Book Review: A Girl's Guide to Homelessness by Brianna Karp

A Girl's Guide to Homelessness: A Memoir
Author:  Brianna Karp
Copyright 2011
Publisher:  Harlequin
ISBN 13:978-0-373-89235-8
326 pages
Source:  a complimentary galley was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
http://girlsguidetohomelessness.com/

Homeless isn't just the sad and dejected man or woman that one may see gathered near the soup kitchen, or lined up for a bed in a shelter.  Nor is it necessarily the face of a person badly in need of a shower, a change of clothes, food in their stomach, or a bed to sleep in.  As the recession takes its toll, taking jobs, homes and self-esteem, it creates homelessness.  A new face to homelessness is what we meet in A Girl's Guide to Homelessness - a memoir of Brianna Karp.

A sad and revealing eye opener to the state of homelessness, A Girl's Guide to Homelessness is a view of a life riddled with abuse, broken promises, and heartache. As the reader travels down the road that is Brianna's life, one cannot help but note she has cast herself in the role as victim. A victim of the acts and choices of others and of circumstance told in a rather one-sided fashion.  This memoir is, afterall, Brianna's story.  But, it goes beyond that. The Girl's Guide to Homelessness is an awareness campaign, gathered in a tightly woven prose, of the new face of homelessness.  Frightening. Sad. Witty at times. The Girl's Guide to Homelessness is a wake-up call to the nations.  The security we have today, may not be there tomorrow.  As I read this memoir, I was reminded of a book I recently reviewed, 21st Century Great Global Depression, which tells of the homeless epidemic that is sweeping the nation due to the recession.  Homelessness does indeed have a new face.

As The Girl's Guide to Homelessness comes to an end, we realize it is just the beginning.  The beginning of the huge learning curve that is Brianna's life.  It is one that we all must partake in, regardless of our station in life.  What we do with the trials and tribulations, determines our future.  It is important to recognize that despite all the tragic experiences Brianna's life has doled out for her, Brianna never lets go of hope. Hope for love, family, joy and a real place to call home. Hope and perseverance can make a difference.  One wonders what difference five years will bring to Brianna.

Rated 3/5 Content alert:  language, sexual content and abuse