This was one of those books that even though I cringed at times I really did enjoy. The amount of trial and tribulations that Patricia went thorough to actually finish college in order to make something of herself is almost unfathomable. Between finding was to actually pay for the schooling and dealing with a mother, sister and step-father back at home in a completely dysfunctional existence. Here existence at home was just that an existence, till she could escape to college. But even once in college, other problems arose, mainly how to afford more than the 1st semester she had arranged for when she started since her step-father cut her off financially. But with faith and determination Patricia rises to the occasion and finds ways to make do and to survive, working in the kitchens so that she has access to food and befriending some foreign exchange students who also spend practically all year on campus were very smart things to do. Also to find ways to pad her resume before she even graduates so that she has actual experience was a very wise thing to do. I remember way back when 
(15-20 years ago) when I was in college my soon to be husband (and now ex-husband) had to work his tail off to keep money coming in so that he could stay at school, it was not easy but it was doable. It also made me appreciate the gift of a college education that my parents gave to me.
The concept of parents not being there to support their children is a hard one for me to grasp. I saw it with my kids dad and all the time I have known him but it is so foreign to the way I was raised, and the way I am trying to raise my kids. Now I don’t have the funds my parents had to make my kids road as easy as mine was in my younger years, but they know that I will always be here for them no matter what. I will give them what funds I can and do my best to help them in any way that I can, to me that is the definition of a parent provide support and unconditional love (even when you might hate their actions you still do love the kids- and let me tell you my son has tested this but I have complete faith it won’t brake). The concept of Patricia’s parents not being there for her to lean on is the part where I cringe, even if its just a shoulder to cry on why weren’t they there. Now with her step-fathers actions, and her mothers seemingly being dependent on him and not having the strength to leave him, I can kind of see things happening as they did but it is still hard for me to accept. Maybe because I did pull on my adult pants and got the ball rolling to leave my kids father when I finally saw the light that our relationship was doing nothing but hurt all of us- and while it was for the best it was in no way an easy thing to do or to live through in the early months or actually first few years. But I know that some people just can not take that step, like I just can not force myself to prick my finger to test my blood and I need to use the palm of my hand, I know it is psychologically but I can not do it.
I think this is a great book to show people that you can live through things, and that even though things might be bad for you there is always someone out there who has it worse than you. Hard work and perseverance do pay off, which I hope (ok I know) is true because this is a time in my life where I am going to be spreading my wings and fighting for my own independence, and get off the extra nudge of help I need from my parents.
About Safe From the Past:
A kidnapping, the divorce of her parents, the loss of her father, temporary abandonment and extreme poverty are just some of the issues the author dealt with as a young child.
Her mother finally tells her she must go to college so she can break out of this cycle of poverty and hopelessness. But how can she when she has no money and absolutely no confidence or self esteem?
Read this true story to discover what hope, faith and determination can do to change a life.
A truly inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships, Safe from the Past makes clear the restorative power of an education.
Told in an open, honest voice with the deepest sincerity, the author’s life story serves as a rousing inspiration to those with the desire to create a better life than the one they are currently living.
No matter how helpless you feel, everyone has the power to shape their own life.
About the Patricia Miller Mauro:
Patricia worked in New York City’s financial district for thirteen years in the field of securities operations. At that time, she went on to obtain an MBA from New York University. She and her husband moved to Dallas, TX in 2001 where they are raising their two children.
During her time in NY, Patricia wrote an article entitled “A Tribute To My Mother” which was published in “The Recovery Journal” in 1999. Her book is a continuation of that tribute and serves to spread the message to those in similar situations that good news is on its way to children considering a higher education but who are afraid to dream. For more information please visit, www.patriciamaurobooks.com.
Litfuse is sponsoring a $30 Amazon.com giveaway open to both you and your blog readers. If you post for the blog tour you’re already entered into the contest.
About the Giveaway!
To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about Safe From the Past or share about it on Facebook!
If you tweet we’ll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy. (All Litfuse bloggers who post a review are automatically entered and do NOT need to email us.)
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TWEET THIS: Safe From the Past by Patricia Mauro – inspiring tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships. http://ow.ly/5FQHA #litfuse
FACEBOOK THIS: Don’t miss Patricia Mauro’s Safe From the Past - inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships. http://ow.ly/5FQHA. Told in an open, honest voice with the deepest sincerity, the author’s life story serves as a rousing inspiration to those with the desire to create a better life than the one they are currently living.
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I would like to thank litFUSE for the copy of the book that I read, and for the opportunity to read such a great book. Thank you
