Her remarkable story has inspired the Safe Harbor legislation. Several states are also drafting anti-human trafficking bills.
The book also has resource material and educational tools to assist law enforcement officers, first responders, medical personnel, counselors and teachers in identifying human trafficking victims. Tactics for intervention must begin first with recognizing vulnerable children. She points out our young men must also be educated, for as long as there is a market, there will be sex trafficking.
I highly recommend this book to every teenager who considers running away from home.
ARC courtesy of the author and publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the memoirs of Barbara Amaya, comes Nobody's girl. Barbara tells her struggle from being molested by her family, to how she got caught up in sex trafficking. She never thought in a million years, she would be caught up in so much crime.
Barbara goes on to tell her story and how she ran away, when she was young. It's a story, that will have you thinking different by the end of the book.
I can honestly say, "This book, Nobody's Girl was a story that made me look at things different and understand how Barbara must have felt, to be betrayed at such a young age. I would recommend this book to every young adult and up because whether people know it or not. Young men also fall prey to sex trafficking too, but together we can bring all of this to a stop.
*Special notes*
Before I started reading Nobody’s Girl, I had looked at the reviews on here. One review stood out to me and let me say this, “They don’t know what their talking about.” She went to jail several times before she was transferred to federal prison.
From the memoirs of Barbara Amaya, comes Nobody's girl. Barbara tells her struggle from being molested by her family, to how she got caught up in sex trafficking. She never thought in a million years, she would be caught up in so much crime.
Barbara goes on to tell her story and how she ran away, when she was young. It's a story, that will have you thinking different by the end of the book.
I can honestly say, "This book, Nobody's Girl was a story that made me look at things different and understand how Barbara must have felt, to be betrayed at such a young age. I would recommend this book to every young adult and up because whether people know it or not. Young men also fall prey to sex trafficking too, but together we can bring all of this to a stop.
*Special notes*
Before I started reading Nobody’s Girl, I had looked at the reviews on here. One review stood out to me and let me say this, “They don’t know what their talking about.” She went to jail several times before she was transferred to federal prison.
September 22, 2017
If you read nothing else in the book, read the acknowledgment.
This is the story of how child abuse by family members led to a 12 year old runaway being indoctrinated into the world of trafficking and drugs. The story is not a new one, it is something that can happen to any child male or female in any country on any day of the week. So many missed opportunities by the author and authorities that could have prevented the horrific events that were suffered. The book seems to jump through the years leaving gaps which seem to hurt the storyline. I saw many reviews saying that this book should be required reading. To me the most beneficial part of the the book is the acknowledgment at the end. It pares down the facts and methods of preventions that are what should be known by every parent, teacher, law enforcement and social service agency in the world to help prevent the spread of this destructive abuse. Those facts should be make into a handout that is given to all teachers from grade school on, so they know what to look for and how to help. This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is the story of how child abuse by family members led to a 12 year old runaway being indoctrinated into the world of trafficking and drugs. The story is not a new one, it is something that can happen to any child male or female in any country on any day of the week. So many missed opportunities by the author and authorities that could have prevented the horrific events that were suffered. The book seems to jump through the years leaving gaps which seem to hurt the storyline. I saw many reviews saying that this book should be required reading. To me the most beneficial part of the the book is the acknowledgment at the end. It pares down the facts and methods of preventions that are what should be known by every parent, teacher, law enforcement and social service agency in the world to help prevent the spread of this destructive abuse. Those facts should be make into a handout that is given to all teachers from grade school on, so they know what to look for and how to help. This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 6, 2017
This memoir is really powerful and has stuck with me long after I finished it.
Barbara grew up in white bread, middle class Virginia yet due to a series of terrible things ended up on the streets at age 13 under the control of a pimp who went by the name of Moses. This was 1968, and what happened to Barbara as a young girl then still happens today. It's utterly gut wrenching, and I commend Barbara for the guts in telling her story to the world. You are an amazing woman Barbara.
The failure of family dynamics yet the complexity of such really rings true in this book. Barbara was really lost as a direct consequence of them, yet we still see her spirit shining through at times like when her pimp would catch her reading books and knock them out of her hand, telling her she was just a ho and would always be a ho. Barbara grew beyond this world and it was thanks to her eventual own perseverance fueled by a desire for more and to stand up for herself. A hard read but an inspiring one. Thank you Barbara.
Barbara grew up in white bread, middle class Virginia yet due to a series of terrible things ended up on the streets at age 13 under the control of a pimp who went by the name of Moses. This was 1968, and what happened to Barbara as a young girl then still happens today. It's utterly gut wrenching, and I commend Barbara for the guts in telling her story to the world. You are an amazing woman Barbara.
The failure of family dynamics yet the complexity of such really rings true in this book. Barbara was really lost as a direct consequence of them, yet we still see her spirit shining through at times like when her pimp would catch her reading books and knock them out of her hand, telling her she was just a ho and would always be a ho. Barbara grew beyond this world and it was thanks to her eventual own perseverance fueled by a desire for more and to stand up for herself. A hard read but an inspiring one. Thank you Barbara.
October 15, 2018
The memoir is about Barbara enduring sexual abuse at the hands of several of her relatives, running away, and being sold into sex trafficking. She ultimately overcomes and becomes an advocate for runaway youths. Even though this story took place in the 70's and 80's, it's unfortunately still a current problem today and will resonate with modern readers. This story was heart breaking; especially when her cries for help were repeatedly ignored. However, in the end, it becomes an inspiring tale of resilience and a triumph over evil. The story was written well and I connected with her as a character. I gave this 5 stars. Trigger warnings for sexual abuse, violence, drug abuse and attempted suicide.
I'd highly recommend the audiobook.
I received a free copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2016
Barbara Amaya had an abusive father, an abusive brother and an alcoholic mother who turned a blind eye to everything. Barbara ran away from home became a prostitute under a pimp when she was only 13 years old and was under his rule for many many years until she finally decided enough was enough. When she was finally able to escape she hid her past life from everyone. This story was about triumph over tragedy. I do wish that there was more feeling in the book and some more on her daughter and if they ever became close. This was a good book, just kinda felt a little detached.
Thank you Netgally for the book to review
Thank you Netgally for the book to review
February 7, 2018
Given to me by @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It's a true story, a memoir about a difficult childhood spent on the streets of NY , prostituting . A sad story of an exploited child, a thirteen year old Barbara Amaya, who seeks redemption as a grown up. After all she's been through ... this woman is a survivor! A brave , courageous, woman! Her decision to help others, in the battle against human trafficking ... leaves us a very powerful message: "NEVER GIVE UP AND FIGHT TILL THE END!".
January 19, 2022
Amaya's tale of being a victim of childhood abuse leading to being used by sex traffickers is a heartbreaking story. Kudos to Ms. Amaya for telling her story to help other victims. I just wish the book were better written. It's kind of a glossed-over account of things and never really came alive for me. I don't want lurid details but I do want a connection that would move me and that's just not here. It's an okay, three-star read, no more.
March 23, 2017
Amazing Story
This is a story of perseverance, a young girl sexual abused by family, sold into prostitution/human trafficking, drug addiction, depression and comes out stronger then ever, sharing her story to the world.
This is a story of perseverance, a young girl sexual abused by family, sold into prostitution/human trafficking, drug addiction, depression and comes out stronger then ever, sharing her story to the world.
August 19, 2018
Good read
This woman's life as a child is heartbreaking and an eye opener of a story! I couldn't put it down.
This woman's life as a child is heartbreaking and an eye opener of a story! I couldn't put it down.
March 30, 2022
Great
Fantastic book, such a sad story and what a strong survivor Barbara Amaya truly a inspiration to everyone. Highly recommended
Fantastic book, such a sad story and what a strong survivor Barbara Amaya truly a inspiration to everyone. Highly recommended
November 1, 2024
This true story was so beautifully told that I was overcome by it all; never have I ever been walked through a person’s dark past with such a clear sense of understanding. I read this book from a Christian psychology, social work, and crisis counseling perspective. The so called “choices”that Barbara Amaya made were mainly shaped by evil circumstances (she kept meeting people who used coercion, fraud/lies, force, manipulation, etc.,to influence and control her), shame, ignorance, addiction, and years of psychological and emotional conditioning through traumas experienced in critical developmental stages of her life. I think that when you realize that no one in their right mind is prostituting themselves because it brings them joy, then you realize there is always a story. Chances are there’s a little child hidden somewhere deep inside that person, a child who lost something…or was not made to feel loved at all. Maybe they’re missing something that they need emotionally and spiritually, but now they’re trapped in the hellish world of human trafficking and demeaning/dehumanizing practices that objectify the human body and poison the lives of everyone involved. Barbara Amaya’s journey is a lifelong struggle in so many aspects, yet she clings to goodness wherever possible and chooses to live. She repeatedly assumes the best of people (which is remarkable considering she was given no real models of goodness to reflect) and she loves and inherently protects her daughter from evil. I learned something from this book and was encouraged to know that survivors of human trafficking such as Barbara Amaya are finally finding healing, justice according to the earth, validation, and love. There is still hope for complete justice and restoration in Jesus Christ when He returns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2025
I accidentally read the wrong book, but I am glad I did. Her story deserves to be heard as well. Kinda feel bad for her that the other book has the same title, but maybe that will bring more people like me to her story.
I googled her, and sadly she passed away in 2024. I hope she was able to finally find happiness before she left us.
I googled her, and sadly she passed away in 2024. I hope she was able to finally find happiness before she left us.
January 5, 2018
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Net Gallery/Animal Media Group.]
There was very little in this book that surprised me. To be sure, the story is a heartrending one, but it is also one that has a clear genre and familiar path. I've heard this story before, and likely many people who read this story have as well [1]. The fact that this story sounds very familiar though, does not mean it is not a worthwhile story, because the author wishes to relate to people who like her were abused as children, caught up in sex trafficking by people who told them lies while seeking to manipulate and control them, and then isolated from the rest of "square" society to the point where they used drugs to cope with the horrors and trauma of their lives. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the author used her own past as encouragement in helping to reach out to others who suffer as she has suffered, realizing that the purpose and meaning of her experiences is into helping others avoid and overcome the same sort of problems that she did, a not uncommon but also positive realization.
In terms of its organization, this book is written in a straightforward and chronological fashion. With short numbered chapters, the author discusses her abuse by her father and brother, her increasing anxiety about going to school, her resorting to running away over and over again, and being caught up in a world of prostitution and drug use and numerous scrapes with the law as a result of her attachment to her pimp Moses. A long effort at sobriety follows where the author still finds herself drawn to precisely the wrong type of man. She ends up hospitalized after a relationship with one abusive man and has a daughter in a marriage with an alcoholic who she leaves, becoming a single mother with a lot of health struggles. It is not until she is middle aged, it would appear, that the author realizes that her child experiences had a name in sex trafficking and that the problem was still a pervasive one, and she is motivated by her experience to become a crusader on behalf of the well-being of vulnerable and exploited children. By the story's end her own record and conscience are clear, and the reader is left with resources as well as a lot to ponder about the processes that lead to trafficking and the way that children are exploited.
Ultimately, as a reader, I am left with a lot of puzzling thoughts and reflections after this book. Was the author ever able to find a loving relationship as an adult, or was her experience simply too difficult for her to overcome when it comes to building intimacy? Did the author ever come to terms with God and develop a personal relationship with Him? Was her daughter able to break the generational cycles of divorce and alcoholism/drug abuse and abuse that the author faced herself in her own life and in her family background? What makes this book particularly worthwhile, despite these unanswered questions, is that it helps to reveal a pathway to abuse. A great deal of the societal evils we face with regards to drug abuse and prostitution and the like can be traced back to trouble in youth. Broken societies and broken families produce broken people. It is hard to fix broken systems, but it is a lot easier to fix them than it is to fix broken people whose brokenness extends generation after generation.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
There was very little in this book that surprised me. To be sure, the story is a heartrending one, but it is also one that has a clear genre and familiar path. I've heard this story before, and likely many people who read this story have as well [1]. The fact that this story sounds very familiar though, does not mean it is not a worthwhile story, because the author wishes to relate to people who like her were abused as children, caught up in sex trafficking by people who told them lies while seeking to manipulate and control them, and then isolated from the rest of "square" society to the point where they used drugs to cope with the horrors and trauma of their lives. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the author used her own past as encouragement in helping to reach out to others who suffer as she has suffered, realizing that the purpose and meaning of her experiences is into helping others avoid and overcome the same sort of problems that she did, a not uncommon but also positive realization.
In terms of its organization, this book is written in a straightforward and chronological fashion. With short numbered chapters, the author discusses her abuse by her father and brother, her increasing anxiety about going to school, her resorting to running away over and over again, and being caught up in a world of prostitution and drug use and numerous scrapes with the law as a result of her attachment to her pimp Moses. A long effort at sobriety follows where the author still finds herself drawn to precisely the wrong type of man. She ends up hospitalized after a relationship with one abusive man and has a daughter in a marriage with an alcoholic who she leaves, becoming a single mother with a lot of health struggles. It is not until she is middle aged, it would appear, that the author realizes that her child experiences had a name in sex trafficking and that the problem was still a pervasive one, and she is motivated by her experience to become a crusader on behalf of the well-being of vulnerable and exploited children. By the story's end her own record and conscience are clear, and the reader is left with resources as well as a lot to ponder about the processes that lead to trafficking and the way that children are exploited.
Ultimately, as a reader, I am left with a lot of puzzling thoughts and reflections after this book. Was the author ever able to find a loving relationship as an adult, or was her experience simply too difficult for her to overcome when it comes to building intimacy? Did the author ever come to terms with God and develop a personal relationship with Him? Was her daughter able to break the generational cycles of divorce and alcoholism/drug abuse and abuse that the author faced herself in her own life and in her family background? What makes this book particularly worthwhile, despite these unanswered questions, is that it helps to reveal a pathway to abuse. A great deal of the societal evils we face with regards to drug abuse and prostitution and the like can be traced back to trouble in youth. Broken societies and broken families produce broken people. It is hard to fix broken systems, but it is a lot easier to fix them than it is to fix broken people whose brokenness extends generation after generation.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
January 27, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC in return for an honest review on NetGalley.
This was a very hard book to read. The book is very clear on what some of what lies within. The back cover did not warn of child sexual abuse through the form on incest or a suicide attempt through pills. One of those is a trigger for me. I have already been incredibly emotional the past few days. It really hit me hard. I wanted to give that warning to other readers, not to warn them away but so they can prepare themselves. This is a very important story that needs to be told and read. Barbara Amaya is incredible strong and resilient. She is, for lack of a better word and despite my hatred of being called this, an inspiration. She is changing lives. She refers to herself as a victim, but I disagree. She is not a victim, she is a survivor and a thriver. This distinction is very powerful to me. She was able to overcome her abuse and has made a life for herself that is very successful. She is helping others the way she needed to be helped. She is important and badass.
The book reads very simply. There aren’t details that are shocking for shock sake. The book feels raw and bare-boned. There is no other way I would want this book to be. Amaya tells her story the way she wanted to, not for an audience. The story is so deeply personal and horrifying that anything more would have read as flowery and fake, it would have read less powerfully.
I work in the legal world. I worked prosecution, then the jail, and now defense. I have worked towards putting felons behind bars, detaining defendants while they went through the legal process, and I now work in defending clients. I saw a human trafficking case from all three sides. I saw every little detail of the case. This book still hit me in a way that was impressive and important. I have already sent an email out to my coworkers asking them to read this book. This book will help shape the way they help defend other victims of sex trafficking who are being charged either with prostitution or with human trafficking because of the role they were forced to play.
If you work with women in any capacity, you need to read this book. If you live in the mid-west (Kansas is the human trafficking capital of the US), then you need to read this book. If you are experiencing human trafficking or you are afraid that you are, you are not alone. Reach out if you can. Find the local public defender’s office. They can help you find resources, find the local homeless shelter, find the local battered women shelter, there are places where you can go that will help. If you already have an active case, tell your attorney.
A note to the author: Thank you. You have helped people already and I can only hope that you can help more. You are not alone in this fight. You are someone I look up to now. Your strength, your courage, your resilience, your desire to help others even when it is painful. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.
I got an ARC in return for an honest review on NetGalley.
This was a very hard book to read. The book is very clear on what some of what lies within. The back cover did not warn of child sexual abuse through the form on incest or a suicide attempt through pills. One of those is a trigger for me. I have already been incredibly emotional the past few days. It really hit me hard. I wanted to give that warning to other readers, not to warn them away but so they can prepare themselves. This is a very important story that needs to be told and read. Barbara Amaya is incredible strong and resilient. She is, for lack of a better word and despite my hatred of being called this, an inspiration. She is changing lives. She refers to herself as a victim, but I disagree. She is not a victim, she is a survivor and a thriver. This distinction is very powerful to me. She was able to overcome her abuse and has made a life for herself that is very successful. She is helping others the way she needed to be helped. She is important and badass.
The book reads very simply. There aren’t details that are shocking for shock sake. The book feels raw and bare-boned. There is no other way I would want this book to be. Amaya tells her story the way she wanted to, not for an audience. The story is so deeply personal and horrifying that anything more would have read as flowery and fake, it would have read less powerfully.
I work in the legal world. I worked prosecution, then the jail, and now defense. I have worked towards putting felons behind bars, detaining defendants while they went through the legal process, and I now work in defending clients. I saw a human trafficking case from all three sides. I saw every little detail of the case. This book still hit me in a way that was impressive and important. I have already sent an email out to my coworkers asking them to read this book. This book will help shape the way they help defend other victims of sex trafficking who are being charged either with prostitution or with human trafficking because of the role they were forced to play.
If you work with women in any capacity, you need to read this book. If you live in the mid-west (Kansas is the human trafficking capital of the US), then you need to read this book. If you are experiencing human trafficking or you are afraid that you are, you are not alone. Reach out if you can. Find the local public defender’s office. They can help you find resources, find the local homeless shelter, find the local battered women shelter, there are places where you can go that will help. If you already have an active case, tell your attorney.
A note to the author: Thank you. You have helped people already and I can only hope that you can help more. You are not alone in this fight. You are someone I look up to now. Your strength, your courage, your resilience, your desire to help others even when it is painful. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.
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