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Living at the Edge of the World: How I Survived in the Tunnels of Grand Central Station
A searing, true story right out of 1980s New York City: During the height of the crack cocaine epidemic, with AIDS and homelessness raging out of control, a young woman survives four years living in the tunnels of Grand Central Station.
Sixteen year old Tina S. leaves behind her dysfunctional family to join her new friend, April, a wild and charismatic teenage runaway, living in the station's deepest tunnels amidst the homeless and drug addicted. Soon she's caught up in in a romantic relationship with April and finds herself following in her footsteps: bingeing on crack cocaine, stealing, rolling drunks, and panhandling to support their habits and to survive on the New York City streets.
In her own words Tina describes her harrowing descent into crack addiction, being raped in the tunnels, several arrests and jail terms served with hardened criminals on Rikers Island, and her devastation over April's sudden, brutal death.
Finally faced with the reality that she might not make it through one more day, Tina takes her first tentative steps towards a normal life.
With the help of a homeless advocate and his wife, a gay uncle dying of AIDS, and Jamie Pastor Bolnick, the writer who was to become her coauthor on this book, Tina turns her life around and begins the long struggle back to the world of the living.
Sixteen year old Tina S. leaves behind her dysfunctional family to join her new friend, April, a wild and charismatic teenage runaway, living in the station's deepest tunnels amidst the homeless and drug addicted. Soon she's caught up in in a romantic relationship with April and finds herself following in her footsteps: bingeing on crack cocaine, stealing, rolling drunks, and panhandling to support their habits and to survive on the New York City streets.
In her own words Tina describes her harrowing descent into crack addiction, being raped in the tunnels, several arrests and jail terms served with hardened criminals on Rikers Island, and her devastation over April's sudden, brutal death.
Finally faced with the reality that she might not make it through one more day, Tina takes her first tentative steps towards a normal life.
With the help of a homeless advocate and his wife, a gay uncle dying of AIDS, and Jamie Pastor Bolnick, the writer who was to become her coauthor on this book, Tina turns her life around and begins the long struggle back to the world of the living.
283 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2001
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December 16, 2020
One World: Tina S. (New York. c. 1986) Magpies, North Ridge (Westminster, CO. 2020)
Living at the Edge of the World is a story about a young girl who lived underground (mostly) for five years, in New York City, from 1986 to 1990. In her own words (mostly) with the help of journalist, Jamie Pastor Bolnick.
President Donald Trump recently said he wants to put a woman on the moon and a man on Mars, in his next term. Those are great goals. I'd like to see homelessness ended, especially for children. Which do you think is most likely?
How children become homeless
is a good question. Which this book does a good job of getting down to - to the root causes. For all our progress regarding life's challenges, some things don't change.
Homelessness is actually expanding in the US, and the reasons remain constant because people, like all creatures, need that which they always have; and respond within their individual abilities to meet those needs.
Tina S
the heroine (and she is) of the story was cast out by her mother because she was a liability (my word). Tina had gotten pregnant and was a complication to her mother's own quest for love and validation. Tina took to the streets (of Manhattan) for comfort and attachment. "A girl who ran away", not a "runaway", Jamie tells her.
Jamie Bolnick
plays a huge part in Tina's recovery. At wit's end, Tina calls Jamie, who's doing a story about the suicide of another white, pretty, smart, young girl. As things turn out - Jamie connects Tina to a non-profit bent on helping homeless kids. And one thing leads to another as they tend to do. So the story unfolds, albeit ...
Style
is always hanging around. No matter in appearance, but also in words - writing and reading. This is a tough read. Not only because of the story, but because of the style, or voice. It's disjointed, not strictly chronological. And yet true. Events bounce back and forth. Not unlike memory or conversation.
For me? Kudos to Jamie. I think she captures Tina's voice and struggle.
My connection
to this story/book is long and almost as complicated (or as simple) as Tina's story. Homelessness is, to me, more important than putting a man on Mars or a woman on the moon. Trust me (?) Homeless children is still a huge problem.
Spoiler alert:
This book will bring tears to your eyes. It's about death and dying - what that feels and is like. (Not unlike Infinite Jest.) But also about about courage and strength. Resiliency. And it's true.
PS
I was reminded about this book I had in my garage because of a new book being published by Teal Swan about homelessness. Some things don't change.
Living at the Edge of the World is a story about a young girl who lived underground (mostly) for five years, in New York City, from 1986 to 1990. In her own words (mostly) with the help of journalist, Jamie Pastor Bolnick.
President Donald Trump recently said he wants to put a woman on the moon and a man on Mars, in his next term. Those are great goals. I'd like to see homelessness ended, especially for children. Which do you think is most likely?
How children become homeless
is a good question. Which this book does a good job of getting down to - to the root causes. For all our progress regarding life's challenges, some things don't change.
Homelessness is actually expanding in the US, and the reasons remain constant because people, like all creatures, need that which they always have; and respond within their individual abilities to meet those needs.
Tina S
the heroine (and she is) of the story was cast out by her mother because she was a liability (my word). Tina had gotten pregnant and was a complication to her mother's own quest for love and validation. Tina took to the streets (of Manhattan) for comfort and attachment. "A girl who ran away", not a "runaway", Jamie tells her.
Jamie Bolnick
plays a huge part in Tina's recovery. At wit's end, Tina calls Jamie, who's doing a story about the suicide of another white, pretty, smart, young girl. As things turn out - Jamie connects Tina to a non-profit bent on helping homeless kids. And one thing leads to another as they tend to do. So the story unfolds, albeit ...
Style
is always hanging around. No matter in appearance, but also in words - writing and reading. This is a tough read. Not only because of the story, but because of the style, or voice. It's disjointed, not strictly chronological. And yet true. Events bounce back and forth. Not unlike memory or conversation.
For me? Kudos to Jamie. I think she captures Tina's voice and struggle.
My connection
to this story/book is long and almost as complicated (or as simple) as Tina's story. Homelessness is, to me, more important than putting a man on Mars or a woman on the moon. Trust me (?) Homeless children is still a huge problem.
Spoiler alert:
This book will bring tears to your eyes. It's about death and dying - what that feels and is like. (Not unlike Infinite Jest.) But also about about courage and strength. Resiliency. And it's true.
PS
I was reminded about this book I had in my garage because of a new book being published by Teal Swan about homelessness. Some things don't change.
November 12, 2012
What can I say about this book? This was kind of a gem that I happened to run into. Saying that I enjoyed this book would be a little cruel; some stories are not made to be read with comfort.
Living at the Edge of the World is a story about how life can turn your world upside down. It's inevitable not to feel pain; when every step you take allows for mistakes and lessons to be learned. I myself have gone through a lot of hardship in my life, and I hope that I have learned from the adventures I have gone through.
So, as I moved forward through the pages I realized that no matter what you go through, there is always something good that comes out of it; most times you can't see it, and anger blinds us...but there is a reason for it all.
I do recommend this book; I beg for you to read it. Sometimes we must learn the lessons of those whose footsteps we have yet to shadow.
Living at the Edge of the World is a story about how life can turn your world upside down. It's inevitable not to feel pain; when every step you take allows for mistakes and lessons to be learned. I myself have gone through a lot of hardship in my life, and I hope that I have learned from the adventures I have gone through.
So, as I moved forward through the pages I realized that no matter what you go through, there is always something good that comes out of it; most times you can't see it, and anger blinds us...but there is a reason for it all.
I do recommend this book; I beg for you to read it. Sometimes we must learn the lessons of those whose footsteps we have yet to shadow.
August 20, 2015
Amazing book. A must read!
December 7, 2019
The book Living at the Edge of the World by Jamie Pastor bolnick is an amazing book to read. I suggest the book to teens I need or in shelters and also to anyone in the world because it gives them a real life perspective on a teen life of being homeless and having a rough family.
In this book you learn about a character named Tina. Tina left her house when she was in her teenage years she began to sleep in the trains and she fell into deep drugs. In the book you read about all the struggles she went through with her family because of her mothers abusive boyfriend. You also learn a lot about her best friend because she Tina really wouldn't have been alive without her, her best friend April she wouldn't have survived the streets in grand central.
The main characters are Tina and April. April is very sweet, helpful and over protective of Tina. Tina is very kind is likes to make decisions that would make her happy and also others. I'm a little like Tina because I like to take matters into my own hands.
I enjoyed reading this book it showed me a different perspective on teenagers and why some of them are the way they are, it also showed me how not thinking twice before making decision can make a major impact on on your life. This was a very good eye opening book and you should all read it.
In this book you learn about a character named Tina. Tina left her house when she was in her teenage years she began to sleep in the trains and she fell into deep drugs. In the book you read about all the struggles she went through with her family because of her mothers abusive boyfriend. You also learn a lot about her best friend because she Tina really wouldn't have been alive without her, her best friend April she wouldn't have survived the streets in grand central.
The main characters are Tina and April. April is very sweet, helpful and over protective of Tina. Tina is very kind is likes to make decisions that would make her happy and also others. I'm a little like Tina because I like to take matters into my own hands.
I enjoyed reading this book it showed me a different perspective on teenagers and why some of them are the way they are, it also showed me how not thinking twice before making decision can make a major impact on on your life. This was a very good eye opening book and you should all read it.
April 13, 2008
This book is incredible! It is the story of one woman's journey down to the depths of drug addiction, homelessness and poverty, living as a teenager in the tunnels of Grand Central Station, through rehab and ultimately after a ten-year struggle, to making a life for herself and a way in the world as a more whole person. As far as I can tell, Tina S. is probably about my age (40) and we have led such radically different lives, largely because I had a supportive, stable homelife with two parents, and Tina did not. While I was worrying about which shoes to wear to High School as a 17 year old, Tina S. was busy running missions to raise enough money for her next crack vial. How she dragged herself up out of the morass she was in is the most incredible and well-written, compelling story I've come across. Don't miss this one!
January 19, 2022
A while back I saw Grand Central Station in a cartoon, which made me want to read any book on Grand Central. It's a place that I've been to so many times but never really thought about.
It was very fun to read a book that takes place where you've been to. When they mention Bryant Park, 42 street, the NYC subway, ..., I was immediately able to picture where I was, and it was a reminder that these places still existed 20+ years ago. It was also interesting to read about things back in the day (subway tokens, renting videos, the AIDS epidemic, smoking indoors, ...).
I never thought of Grand Central as a place where one survives everyday (especially in the depths far below the main concourse). The author's story described the difficulty of breaking free from the cycle of homelessness. Despite being the few extremely fortunate ones where people reached out to help her and gave her multiple chances, how easy it still was to fall back into homelessness, drugs and alcohol. Every time she got arrested and had the period of abstinence, when it felt like she was finally able to escape her situation, she falls back to where she started. She went through many traumatic experiences at such a young age in order to survive on the streets. The daily reality of panhandling, violence, and crime, and the short-lived relief from a rare shower or bed (even it was at a hospital). The constant obsession and mission for drugs felt like the only escape from homelessness, but was only temporary and futile. Even when she finally made it out, she still felt a deep sense of incompetence of assimilating into society as a normal human being.
It made me wonder how much the homeless situation in NYC has changed since then.
It was very fun to read a book that takes place where you've been to. When they mention Bryant Park, 42 street, the NYC subway, ..., I was immediately able to picture where I was, and it was a reminder that these places still existed 20+ years ago. It was also interesting to read about things back in the day (subway tokens, renting videos, the AIDS epidemic, smoking indoors, ...).
I never thought of Grand Central as a place where one survives everyday (especially in the depths far below the main concourse). The author's story described the difficulty of breaking free from the cycle of homelessness. Despite being the few extremely fortunate ones where people reached out to help her and gave her multiple chances, how easy it still was to fall back into homelessness, drugs and alcohol. Every time she got arrested and had the period of abstinence, when it felt like she was finally able to escape her situation, she falls back to where she started. She went through many traumatic experiences at such a young age in order to survive on the streets. The daily reality of panhandling, violence, and crime, and the short-lived relief from a rare shower or bed (even it was at a hospital). The constant obsession and mission for drugs felt like the only escape from homelessness, but was only temporary and futile. Even when she finally made it out, she still felt a deep sense of incompetence of assimilating into society as a normal human being.
It made me wonder how much the homeless situation in NYC has changed since then.
September 16, 2018
I read this for school and really enjoyed it. I loved reading about Tina's journey and her friendships with all of the people who helped her with her struggles of being homeless and being a drug addict. I also really like how they show in this book how being homeless does not mean just someone without a shelter. In the book Tina had several places she used as a shelter, but there is a difference between a shelter and a home. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
May 1, 2019
Great book showing the many sides of homelessness from mental issues, sexual abuse and working their way out! Such a crazy thought to think that there's a whole underground community of kids, women & men. #Nocturnal
October 31, 2023
doesn't hit as hard the second time around, but still a vividly horrifying view of drug addiction and has an inspiring message about how everyone can get out of the darkest hellhole
April 27, 2024
Can’t believe one person survived all of this. Great read.
December 3, 2015
New York City is a melting pot for human race; every creed, color, religion, societal status. I often wonder how someone could end up homeless, living life on the edge of tomorrow, not knowing where their next meal will come from or how they will stay warm. I've seen adults lying on stoops, dragging bags behind them, dirty and withdrawn. Not living in the city, but a frequent visitor, I understand that when someone panhandles they are most likely going to use the money for their next high and not on food. Well this is what I thought. After reading about Tina's life, I have a better understanding. Although there were times in the book, I was so angry with Tina for giving up on herself, when others were there to help her. But when you don't know any other way of life, she was a victim of the downward spiral that began with her mother, it must have been very difficult for Tina to move forward and get out of the lifestyle of the tunnels. Tina's love for her family, mother and younger siblings was very strong. But drugs, alcohol, her unwillingness to give in everything that made her who she was over ran her.
Jamie Pastor Bolnick did a fantastic job with showing both sides of Tina. The layout of the book, jumping back and forth to her life on the streets and her struggles to make a new life for herself was astonishing.
I pay kudos to Tina for the strength she found within herself to say enough was enough, and wanting to live a life she could be proud. It wasn't for anyone else but herself.
My question: Where is Tina now? How is she doing? I would love to see the 48 HOUR special on her documentary. Where can I find that?
I will suggest this book to all teenagers who think life would be easier out on their own. Thank you Tina.
Jamie Pastor Bolnick did a fantastic job with showing both sides of Tina. The layout of the book, jumping back and forth to her life on the streets and her struggles to make a new life for herself was astonishing.
I pay kudos to Tina for the strength she found within herself to say enough was enough, and wanting to live a life she could be proud. It wasn't for anyone else but herself.
My question: Where is Tina now? How is she doing? I would love to see the 48 HOUR special on her documentary. Where can I find that?
I will suggest this book to all teenagers who think life would be easier out on their own. Thank you Tina.
December 12, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
There are so many things I like about this book, I don't even know where to start.
For starters, Tina S.'s story is one that is not only interesting, but eye opening as well. The account is written with such brutal honesty about the ups and downs of her life. She is easy to empathize with, even when she does things the reader may not agree with. Overall, Tina S. seems like a very likable and smart person, which really comes out in the writing. Even when Tina S. did something bad, you can't help but still like her.
Tina S. chronicles her life in Grand Central Station as well as the lives of those around her. She recounts drugs, alcohol, rape, abortion, abuse, panhandling, theft, and crime as it happened to her and the people around her. Her words help to bring awareness about homelessness and drug abuse, some of the issues the homeless population faces, and reasons for why many people stay homeless.
Secondly, this is a book of non-fiction, but it reads like fiction. It is so easy to get into the story. It has a really important message and brings awareness to an important issues, but also is fascinating to read. Tina S. has a very unique story.
The timeline recounted jumps from chapter to chapter and even within chapters, but overall the story is relatively easy to follow. And I feel that the time jumps add an interesting layer to Tina S.'s story.
An amazing book because of it's writing and the intriguing story it tells. A very important story on a personal level as well as a social level in what is really needed for people who are homeless.
There are so many things I like about this book, I don't even know where to start.
For starters, Tina S.'s story is one that is not only interesting, but eye opening as well. The account is written with such brutal honesty about the ups and downs of her life. She is easy to empathize with, even when she does things the reader may not agree with. Overall, Tina S. seems like a very likable and smart person, which really comes out in the writing. Even when Tina S. did something bad, you can't help but still like her.
Tina S. chronicles her life in Grand Central Station as well as the lives of those around her. She recounts drugs, alcohol, rape, abortion, abuse, panhandling, theft, and crime as it happened to her and the people around her. Her words help to bring awareness about homelessness and drug abuse, some of the issues the homeless population faces, and reasons for why many people stay homeless.
Secondly, this is a book of non-fiction, but it reads like fiction. It is so easy to get into the story. It has a really important message and brings awareness to an important issues, but also is fascinating to read. Tina S. has a very unique story.
The timeline recounted jumps from chapter to chapter and even within chapters, but overall the story is relatively easy to follow. And I feel that the time jumps add an interesting layer to Tina S.'s story.
An amazing book because of it's writing and the intriguing story it tells. A very important story on a personal level as well as a social level in what is really needed for people who are homeless.
July 25, 2011
I read this before and while I accompanied my youth group on an inner-city mission trip. So much of what Tina S. related in this book was reinforced by the speaker from the Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless who came to our community house one evening. Homeless people do not want to feel that they are invisible (who does?). But most of us don't even notice them and just walk past, not really looking at them or speaking to them. Even if we do give them some money or food, we do not address them as equals. This book was raw, honest, engaging, and difficult for me to put down. I marvel at the author's ability to pull her life together, but I feel a certain sadness for her because while she has achieved physical health and some emotional healing, I wish she had been able to come to some spiritual healing as well. Her story is well worth the read and is very thought-provoking.
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June 28, 2016Wow, what a life to lead. Teenagers have it rough in general, but some are so confused if this is the kind of life they lead. And to continue to lead it is sad. The drugs, the violence, the hopelessness that they experience is unimaginable. And some, if they aren't killed by it, go on to live this way for years.
I like that the book is written first person, yet almost seems clinical and cold. I imagine that might be the only way to keep ones perspective. I am glad Tina was able to find her way, and I am hoping it will help others to also find themselves.
I like that the book is written first person, yet almost seems clinical and cold. I imagine that might be the only way to keep ones perspective. I am glad Tina was able to find her way, and I am hoping it will help others to also find themselves.
December 29, 2008
I didn't think I'd like it when I first picked it up. I probably wouldn't have picked it up on my own either. But it was surprisingly good. There were times that I had to stop and think, "This is non-fiction?" It's an amazing tale of how someone hit rock bottom and got back up from it, more than once actually. It's a taste of reality that shows even those that are young have stories of strength that are worth being told.
March 15, 2010
This book was so moving. Its a true story about a young girl who's homeless trying to survive in the tunnels of grand central station. Its so sad what she goes thought. Bugs, creepy men, drugs, friends. Its so hard to read yet at the same time you just can't put it down. I wish I still had this book. Let my friend read it and never got it back. Damn the book I would really love to read again. Guess its time to buy a new one.
July 7, 2007
It's been awhile since I've read this one, but it was a true story about a girl who lived in the tunnels of Grand Central station in New York. She left home, because it wasn't a good environment, got involved in drugs and ended up in a community of homeless teens. It follows her through her path off of the streets. Good story, but lots of difficult situations. For older teens.
April 14, 2008
Picked this one up off a display at the library. Some parts were surprisingly funny, but overall it was a sad story. People lead really sad lives. The girl in the book managed to get out, which was great. I'd like to read an update on how she's doing now.
September 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this account by TIna S. It's brutally honest, but a really wonderful story that makes you root for her all the way. Gave me a real sense of what life was like in New York's Grand Central in the 80s.
January 9, 2016
What an amazing story.Drug addiction is a journey through such murky water and being able to come out on the other side is heroic. The tunnels as well as the homeless wandering sounds very frightening. I wish a continued life of happiness, health and love for Tina. Thank you for sharing your story.
December 3, 2009
This is one of my all time favorite books and a keeper for me. Truly amazing story of a life I never dreamed of, much less one I gave a thought to. This book has opened my eyes to another world.
August 3, 2014
I would have rated it higher if the non-linear storytelling were easier to figure out. Otherwise, a compelling narrative into drug addiction and homelessness.
August 16, 2018
Loved it
May 23, 2016
This was ok. Very realistic I think to hanging out homeless and taking drugs.
Which of course, is not very glamorous or engaging.
It was a bit depressing.
Which of course, is not very glamorous or engaging.
It was a bit depressing.
September 6, 2016
Boring
September 29, 2016
Truly insightful to a world and way of life have never thought of truly existed. This story was very well written, easily understood, and not to mention emotional on so many levels.
June 26, 2025
One of those books that stays with you forever. It really opens the readers eyes to the plight of homelessness. Unbelievable story of survival.
December 4, 2009
Gritty, real, amazing.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews