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Run Baby Run

Nicky Cruz,

Jamie Buckingham

4.21 · Rating details · 15,498 ratings · 275 reviews

This is the thrilling story of Nicky Cruz's desperate battle against drugs, alcoholism, and a violent environment, as he searched for a better way of life on the streets of New York City. ...more

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Paperback, 336 pages

Published December 1st 1988 by Bridge-Logos (first published 1969)

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Sep 05, 2014 Natalie Vellacott rated it did not like it

Shelves: christian-biography

I hate to do this to another classic, but I have to be honest. This was an extremely popular book in Christian circles when I was in my teens (the 1990's.) I read it several times back then and as a relatively new believer probably would have rated it highly. I wondered if my perspective had changed so got hold of a free copy and re-read it now, well some of it.

There is no doubt that the story itself is an incredible working of God's power in the life of gangster Nicky Cruz through His servant D I hate to do this to another classic, but I have to be honest. This was an extremely popular book in Christian circles when I was in my teens (the 1990's.) I read it several times back then and as a relatively new believer probably would have rated it highly. I wondered if my perspective had changed so got hold of a free copy and re-read it now, well some of it.

There is no doubt that the story itself is an incredible working of God's power in the life of gangster Nicky Cruz through His servant David Wilkerson. I remember also reading The Cross and the Switchblade which tells the story from Wilkerson's point of view. There is also a film which I watched once....

However, this time of reading, I was appalled by the gratuitous violence and the graphic descriptions of it. I stopped reading at the point where the gang deal with a failed recruit by stabbing him in both armpits. I appreciate that the turn-around in Cruz' life was more miraculous due to the level of depravity he had reached and that that is one of the reasons why the details have been included. But, reading it now as a (hopefully) more spiritually mature adult, it is truly sickening. I can't believe I read it as a teen and wasn't unduly bothered by the violence.

I reviewed Street God last year with a one star rating due to the author appearing to glorify sin in his testimony. (http://christianmissionaryuk.blogspot...) Honestly, there is little difference between the two books in terms of the graphic nature. Street God probably contains a lot more detail of drug abuse but Run Baby Run has sexual details that shocked me and that I didn't recall from my first reading all those years ago.

Either I have become a legalist as I have grown older in which case feel free to disregard my review or sanctification is actually changing me albeit slowly and I can no longer tolerate things that would have been acceptable to me in the past. The Bible suggests it is probably the latter...

I can't recommend this book, it is full of graphic violence and some sexual content as well as shortened versions of bad language. ...more

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Feb 15, 2011 V.S. Carnes rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I've read this one several times. Each time, it only seems more powerful. ...more

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Feb 02, 2009 Ilze rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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

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Jan 02, 2017 Dessmiley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned

One of the best books I have ever read. Even after several re-reads this book still leaves me speechless.

This is the story of Nicky Cruz, a misunderstood teenager from Puerto Rico who finds himself the leader of one of the most notorious gangs of New York, the Mau-Maus. Struggling with the lifestyle of a warlord, fighting gangs, killing, stealing, drugs, sex and much more. He stumbles upon a preacher, David Wilkerson. Soon Nicky's eyes are open and his life goes down a different path.

This power ...more

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Apr 26, 2012 Ray added it

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.

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Jun 02, 2015 B. Reese rated it it was amazing

Shelves: disturbing-but-good

I really enjoyed this book and read it twice. I would read it again. It is very well written and it's a page turner. For anyone who likes Cross and the Switchblade, this is the book for you.

The bulk of the book is about Nicky's experience in the gang called Mau-Maus. Truthfully, the kid was a terror and that's putting it mildly. The stage is set. Nicky was a ruthless violent thug, the police were scared of him and he was pretty much immune to reprisal.

Enter David Wilkerson, skinny preacher. Dav ...more

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Jun 06, 2022 Rosie Mae rated it it was amazing

This book was absolutely amazing to say it quite frankly!
It completely changed my view point on people who need salvation. It gave me a little glimpse into the sincerity and desperation of those who are lost.
This book made me realize that people shouldn't be judged, period.
The amount of compassion that book gave me for troubled teens and others around me that need God was amazing. I have been humbled and convicted of my own prejudice and now feel that I understand myself better and made me see ...more

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Jun 12, 2020 Chanda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Wow. What makes this book hard to read is the violence and language. The book tells a testimony of a reputable gang leader of one of NYC’s most violent gang members in the 50’s. He is explicit in his telling of crimes and his use of foul language and racial slurs. He admits that he was full of fear, hate, and sin. You could argue the point in how he could use that language and use such violent detail as a redeemed person. I don’t think he was trying to glorify his sin, but paint the picture for ...more

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Sep 14, 2014 Jenn rated it it was amazing

Wow. This book is just amazing. Nicky Cruz's story is so inspiring and makes you want to reach out to everyone you meet. 'The cross and switchblade' by David Wilkerson gives another insight to this story and I will never tire of hearing God's amazing work in this man's life. ...more

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Aug 18, 2020 Poppy Brown rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I can’t remember the last time I have properly been gripped by a book. This is a BANGER. Highly recommend!

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Jun 15, 2018 Bethany rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Christians, Young Adult Christians,

Shelves: christian

Run Baby Run is one of the best books I've read written by a Christian, and without a doubt, one of the best books I have yet to read.

It's a powerful testimony of a man whose hardened heart could only be broken through by relentless love. The main character, Nicky Cruz, started life out bitter and angry, having been born into a family who practiced witchcraft. He hit the streets of New York City at fifteen, thieving, drinking, attacking, and it wasn't three years later when his life changed in Run Baby Run is one of the best books I've read written by a Christian, and without a doubt, one of the best books I have yet to read.

It's a powerful testimony of a man whose hardened heart could only be broken through by relentless love. The main character, Nicky Cruz, started life out bitter and angry, having been born into a family who practiced witchcraft. He hit the streets of New York City at fifteen, thieving, drinking, attacking, and it wasn't three years later when his life changed in a drastic way.
There was so much hurt buried in Cruz's heart, that it allowed the reader to resonate to a degree, while still his sins could not be excused. There was so much love, and light that came afterwards when he came to Christ. Though it's necessary to say things didn't become automatically easy for him in the aftermath.

I did have a few doubts when I realized the ministries and characters, involved were mainly Pentecostal, as I come from a middle class family, and was raised in a non-denominational
setting. While I wouldn't discount the things I've learned from the church, I feel there were spiritual aspects seldom mentioned. The power of the Holy Spirit, or the work of the enemy -constantly working at tearing us down. Spiritual warfare itself, though usually, it's hardly spoken of among Christians I know.
And while I'm sure this isn't always the case with all Evangelical and Non denominational Christians, Run Baby Run reminded me that there is a tremendous battle being waged. It reminded me that there is a great evil that can manifest itself in many ways, and trying to self medicate will not solve anything. That we can not be so intent on fitting in that we forget that this is not our home. Out hearts and minds must be transformed, renewed by the Holy Spirit.

To put it briefly, this book is about redemption, relational redemption, and being bought back, paid for to be free. Nicky Cruz was a man who would have never thought to love, a killer, a gangster, but the seriously overwhelming, never ending love of God changed that.
...more

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Dec 28, 2020 Sami Lutui rated it it was ok · review of another edition

According to my mother, this was one of my grandfathers favourite books. Hence why I thought it a good one to read.

Nicky Cruiz’s life is a compelling story about a journey away from loneliness, hatred and violence, and toward faith and fulfilment. The first half of this book glimpses the dark reality of life without love (cliche, I know. But this is quite literal). It will have you empathising with malicious behaviour as you recognise the challenged upbringing some children and teenagers endure ...more

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Jul 13, 2021 Adrielle rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: bio, non-fiction

I haven’t rated this based on how well it’s written or not. I’ve rated it based on Nicky’s testimony and how much it has spoken to me both times I’ve read it. Strength of character and a level of faith many don’t seem to have nowadays. There is so much to learn about how God works just from reading this.

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Feb 29, 2020 Nicky rated it did not like it

I can appreciate the weight of the story of this novel, but as a woman reading it in 2020, it’s painful to read sections where the woman is palmed off as a prop to the mans incessant ego.
This reminds me so much of the novel Shantaram, in how the hero wins in all scrapes, always has the world looking out for him, and even in his blackest hour is the hero! It just doesn’t smack of reality.
It’s a story where you want to support Nicky, and you clap loudly for him when he achieves a change, but the I can appreciate the weight of the story of this novel, but as a woman reading it in 2020, it’s painful to read sections where the woman is palmed off as a prop to the mans incessant ego.
This reminds me so much of the novel Shantaram, in how the hero wins in all scrapes, always has the world looking out for him, and even in his blackest hour is the hero! It just doesn’t smack of reality.
It’s a story where you want to support Nicky, and you clap loudly for him when he achieves a change, but the ego just keeps getting in the way, so the cheering just grinds slowly to a halt as it’s just tooo much selling of oneself. It really is like reading a 240 page sales pitch of someone’s amazing ness than a selfless story related to god.

The sentence that really made it apparent it’s a novel of its time is on page 230 ‘later that same month Dave Carter joined our staff to work with the boys.... we also had two young Mexican girls, frances Ramirez & Angie Sedillos, join us to add a woman’s touch and help with secretarial work’.

This paragraph was the icing on the cake for destroying my whole enjoyment for the the book. It’s a mans story of a mans world, and it’s pretty 2D egocentric, where the women are props to the mans ego - soft, gentle, sweet (this term is used a lot to describe the women) - or they are sexual play things to be discarded as the man continues his quest with God!

For instance, Nicky’s first girlfriend was a self professed Christian and then she was just dropped out the narrative.

If any novel I’ve ever read sets out to give an actual woman a complex about being noble for being human with strong, bombastic emotions, sharp intelligence and owning her world she moves in then this is. I mean what is Gloria’s story all about????

I think if this novel is going to have legs with the modern world it’s seriously going to have to edit how the women are situated & explained within this story.

If I was a man, I probably wouldn’t notice any of the misogyny.
...more

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Dec 08, 2013 Justin Rose rated it it was ok

Cruz may have some good and inspiring stories to tell, but he adds too much circumstance under the auspices of divine intervention. I think in Latin American this kind of story telling is accepted, but in English speaking America, this comes across as patronizing. Mike Warnke's /The Satan Seller/ is in this same genre, but it takes knowledge outside the text to see the inconsistencies.

Another thing that would have made this book better is if Cruz concentrated on a few stories in detail, rather t ...more

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Nov 16, 2019 Emilian Mateut rated it it was amazing

A history about God's love, and how it can totally change anyone's life, if they accept.

I'd summarize it with this episode:

The policemen couldn't believe their eyes. By this time 4 other cops had come in and they stood there in unbelief while the stack of pistols, zip guns, and homemade rifles grew higher. When we finished, the lieutenant just shook his head. Turning to Israel he said:

"Alright. Now suppose you tell me what's really going on. "

Israel again related what had taken place at St. ...more

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Jul 03, 2015 Benjami rated it it was amazing

Run baby run, a brilliant thrilling book of the true story of Nicky Cruz. Nicky cruz writes of his life from poor and isolated in his satanic childhood home in Puerto rico, to notorious gangster in New york then finally turning to God, giving up his life to the One and Only God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I being a Christian all my life have always loved Jesus with all my heart. But upon reading this book it strengthened my faith and belief in Jesus immensely. This amazing story tells of how powerfu ...more

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Jun 01, 2017 Dav rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction-bio

RUN BABY RUN • by Nicky Cruz, with Jamie Buckingham.

Nicky Cruz was born & raised in Puerto Rico, living in one of the worst neighborhoods. At age 15 his parents sent him to New York to live with his big brother, but the trouble prone Cruz soon ran away. Living on the streets of New York City he encountered street gangs. Being especially violent, determined & smart he rose in rank quickly within the gang.

Nicky was a street fighter, a criminal and became the feared leader of the most violent New Y ...more

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Jul 10, 2007 Crystal rated it it was amazing

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

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

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Mar 06, 2012 Tim Roast rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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

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Oct 22, 2015 Meagan Rose Cortez rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Run Baby Run is a very honest, riveting autobiography about a man with a lot of hurt, anger and pain turning away from his former life as a gang member and drug user to follow Christ. He is very honest and humble as he tells his story from the beginning as a scared, angry boy living in Puerto Rico with his parents who were famous in their community for using witchcraft, to his teenage years living in New York with his brother, becoming a gang member and so on. He leaves nothing out or hides anyt ...more

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Oct 28, 2020 Adoch Winnifred rated it liked it

this book made me to realize that God can use anyone he choose to use .It does not matter how far off you had gone from him. Just like Nicky he can use a simple thing that many don't understand like I LOVE YOU. This can change someone beyond measure. here God assures us that his love is beyond all that earthly people give us. God is love and he loves us unconditionally. Nothing we do can change his love for us. There is no human being who is willing to pay a price of death for their beloved best ...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Kelly Gordon rated it it was amazing

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

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Nov 16, 2011 Gary B rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read_2012

Run Baby Run is an excellent book. It's a captivating story, easy to read about how God worked through Nicky in the 1950's and 60's. I read the book to my family over a period of a few months reading a chapter or two a week as time allowed. Not all family members enjoyed the story - and certainly there are some very ugly parts to the storyline, but it's an encouraging story of how God worked through Nicky. ...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Isaac Casino rated it it was amazing

Shelves: action-and-adventure, serious, favorite

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. ...more

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Sep 23, 2010 murza added it

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...

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Jun 06, 2011 Marja Verschoor-Meijers rated it liked it

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! ...more

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Jul 11, 2017 Brandon Duncan rated it it was amazing

A powerful story of REDEMPTION and HOPE that has impacted many for His glory. This book and NICKY's testimony has motivated and inspired many to boldly step out in service and ministry- I invite every BELIEVER to read this..
David Wilkerson was an anointed man of God who shared the GOSPEL with Nicky and now Nicky has been serving and sharing with the masses for years..
Praise JESUS ...more

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Jan 28, 2020 Michael Otto rated it it was amazing

In this book by Nicky Cruz it is like a possible sequel to The Cross and the Switchblade as well as a behind the scenes look what was happening in Nicky's life on the streets surviving. Until one day he meets a man named David Wikerson. What happens next is what this book is about. Find out by reading it. ...more

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Nov 19, 2016 Natasha Vaitl rated it it was amazing

this book inspires you. it makes you want to live up to your full potential. very uplifting

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What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Nonfiction book read in 80s. Red cover. About growing up in an inner city street gang. [s]	4	30	Sep 17, 2019 01:55PM
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About Nicky Cruz

Nicky Cruz

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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 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 visit an older brother in New York. Nicky didn't stay with his brother long. Instead, full of anger and rage, he chose to make it on his own.

Tough, but lonely, by age 16 he became a member of the notorious Brooklyn street gang known as the Mau Maus (named after a bloodthirsty African tribe). Within six months he became their president. Cruz fearlessly ruled the streets as warlord of one of the gangs most dreaded by rivals and police. Lost in the cycle of drugs, alcohol, and brutal violence, his life took a tragic turn for the worse after a friend and fellow gang member was horribly stabbed and beaten and died in Nicky's arms.

As Cruz' reputation grew, so did his haunting nightmares. Arrested countless times, a court-ordered psychiatrist pronounced Nicky's fate as "headed to prison, the electric chair, and hell."

No authority figure could reach Cruz - until he met a skinny street-preacher named David Wilkerson. He disarmed Nicky - showing him something he'd never known before: Relentless love. His interest in the young thug was persistent. Nicky beat him up, spit on him and, on one occasion, seriously threatened his life, yet the love of God remained - stronger than any adversary Nicky had ever encountered.

Finally, Wilkerson's presentation of the gospel message and the love of Jesus melted the thick walls of his heart. Nicky received the forgiveness, love and new life that can only come through Jesus. Since then, he has dedicated that life to helping others find the same freedom.

He reaches today's youth because they relate to his background, trust his peer authority, and respond to the message of hope he delivers with both passion and conviction.

Run Baby Run is Nicky's story in book form.
...more