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Off My Knees: From Skid Row to Sunset Boulevard
"A gripping memoir detailing betrayal, trauma, prostitution, grief, drug addiction, imprisonment, the breaking force of love, detox, and much more..." — IndieReader Reviews
"Julie D. Summer's Off My Knees is a compelling memoir about overcoming abuse, addiction, and time in prison...(it) is about a confident personal reinvention." — Carolina Ciucci, Foreword Reviews
How much trauma can one person survive and still, in the end, thrive? Julie D. Summer's debut memoir takes readers on a ride through incredible highs and the depths of hell, then rams back up to a conclusion of success. Hers is not a misery memoir but a challenging story of one woman's belief in her abilities to overcome the pits she finds herself in. A teenage rape results in a child, and she is persuaded to relinquish the child. Regretting this pushed her into prostitution to try and raise money to find her baby. Moving across the country and there with the help of others, Julie became a thriving antique broker, only to self-destruct and end up in prison. After release, she started over as a large apartment building manager.
Then a phone call changed everything. Her long-lost son had found his mother, and they reunited in a happy attempt to make up for lost years. But, just as life seemed to be finally going her way, her son's suicide brought another dark storm to her life.
But this time, Julie had established herself in a community that supported her. She began an amazing multi-decade political and philanthropic work with the unhoused in West Hollywood. Julie preserved through countless trials, with a resilience that is a tribute to her strength and commitment to help others find their way into the light.
"Julie D. Summer's Off My Knees is a compelling memoir about overcoming abuse, addiction, and time in prison...(it) is about a confident personal reinvention." — Carolina Ciucci, Foreword Reviews
How much trauma can one person survive and still, in the end, thrive? Julie D. Summer's debut memoir takes readers on a ride through incredible highs and the depths of hell, then rams back up to a conclusion of success. Hers is not a misery memoir but a challenging story of one woman's belief in her abilities to overcome the pits she finds herself in. A teenage rape results in a child, and she is persuaded to relinquish the child. Regretting this pushed her into prostitution to try and raise money to find her baby. Moving across the country and there with the help of others, Julie became a thriving antique broker, only to self-destruct and end up in prison. After release, she started over as a large apartment building manager.
Then a phone call changed everything. Her long-lost son had found his mother, and they reunited in a happy attempt to make up for lost years. But, just as life seemed to be finally going her way, her son's suicide brought another dark storm to her life.
But this time, Julie had established herself in a community that supported her. She began an amazing multi-decade political and philanthropic work with the unhoused in West Hollywood. Julie preserved through countless trials, with a resilience that is a tribute to her strength and commitment to help others find their way into the light.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2022
87 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 21, 2022
A harrowing yet ultimately triumphant true story from a woman who has experienced the lowest lows to the highest highs (both literally and metaphorically). Julie Summers wears her heart on her sleeve and puts her soul into the pages of this book, sharing with readers everything from her struggles with addiction, sexual assault, and prison, as well as the love she shared with her family and friends, her rise as a successful business woman and community activist, and emotional reunion with her estranged son. A wonderful memoir and timeless story that shows how someone can overcome life’s deepest depths with resilience and love.
October 21, 2022
I picked up this ebook because I heard the author on a podcast. She was soft spoken and humble as well as authentic.
The memoir was interesting and the author told the reader about lots of events but the story could have been more impactful if the author showed us her thoughts and feelings. There was a bit of distance and lots of telling so it came off as unfocused. I wanted to know more of her inner story.
The memoir was interesting and the author told the reader about lots of events but the story could have been more impactful if the author showed us her thoughts and feelings. There was a bit of distance and lots of telling so it came off as unfocused. I wanted to know more of her inner story.
July 13, 2023
Julie has been there and Julie has done that.
I always gravitate to memoirs that revolve around the topic of addiction and trauma. Julie did not disappoint and I felt honored to hear her life story. Through all of her ups and all of her downs. The photos included throughout this were a perfect touch and allowed me to put faces to all of the names in this memoir. Julie's mugshot really stood out to me as well. Older mugshots are always so fascinating to me and I can not really put into words why they are fascinating to me.
Julie gave her son up for adoption at a young age. Later on in her life she reconnected with him. This was beneficial for both her and her son. It was devastating to read that he ended up taking his own life. Julie found strength and overcame absolutely so much. What an absolute success story Julie is now, bravo to her!
"Stealing, drinking, and cheating were part of my self-destructive behavior."
I always gravitate to memoirs that revolve around the topic of addiction and trauma. Julie did not disappoint and I felt honored to hear her life story. Through all of her ups and all of her downs. The photos included throughout this were a perfect touch and allowed me to put faces to all of the names in this memoir. Julie's mugshot really stood out to me as well. Older mugshots are always so fascinating to me and I can not really put into words why they are fascinating to me.
Julie gave her son up for adoption at a young age. Later on in her life she reconnected with him. This was beneficial for both her and her son. It was devastating to read that he ended up taking his own life. Julie found strength and overcame absolutely so much. What an absolute success story Julie is now, bravo to her!
"Stealing, drinking, and cheating were part of my self-destructive behavior."
January 17, 2025
Amazing story showing the rawness of substance abuse carrying to homelessness and overcoming complete rock bottom. Pictures throughout really help make connections to people in the book. Finally, great lessons for everyone (no matter our own life stories) to learn and be reminded of!
July 15, 2025
4.3 stars for me
This book was written so beautifully. It truly is incredible how one simple decision can have an ever lasting snowball effect on your life forever. I connected with her story in ways I didn’t realize until it was happening. I’m glad she shared her journey.
This book was written so beautifully. It truly is incredible how one simple decision can have an ever lasting snowball effect on your life forever. I connected with her story in ways I didn’t realize until it was happening. I’m glad she shared her journey.
July 3, 2023
What a hard and beautiful read. I randomly found this recommendation for me in my kindle unlimited and I am so happy I picked it. Truly inspiring.
November 15, 2025
Raw and Honest.
I loved this book. It's amazing to follow her spiritual growth from horrible times to contentment. I would definitely recommend this book.
I loved this book. It's amazing to follow her spiritual growth from horrible times to contentment. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 9, 2023
What a fascinating story! It is a cautionary tale for everyone struggling to find out who we are in a world that makes no sense at all. Having lived through the time periods and location of this book I realizd how fortunate I was not to succumb to the drugs so easily available. The author was forthright in allowing me into her experiences and struggle, and how she was able to finally prevail. If you have a young daughter--give her a copy of this book. Not all of us would have that will--I think many have given up. Thank you for allowing us to know we can survive thru what life throws at us and live to tell the tale.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews