The Painted Pink Dress: A Daughter’s Story of Family, Betrayal, and Her Search for the Truth

by Minu Cash

A passionate memoir about identity, resilience, and the healing power of forgiveness

“Fans of Dani Shapiro's Inheritance memoir and Family Secrets podcast will appreciate the suspenseful twists of this familial mystery as well as Cash’s gripping, vulnerable storytelling.”—Leah LeMoine, Phoenix magazine

From her earliest memories, Minu felt like an outsider. It wasn’t just her peculiar name, but also her light skin and cinnamon-swirl hair—so unlike the dark features of her Mexican family—that drew comments from neighbors and strangers.

No one took her questions seriously, leaving her yearning for answers. Meanwhile, she had to endure her father’s violence, her mother’s negligence, and the poverty and drugs in Cashion, Arizona.

Determined to carve out her own destiny, Minu embarked on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her past. After years of lies and mistreatment, she finally found the strength to confront the one person who knew the truth—the one person who could give her the peace she so desperately longed for.

Written with passion and grit, The Painted Pink Dress is an extraordinary true story about overcoming trauma and forging a path forward. Most of all, it is about the power of forgiveness and resilience in the face of hardship.

Readers are loving The Painted Pink Dress:

“A real eye-opener! I absolutely couldn’t put this book down. Minu writes in a way that puts you in the center of the story. Marvelous!”—Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“I really enjoyed this book! . . . I'm glad it had a good ending!”—Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Heartwarming and inspirational. I laughed, I cried, and I marveled at the strength and perseverance of Minu through all phases of her life. Excellent read.”—Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“A quick, thought-provoking read.”—Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“This book was incredibly moving and the writing swept me away instantly.”—Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“A wonderful page-turner from this first-time author . . . The book will leave you with a grateful heart and a feeling that we can overcome great struggles in our lives and still find happiness.”—Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“A top favorite for me. A story that will make you laugh and cry. An incredible story of becoming!”—Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

“Very powerful read, heartbreaking story, but incredibly inspiring . . . I couldn’t put the book down!”—Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2024

About the author

Minu Cash is an Arizona native born in 1958. She received her dental hygiene degree from Rio Salado College. When she’s not immersed in a good book, Minu enjoys traveling and delighting her friends with her culinary creations—her spicy salsa is a crowd pleaser. But her heart truly belongs to her family, especially her grandchildren, who bring endless joy to her life. She lives in Glendale, Arizona, just north of her childhood neighborhood.

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Reviews

[Kristin Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t get enough of The Painted Pink Dress. Minu’s story made my heart ache and break, then soar and mend. The writing flows with a smooth rhythm that grips you and sustains tension throughout. The characters leap off the page, making for an enthralling read. I felt as if I were right there with Minu, searching for the truth of her past.

[Katie Schrauben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a page turner! I love to read memoirs, and this one was a top favorite for me. A story that will make you laugh and cry. An incredible story of becoming!

[April Bouise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful page-turner from this first-time author. I couldn't stop reading until I discovered if Minu ever received answers about herself or if she reconciled her past and her future. The book will leave you with a grateful heart and a feeling that we can overcome great struggles in our lives and still find happiness.

[Mary Tunney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful memoir is a story of terrible hardship, resilience and finding your way in the world. It reminded me a bit of Educated by Tara Westover, another memoir that I really enjoyed! Ms. Cash has a lovely writing style and each chapter leaves you yearning for more. She will make you cry at times but you’ll also laugh and rejoice. One thing I know for sure, you will be a true fan at the end of this book! Great read!

[Angie Schrauben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering and excellent read!
Very powerful read, heartbreaking story, but incredibly inspiring of how Minu continued to persevere through her incredible journey! I couldn’t put the book down!

[Barbara Escobedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is absolutely amazing and wanted to get to the next chapter. Very interesting and heartbreaking to say the least. Very good book ..

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story…

At times this book was so hard to read. I cannot fathom the horror and trauma Minu faced on a daily basis as a child. It was hard to read and I hated Apa on her behalf. The strength required to write this book is nothing compared to the strength needed to forgive. And she’s done both.

[Denise George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly moving and the writing swept me away instantly. Minu’s story is one that deserves to be read.

[bridget ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot and seeing the picture of the girl in the pink dress made me want to read her story. This is one of the best books I have ever read. So honest indeed!! Loved it.

[Maria E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and inspirational

I laughed, I cried and I marveled at the strength and perseverance of Minu through all phases of her life. Excellent read.

[Sarah Taveras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story of becoming and discovering self. Brilliantly written, what a story she has to share. Loved.

[Renee Stracuzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story! You will feel all the emotions about the author's life starting at 3 years old. Wonderfully written and a real page turner. I haven't read a good memoir in awhile and this really delivered.

[Benjamin Espino · Rating 5 out of 5]

To better know oneself I’m a big believer in understanding and appreciating family dynamics.The painted dress takes you down that path and shows you the many layers of the immigrant experience and how for Minu color was a big part of her journey. You can’t grow up in a house full of people a few shades darker than you and not have questions. She persevered through a tough neighborhood and a tough home life yet comes out on top because she’s grateful for all of the lessons learned along the way. Super brave of her to share her story with us and I imagine so healing. Thank you for sharing your family history and some west valley history as well. Valley pride =)

[Genae Edgington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The painted pink dress was so captivating I couldn’t put it down … Minu was so relatable whether it was her tumultuous relationships with family members, her childhood insecurities with friends and teachers, or her struggles and triumphs later in life. I always found myself comparing my experiences with hers, even though I’ve never experienced one quarter of the things she’s gone through. It really brought up memories and emotions for me. Exceptional read.

[Manny Whitby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't going to read my book until I was in the plane on my 3 hour trip. Well curious George here told herself just one chapter. Well once I started I couldn't stop it captivated my interest. Excellent book highly recommend to all of those that lived with despair and lack of trust within our families. Definitely a must read. 👍

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was eloquently written, heartfelt and worth every minute of my time. As a fellow Hispanic this book was totally relatable. I could feel Minu’s pain in every word she wrote. The prejudice she felt is undeniable although very real. I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I couldn’t wait to find out the whole truth. Thank you Minu for sharing your story with us.

[Lorie Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and Heartache

The Painted Pink Dress: is true story of Minu Cash, written by herself. Mini tells her story in her words of her childhood, feeling like the ugly duckling. She looks very different from her other siblings, and longed to find the truth. This is her journey. The book was an easy quick read.

[Ernesto Tagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ups and downs in this book are like a rollercoaster of a ride. Each chapter brought you into Minu’s world of family, hope, struggles and peace. Hoping for another book as this one left more to crave.

[Ruth Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

To grow up thinking your own parents don't care for you, it must be a horrible life. My heart goes out to Minu, and other children out there who may be going through something similar.

[Blanca E. Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curious title

Led me to a great story full of mixed emotions and curiosity over the title. I found this story so interesting and different and it is so memorable it would make a great movie.

[Maire M Machens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I could relate as a mixed Mexican, white father, Mexican mother but I inherited all the white genes in my appearance but Mexican genes in my heart so always a conflict as to where I belonged. I related to so much of the book, it spoke to me.

[Alicia Mariona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about the life she lead, more importantly her survival. She didn’t just survive she triumphed through it all.
A real life warrior!
I can’t wait for part 2.
Alicia Mariona

[Patricia Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book? Definitely held my interest as I was born and raised in Phoenix around the same time and could relate. I'm hoping this book will be a movie one day!

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, moving story that will really affect you. It is told well and keeps the pages flying by. A definite must read!

[Ingrid Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, could not put it down, a great memoir

[Lauren Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Painted Pink Dress by Minu Cash is a beautifully written memoir of an incredibly resilient and inspiring woman. Cash recounts, in objective detail, the trials and triumphs of her life that weave together the intriguing questions surrounding her identity, culminating in answers held within The Painted Pink Dress. As the stories immerse the reader in her personal experiences with race, class, mental illness, abuse, and more, Cash gently guides the reader to question and subsequently discover the lessons of identity, belonging, faith, and family derived from her experiences, as she does so herself. The Painted Pink Dress does not shy away from divulging the harsh realities of the human experience, yet it is an easy read despite the heavy and potentially triggering topics. The story of Minu Cash is one with many twists and turns, filled with both humor and heartbreak, reflective of all the experiences that life has to offer. Minu inspires us all to be brave enough to say “yes” to life with the same courage as she has.

[Jillian Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Painted Pink Dress really moved me. Minu Cash's story of growing up feeling like she didn't belong in her own family was heartbreaking, but also deeply relatable. Her journey to uncover the truth about her past, while facing so much pain and betrayal, is told with such honesty and strength. What stood out most to me was how she balances the trauma she experienced with her ultimate messages of resilience and forgiveness. It's a story full of hope, showing how powerful it can be to confront your past and carve out a future that feels true to you. I highly recommend it for anyone who appreciates a raw, personal story about overcoming adversity and finding peace.

[Kristina Reisinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minu’s life is an inspiring story about family, friends, courage, strength and love. I couldn’t put the book down until I got to the last page.

[Marjorie Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minu's memoir is a page turner; I couldn't put this book down. It is a remarkable story of resilience, hardship, identity, and self-discovery. I went through so many emotions as I read this book. From laughing so hard at the funny moments, to the tense moments keeping me at the edge of my seat, to moments when I couldn't stop crying. Minu's writing style is authentic, vivid, and concise. I also want to say that even though this story starts in the late 1950's there are many societal/cultural issues that are highlighted and sadly still present in our time.

[Sally Hallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The painted oink dress perfectly lovely!

Just finished this book and what a life this author had. Story moves quickly and kept me totally engaged. The author has a great way of portraying the different characters inherent story. I enjoyed this very much and I think anyone that enjoys a family heritage story will want to read this all n one sitting. Good job !