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My Pink Prison: A memoir
All of us wonder when a close friend or someone we know dies by suicide, "What were they thinking?" This is an insider look at a woman who attempted to take her own life and failed. Have you heard of the cat with nine lives? This is the woman with ten. Follow her on her journey of survival, childhood, past relationships and addiction, all seen through a distorted perception that slowly but surely comes into focus.
On a cold night in March, 2007, a young woman made a life altering decision. She decided to end her life by jumping off the West End Bridge in Pittsburgh. The woman's decision changed her life forever, albeit not immediately after. This is the woman's story as she tries to come to terms with her lifelong struggle with addiction. God must have spared her for a reason, right?
On a cold night in March, 2007, a young woman made a life altering decision. She decided to end her life by jumping off the West End Bridge in Pittsburgh. The woman's decision changed her life forever, albeit not immediately after. This is the woman's story as she tries to come to terms with her lifelong struggle with addiction. God must have spared her for a reason, right?
138 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2023
11 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 11, 2024
Nicole Kraus’ honest memoir, “My Pink Prison: A Memoir,” is a story of redemption from the hurdles of life.
Nicole has always been smart and excels in school; however, growing up in a dysfunctional family created a hole in her soul, making her very vulnerable to life. Her disowned self exacerbates the insecurities that triggered her to take her life. At 22, tired and depressed, she jumped on the West End Bridge to end her life, but luckily, she survived. Life doesn’t come easy after she attempted suicide (even before); she was more drawn to drugs, involved in an illegitimate and abusive relationship, experienced sexual abuse, and underwent a sinful abortion.
Living in misery, Nicole was in and out of the hospital and rehab because of the life-and-death occurrences she fathomed. But things changed when she met Jesse, a recovering addict who saved her life—close to death—from a drug overdose. As their relationship blossoms, Nicole finds a newfound meaning in life, especially since their wonderful baby girl, Serenity Grace, came into their lives.
Brief and outspoken, the author reveals her life’s darkest moments, where she thought that suicide was the only resolution to stop her pain, but it wasn’t. The moment she was dying from suicide, she learned how desperately she wanted to live.
Throughout, Nicole’s raw emotions vary and run deep, evoking sympathy from readers as they contemplate her thoughts and motivations. Out of mental anguish, still, her father’s image flicks hope and felicity at her. Since she was a child, her father has become her hero, as his soft and empathetic demeanor brings calmness to her soul.
The book conveys the message to celebrate and cherish life. Though change is tough and scary, there’s always a way and a hope to move into a better place out of a hellhole of life; thus, Nicole’s redemptive story is one of the best examples.
Candid and coherent, the book is relatable to people who are struggling with drug addiction, abuse, and inner conflicts. The author “steps out of her pink prison every day into a beautiful world,” reminding us that everyone can do the same.
Adult themes, such as violence, sexual and substance abuse, depression, suicide, and abortion, are present in the book; thus, sensitive readers are being cautioned. Further, the delivery is better enhanced to be more descriptive and vibrant to engage more readers. Thus, I remove a star from this issue.
Extraordinarily edited, Nicole Kraus’ “My Pink Prison” advocates mental health, and it sends a powerful message of hope, change, and redemption.
Nicole has always been smart and excels in school; however, growing up in a dysfunctional family created a hole in her soul, making her very vulnerable to life. Her disowned self exacerbates the insecurities that triggered her to take her life. At 22, tired and depressed, she jumped on the West End Bridge to end her life, but luckily, she survived. Life doesn’t come easy after she attempted suicide (even before); she was more drawn to drugs, involved in an illegitimate and abusive relationship, experienced sexual abuse, and underwent a sinful abortion.
Living in misery, Nicole was in and out of the hospital and rehab because of the life-and-death occurrences she fathomed. But things changed when she met Jesse, a recovering addict who saved her life—close to death—from a drug overdose. As their relationship blossoms, Nicole finds a newfound meaning in life, especially since their wonderful baby girl, Serenity Grace, came into their lives.
Brief and outspoken, the author reveals her life’s darkest moments, where she thought that suicide was the only resolution to stop her pain, but it wasn’t. The moment she was dying from suicide, she learned how desperately she wanted to live.
Throughout, Nicole’s raw emotions vary and run deep, evoking sympathy from readers as they contemplate her thoughts and motivations. Out of mental anguish, still, her father’s image flicks hope and felicity at her. Since she was a child, her father has become her hero, as his soft and empathetic demeanor brings calmness to her soul.
The book conveys the message to celebrate and cherish life. Though change is tough and scary, there’s always a way and a hope to move into a better place out of a hellhole of life; thus, Nicole’s redemptive story is one of the best examples.
Candid and coherent, the book is relatable to people who are struggling with drug addiction, abuse, and inner conflicts. The author “steps out of her pink prison every day into a beautiful world,” reminding us that everyone can do the same.
Adult themes, such as violence, sexual and substance abuse, depression, suicide, and abortion, are present in the book; thus, sensitive readers are being cautioned. Further, the delivery is better enhanced to be more descriptive and vibrant to engage more readers. Thus, I remove a star from this issue.
Extraordinarily edited, Nicole Kraus’ “My Pink Prison” advocates mental health, and it sends a powerful message of hope, change, and redemption.
June 1, 2023
Wow, I have struggled with addiction and can relate to so much in this book. I have never highlighted so many phrases and paragraphs that are so relatable to myself and my addiction. We do recover even after a wild ride that Nicole took for years and years. I'm so happy I won this and was able to read it in a day. So happy and proud of you for everything you overcame, Nicole. Absolutely amazing.
August 23, 2023
Wow! This is a rollercoaster ride of a story which gave me great insight into the world of addiction.
June 10, 2023
very emotional
This was a pretty emotional read for me. I’ve dealt with my own struggles with addiction and to know that I am not alone in the feelings I’ve had is really reassuring for me. Thank you, Nicole, for your story!
This was a pretty emotional read for me. I’ve dealt with my own struggles with addiction and to know that I am not alone in the feelings I’ve had is really reassuring for me. Thank you, Nicole, for your story!
September 5, 2023
I AM BIASED. I love this woman more than mere words can describe and it's been an honor to be a part of this amazing journey with her. She inspires me every day with her strength, beauty, kindness, and perseverance. Recounting moments in this book have brought me to tears both of sadness and of joy. Her story continues to show others that their own Recovery is both worthwhile and attainable. I hope reading this helps others as much as publishing this has helped us. Here's to many more wonderful memories and stories yet to tell from our family to yours. There is always hope!
September 25, 2023
My review is voluntary, thank you for the ARC copy Goodreads!
Getting your highlighters ready! This is a personable, real look into addiction with many memorable sections. Nicole truly helped me revisit past experiences with loved ones struggling and develop an better understanding. Worth a read to anyone dealing with addiction or loving someone with an addiction.
Getting your highlighters ready! This is a personable, real look into addiction with many memorable sections. Nicole truly helped me revisit past experiences with loved ones struggling and develop an better understanding. Worth a read to anyone dealing with addiction or loving someone with an addiction.
December 12, 2023
It's story of addiction and recovery, and it is rough.
April 13, 2024
In this gripping memoir "My Pink Prison", the author Nicole Kraus doesn't sugarcoat anything. From attempting suicide by jumping from the West End Bridge in Pittsburgh, to her struggles to overcome drug addiction, this memoir is as authentic as it gets. Nicole's tale is emotional, earnest and inspirational, all at the same time. This book accurately captures the author's journey towards being the person she was destined to be.
Despite her difficult life experiences, Nicole's memoir conveys a deeply powerful message of hope. Because of this, I give it a five star rating. This very insightful reading has increased my empathy towards suicide survivors and recovering addicts. The book also covers themes like abortion, depression, sexual abuse, overcoming abusive relationships, healing, hope, new life, new purpose and supportive care.
All in all, this memoir gives an honest and open description of what must have been the most stressful periods of the author's life. Her heartfelt story concludes with a beautiful and valiant act of atonement. What truly shines through is her bravery and willingness to overcome her challenges despite the hardships she went through. I hope everyone, regardless of life circumstances, gets the opportunity to read this remarkable book.
The author is very talented at drawing you into her story. Every step of the way, I felt like I was right there experiencing everything she experienced, while she experienced it. Even the conversations between her and her dad are all too real. What an incredibly amazing father and supportive figure he was/is to her.
Overall, Nicole's story is one of survival and perseverance. If you are struggling with trauma, depression, suicidal thoughts, mental illness or addiction (or all of the aforementioned), or you know someone affected by the issues mentioned in this memoir, I recommend that you read it and gain guidance from the author's experiences. All the best!
Despite her difficult life experiences, Nicole's memoir conveys a deeply powerful message of hope. Because of this, I give it a five star rating. This very insightful reading has increased my empathy towards suicide survivors and recovering addicts. The book also covers themes like abortion, depression, sexual abuse, overcoming abusive relationships, healing, hope, new life, new purpose and supportive care.
All in all, this memoir gives an honest and open description of what must have been the most stressful periods of the author's life. Her heartfelt story concludes with a beautiful and valiant act of atonement. What truly shines through is her bravery and willingness to overcome her challenges despite the hardships she went through. I hope everyone, regardless of life circumstances, gets the opportunity to read this remarkable book.
The author is very talented at drawing you into her story. Every step of the way, I felt like I was right there experiencing everything she experienced, while she experienced it. Even the conversations between her and her dad are all too real. What an incredibly amazing father and supportive figure he was/is to her.
Overall, Nicole's story is one of survival and perseverance. If you are struggling with trauma, depression, suicidal thoughts, mental illness or addiction (or all of the aforementioned), or you know someone affected by the issues mentioned in this memoir, I recommend that you read it and gain guidance from the author's experiences. All the best!
March 20, 2024
'My Pink Prison: A Memoire' by Nicole Kraus is a recollection of Nicole's struggle with addiction. While in her childhood, Nicole sees her father as a superhero, and she dotes on his affection and approval. Nicole grows confident in her pre-teen years and sees everything is possible for her to achieve, but with disappointments that crush her emotionally. She seeks solace as a way of numbing the demons in her head that tell her that she is not good enough. This memoir gives an account of her experiences and her path to recovery.
Overall, 'My Pink Prison: A Memoire' is critical to young people and parents as it offers first-hand insights into addiction, with relatable lessons from the author's experiences. The weaknesses noted in the book are minor and do not detract from the reading experience.
This memoir is suitable for young adults and parents, as Nicole's story touches on her struggles that started during one of life's trying moments in the pre-teens. Teenage readers can benefit from the book, but some sexual scenes and the use of profanity make the book unsuitable for this age group. Therefore, it is advisable that parents read the book, glean the lessons from Nicole's life story, and use them to steer their teenagers during trying times in life.
Overall, 'My Pink Prison: A Memoire' is critical to young people and parents as it offers first-hand insights into addiction, with relatable lessons from the author's experiences. The weaknesses noted in the book are minor and do not detract from the reading experience.
This memoir is suitable for young adults and parents, as Nicole's story touches on her struggles that started during one of life's trying moments in the pre-teens. Teenage readers can benefit from the book, but some sexual scenes and the use of profanity make the book unsuitable for this age group. Therefore, it is advisable that parents read the book, glean the lessons from Nicole's life story, and use them to steer their teenagers during trying times in life.
June 21, 2023
I just recently finished Ms. Kraus memoir and I am awe struck that women like her walk among us every day, brimming with strength and trauma, having lived through violent pain. Every day when we get our coffee or go grocery shopping we are surrounded by women like Nicole, who have lived through Hell and landed in grace.
This book is a must read for nearly any woman in active use or recovery from substance use disorder. It is a harrowing story and most times an excruciating one. Finding memoirs that are direct and eloquent while not falling prey to gruesome details are difficult to find. Nicole does an amazing job of tiptoeing the line of shared pain without tipping over into ‘trauma corn’ with details shared only for shock value.
This would be a great present for the woman in your life who is experiencing the horrors of drug addiction or recovering from them. I would also suggest this to any family and friends who cannot understand why people with substance use disorders do what they do in order to survive.
I’m grateful Ms. Kraus took me along her journey while reading this book, it was illuminating for the darkest spaces of my heart.
This book is a must read for nearly any woman in active use or recovery from substance use disorder. It is a harrowing story and most times an excruciating one. Finding memoirs that are direct and eloquent while not falling prey to gruesome details are difficult to find. Nicole does an amazing job of tiptoeing the line of shared pain without tipping over into ‘trauma corn’ with details shared only for shock value.
This would be a great present for the woman in your life who is experiencing the horrors of drug addiction or recovering from them. I would also suggest this to any family and friends who cannot understand why people with substance use disorders do what they do in order to survive.
I’m grateful Ms. Kraus took me along her journey while reading this book, it was illuminating for the darkest spaces of my heart.
May 1, 2023
After reading My Pink Prison I understand addiction so much better now. It’s a raw and visceral memoir. Once I started I couldn’t put the book down. I read it start to finish in 3 hrs. It’s was so good I read it a second time. The book will give so many people hope. Not only for those who suffer from mental health and addiction but also for family and friends who knows someone suffering. I believe the author is seriously going to give hope to those that feel hopeless and feel they can’t do it. The author did not hold back but that’s what makes the book hard to put down. Be prepared for raw real and a few tears.
July 12, 2023
I can totally relate to this book. Especially the brutal honesty and raw emotion. The author knows the difference of including traumatic things for more storytelling, relatability and authentic context more than telling war stories just to tell them. (Iykyk)
I love that it was an easy read and kept me wanting to not put it down as I love to read, but never have any time for it anymore. With this one I made time. As a person who is in recovery from multiple things in drug and alcohol use and mental health, I respect the author for really being vulnerable with this piece for the sole purpose of one person helping another.
I love that it was an easy read and kept me wanting to not put it down as I love to read, but never have any time for it anymore. With this one I made time. As a person who is in recovery from multiple things in drug and alcohol use and mental health, I respect the author for really being vulnerable with this piece for the sole purpose of one person helping another.
May 1, 2023
I began reading while sitting in traffic. Every time I came to a stop I was reading some more! I'm not a big reader. If it's a book that I'm able to set down its safe to say I won't finish it. My Pink Prison didn't make that list, I finished this
book the same day! I'm a recovering addict myself so I do have a real life understanding of this life but reading this gave me a different understanding. It was so real and raw that I truly felt like I was in it at the moment. I can't wait to read this again when I have the actual book!
book the same day! I'm a recovering addict myself so I do have a real life understanding of this life but reading this gave me a different understanding. It was so real and raw that I truly felt like I was in it at the moment. I can't wait to read this again when I have the actual book!
August 8, 2023
I NEVER read! Honestly, I'd rather watch paint dry. This book had me so captivated, that I couldn't put it down! I'm a busy mom of 3 young children, and I work 2 jobs. To find time to read is next to impossible. I loved this book so much, that I MADE the time.
The courage, determination and will power that the author has is humbling and inspiring.
Because of her will to live and succeed, she has turned her life around and is a true inspiration to others. I am forever changed after reading her life story
The courage, determination and will power that the author has is humbling and inspiring.
Because of her will to live and succeed, she has turned her life around and is a true inspiration to others. I am forever changed after reading her life story
August 29, 2023
My Pink Prison" is a graphic yet witty depiction on suicide and addiction. The Author Nicole Kraus pulls you in her descriptions. "Death has a smell to it, It's like burnt copper and warm blood mixed with a foreboding fear" - Author Nicole Kraus
This story grips the reader. "My Pink Prison" at times takes you back in time to her thought process. It's almost as if your reading a movie.
Excellent read for adults and the perfect gift for those struggling with addiction and especially those who have overcame. Even the illustrated cover is eye catching.
This is a must read! Order yours now.
This story grips the reader. "My Pink Prison" at times takes you back in time to her thought process. It's almost as if your reading a movie.
Excellent read for adults and the perfect gift for those struggling with addiction and especially those who have overcame. Even the illustrated cover is eye catching.
This is a must read! Order yours now.
July 1, 2023
This is an extraordinary story of a woman who has lived the ugly truth of the worlds life as an addict. This powerful story is inspirational and just draws you in. It exposes this part of the world that doesn’t always exhibits the endurances an addict faces. The struggles of overcoming something that will has plagued her entire life. A story the world needs to read. Truly inspiring. Nicole, you have support now that you never thought you had. We are all here for you.
August 27, 2023
Audiobook: This story engendered all the emotions. It was sad and horrific that one person had such a dark and twisted journey to overcome. It was touching as Nicole recounted some of the memories of her early childhood. It was triumphant as the author struggled with her crippling addictions. Carol Pawlak's narration was skillful as her performance enhanced the voice behind the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
November 24, 2023
I am in awe of the the author's ability to capture the raw emotion of her journey. The insight to the way addiction is all consuming is very powerful. This memoir left me wanting to know so much more about her story.
December 31, 2024
best prose ever? nope (but what is, honestly)
must read? YES.
especially for fellow addicts, wherever you are on your own journey. my sincerest thanks to the author for sharing her story in such an open and honest manner. I am honored 🙏
must read? YES.
especially for fellow addicts, wherever you are on your own journey. my sincerest thanks to the author for sharing her story in such an open and honest manner. I am honored 🙏
May 7, 2023
Well written story of a courageous woman’s battle with addiction. Must read for any body dealing with addiction or family member of an addict.
December 11, 2024
I only read this because I thought it was Nicole KRAUSS. To everyone who read this: No this NOT from the author of The History of Love!
December 28, 2023
Dang, the theme for books I don’t like seems to be “full of themselves and thinks every word they say is funny”. Nicole was able to address a difficult subject matter in an accessible format, but her smug attitude outweighed that.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews