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Run Baby Run
by
Nicky Cruz
This is one of the most powerful true stories of our day. It tells the tale of one man, a legend among the anarchic street gangs of New York, broken and transformed by God.
At one level, the story of Nicky Cruz is a heady mix of tribal warfare, loyalty and betrayal, sex, drugs and murder. At another level, it digs deep beneath the pride and power that made him one of the mo...more
At one level, the story of Nicky Cruz is a heady mix of tribal warfare, loyalty and betrayal, sex, drugs and murder. At another level, it digs deep beneath the pride and power that made him one of the mo...more
Paperback
Published
May 1st 2003
by Hodder & Stoughton
(first published 1969)
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Having read The Cross and the Switchblade as well as Lonely but Never Alone in 1990, I thought I knew the story well enough not to still bother with "Run Baby Run". I mean, if you've heard it once, you've heard it all ... besides, I couldn't get hold of this book at our local library then.
But I was wrong. This book reveals far more details of Cruz' life before he ran away from home - here you have his motivations and start to understand his fear once he's the leader of the Mau Maus. In fact, it...more
But I was wrong. This book reveals far more details of Cruz' life before he ran away from home - here you have his motivations and start to understand his fear once he's the leader of the Mau Maus. In fact, it...more
Run Baby Run captivated me! I love true stories and found this at my local library.
It's the life story of Nicky Cruz, an out of control, demonized young man who moved from Puerto Rico to New York at the age of 15 after being raised (not very well) by ungodly parents who were spiritualists and practiced witchcraft to make a living.
My heart ached as I read what Nicky endured and was exposed to as a child - anyone who reads his story will realize that only the power of God can restore, transform...more
It's the life story of Nicky Cruz, an out of control, demonized young man who moved from Puerto Rico to New York at the age of 15 after being raised (not very well) by ungodly parents who were spiritualists and practiced witchcraft to make a living.
My heart ached as I read what Nicky endured and was exposed to as a child - anyone who reads his story will realize that only the power of God can restore, transform...more
This book is the autobiographical account of Nicky Cruz. Originally hailing from Puerto Rico he was sent to New York as a teenager. There he had no-one so he turned to the gangs. It wasn't long until he was elevated to gang leader thanks to his fearless ways. But later came a man with three words for him that did scare him:
`Jesus loves you!' Three small words that change Nicky Cruz's life for ever!
However the change was not easy, there were struggles along the way and friends were lost as Nicky...more
`Jesus loves you!' Three small words that change Nicky Cruz's life for ever!
However the change was not easy, there were struggles along the way and friends were lost as Nicky...more
This the story of a rehabilitated drug addict and ex gang banger. I have nothing in common with Nicky, not in the way he thinks or acts but somehow his story moved me. I can understand his feelings of loneliness and how it lead to his violent behavior. He was neglected and abused by his parents, sent away to another country to a brother who was to busy to look out for him. The only way he would be able to survive the rough streets of new york was by joining a brutal gang. They were the first peo...more
This was a very interesting look at the life of gang leader turned minister Nicky Cruz.
The book is somewhat of a follow-up to 'The Cross and the Switchblade' about David Wilkerson's ministry to the gangs of inner city New York in the 1950's and 60's. Run Baby Run chronicles Nicky Cruz' life from a childhood of rejection and demonic spiritualism, to the violent and promiscuous gang life in his teens, and finally to his meeting of evangelist Wilkerson, leading him to salvation.
This book is sometim...more
The book is somewhat of a follow-up to 'The Cross and the Switchblade' about David Wilkerson's ministry to the gangs of inner city New York in the 1950's and 60's. Run Baby Run chronicles Nicky Cruz' life from a childhood of rejection and demonic spiritualism, to the violent and promiscuous gang life in his teens, and finally to his meeting of evangelist Wilkerson, leading him to salvation.
This book is sometim...more
Run Baby Run is a novel about a boy named Nicky Cruz. He lives in Puerto Rico, and moves to New York to live with his brother. When getting to New York he drops out of school and soon leaves his brother’s house. He now has no place to live or food, which leads him to rob in order to provide for himself. Nicky then becomes president of the Mau Mau gang where at the time was the most violent gang. One day a preacher meets this gang and Nicky agrees to attend one of the services. After being in sev...more
I've read this one several times. Each time, it only seems more powerful.
2 likes · like · see review
I think this book is an ok book. It is really exciting during the beginning. Nicky Cruz is always in trouble and running away form his problems. He joins a gang and became there president. Then a preacher came and talked to the gang and changed Nicky's life. He quit the gang and went off to school. The quote I picked was "Run baby run". I chose it because before the preacher changed his life he was always scared and running away from everything even though he was a feared gang leader. After he t...more
This book is about a troubled teen growing up in hard environments. He is faced with challenges which leave him no choice but to join a street gang to stay alive. He quickly feels at home with his new discovered friends and takes a liking to the power and respect he gets from others. You will be interested in this book if you like adventure stories or gang stories. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. He is saved by god and stops the gang life altogother. It shows troubled teens there is a way out...more
Nicky Cruz had a rough childhood and was alone on the streets at a very young age. His family became the MauMaus, a highly feared gang in Brooklyn. Several years later, a skinny preacher, David Wilkerson, started preaching nearby. Nicky hated him at first, but found out how life can change. This book is amazing. This is the third time I've read it since I was a kid, I believe. It was just as good this time and the movie "The Cross and the Switchblade", told from David Wilkerson's perspective, is...more
Run Baby Run is a book about a Peurto Rican boy who leaves his abusive parents to travel to New York city to find his brother. After a falling out with his brother, Nicky is kicked to the streets to battle for his survival, he gets involved with a street gang, the Mau Mau's and commits many crimes and falls into a life he could never imagine, consisting of drugs, alcohol, and gang violence. Later in the book, Nicky has a running in with a street pastor. Despite Nicky's threats to kill him, the p...more
Feb 27, 2008
Sophia
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
already-read,
favorite-books
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This book is a very good book it has a lot of action and excitement. It is about a teenage boy who grow up in Brooklyn and has to deal with gangs and drugs and weapons and girls. He joins a gang called "Mau Mau" then it becomes very big and he becomes a leader. Later on in the years he becomes a christian and try's to tell all his friends and former gang members he marries a beautiful puerto rican girl and they live as Christians to gather. Nicky Cruz himself is also puerto rican.
Another one read a while ago while I was still doing my Alpha Course and on the verge of handing my life over to this awesome God I serve.
This book is just 'wow' and testimony that we serve a God who is well able to bring Salvation to anyone, and I mean anyone, doesn't matter about race, age, gender, ideas, etc.
If His called you, He'll find you. He'll pull you out of the miry clay, the deepest pit and lift you up!!!
This book is just 'wow' and testimony that we serve a God who is well able to bring Salvation to anyone, and I mean anyone, doesn't matter about race, age, gender, ideas, etc.
If His called you, He'll find you. He'll pull you out of the miry clay, the deepest pit and lift you up!!!
i read run baby run in about 4 or 5 days. its a verysuspensful and action filled book. it kept me on the edge of my chair and didnt wanna put the book down.nicky cruz is a very talented writer and ive read several of his books and have loved every single one. i recommend this book to anyone who likes action. i know i loved every minute of reading this book and i believe alot of other people would to!!
Nicky Cruz has an amazing life story that he shares with brutal honesty in this page turner. This book is a gripping account of his life from his abusive home in Puerto Rico, to his gang days on the streets of New York, to his time in Bible College trying to become the man God created him to be. His story is as inspirational as it is amazing.
After reading the Cross and the switchblade I had to read this one. What an incredible story of redemption! If God can change a man like Nicky Cruz, He can change anyone, there is no doubt in my mind. Although this book was very graphic and detailed about all the crimes the gang members committed, it was a good read. it made Nicky's salvation all the more a miracle!
May 23, 2008
Crystal
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone interested in changed lives. gang life in the 60s, Christians wanting to see what God can do
Recommended to Crystal by:
my mother
Shelves:
christian-non-fiction
This was one of my favorite books when I was a teenager, and is still one I hold dear. It is the autobiography of Nicky Cruz, a character in the Cross and the Switchblade, by David Wilkerson. Nicky was a haunted and angry young man, sent away by his family in Puerto Ricko to the slums of New York City in the 60s. This is the story of his life with the gangs, from his start to his rise to the top, and his dramatic meeting with God through the unlikely skinny little preacher from Pennsylvania. Thi...more
I learned do not judge the others..this book gave me power to fight..it,s really worthy to fight even if u lose sometimes ..in one day u will be a big winner...
what was different as this book..it was so fascinating that i read it in bus , when i walked..i was captived by this book..i really recomand it...
what was different as this book..it was so fascinating that i read it in bus , when i walked..i was captived by this book..i really recomand it...
Amazing story of how God doesn't give up on anyone. The book challenges us to love unconditionally the least lovely people we come in contact with. I read this as a teenager (many years ago now)and it, along with "the cross and the switchblade" had a big impact on me.
Must read! Get the book, “Run, Baby, Run“.
And coming soon see the movie, “Thousand Pieces – The Nicky Cruz Story“
Nicky’s conversion was depicted in the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade starring Erik Estrada as Cruz and Pat Boone as David Wilkerson.
And coming soon see the movie, “Thousand Pieces – The Nicky Cruz Story“
Nicky’s conversion was depicted in the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade starring Erik Estrada as Cruz and Pat Boone as David Wilkerson.
a Must Read for young people. A story of one man's journey from darkness into light, written with strength and belief in the power of God to change a person's life. Does not "sugar coat" the world of violence, yet is not graphic for the sake of "shock value".
This is great book to read. The true story of a savage street fighter. The first part is so graffic but it was another book I just could not put down. It shows how the Holy Spirit comes into his life and changes him. A very good read.
It's a pretty good story, though I'm not sure it's all nonfiction. When I read it as a teenager, as part of an assignment, I thought it was really good. Later I began to question some of it. But it's worth a read.
I read this for school it is a brilliant book and gives you a different look at life. I am a christian and sfter reading this book i became more loyal to god. Very good book and suprising with a brilliant ending.
this is good! really get you thinking...what will you do with your life God has given you. At least that is what i got after I was done. It does keep your intrest, read this in H.S. so it kept me thinking alot.
I've read this book 3 times and I'm always surprised by the violence in it. It still ranks as one of my favorite books though. I've read "The Cross and the Switchblade" too, but it's not nearly as good as this book!
This book i enjoyed very much it was really interesting to me becuase the main character joined into a New York City gang and did really bad things an at the end he fixed everything up and became a way bette man.
loved it! I was a fan of David Wilkerson and really liked the movie Cross and the Switchblade! I remember seeing Cruz once at a Church, I think in Florida. He wasn't that amazing in person :)
A friend of mine raved about Run Baby Run so I was quick to pick it up and give it a read. I just didn't have the mind-blowing experience with the story as my friend. This could be, perhaps, because I've worked in the inner city ghetto and found the experiences Cruz depicts a little "silly". But to be honest, he's describing the ghetto of the 50s and 60s and I know it today.
I actually found the most gripping part of the story to be the second half, when he speaks of his conversion. I thought it...more
I actually found the most gripping part of the story to be the second half, when he speaks of his conversion. I thought it...more
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Nicky was only 3½ years old when his heart turned to stone. As one of 18 children born to witchcraft-practicing parents from Puerto Rico, bloodshed and mayhem were common occurrences in his life. He suffered severe physical and mental abuse at their hands, at one time being declared the "Son of Satan" by his mother while she was in a spiritual trance.
When he was 15, Nicky's father sent him to visi...more
More about Nicky Cruz...
When he was 15, Nicky's father sent him to visi...more
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Jun 11, 2012 08:11am