Run Baby Run: Hate, Power, Survival, Forgiveness, Redemption by Nicky Cruz (2001) Paperback

I bought this for my son (14) to read since I had read it when I was a teenager and he LOVES it! To hear him come and tell me about what he read and to tell me about's Nicky's story is like a song to my ears. He loves this book! It is very recommendable for everyone out there!

This book starts with somebody yelling, "Stop that crazy kid!" I think right then and there was when my fears were ceased. I've really wanted to read "Run Baby Run" for quite sometime. Yet you run into somebody else's life story, and it isn't as interesting as you thought it might be. So, I did take a chance, and I'm glad I did. If you are looking for the power of Christ, you've come to the right place. If you are looking for the possible description of a street fight, you've come to the right place. If you want a little bit of romance added to the picture, (YEP) you've come to the right place! And the story is all true, that's the amazing thing. Mario Puzo didn't pen this out and send it out to his publisher. Nicky Cruz LIVED it, and he's here to tell his story. Some might be wondering if it's the same old "blood, sweat and tears" story. Hmm... maybe the words blood, sweat, tears, puke, convulsions, profanity, narcotics, spiritual warfare and MORE might fit the bill. Don't let that scare you away though. If you've ever heard Nicky Cruz speak, he isn't always the easiest to understand, yet his language of love through Christ is universal. He's ticked off at Satan, people! I believe he has every right to be. He tells an amazing story of coming from Puerto Rico to the States (New York) and almost immediately getting involved in gang activity. He talks of the Mau Maus, and how he became the president eventually. He speaks of his best buddy, Israel. He talks about friends killed in gang warfare. He goes into detail about the rumbles. But that's just the beginning. He also talks of a man named David Wilkerson. He talks of Pastor Wilkerson with much awe and reverence. And from there he talks of a great relationship with Jesus Christ. He goes into detail about Bible college, he tells of his struggles. He tells of his ministry. Now some of you reading my review might be asking, "Uh, Wolfe... did you just TELL us the whole story?" I don't think so. You'll have to get the book for that. The time invested in well worth it. There is power in the testimony of Nicky Cruz, yet there is more power in the one who saved him, Jesus Christ. Embrace the message of this book! If you are one who is still running, run to a Heavenly Father who is waiting. Then you'll run an awesome race! So don't let the title intimidate you. Pick it up, and don't run from what Nicky Cruz has to say.

Nicky Cruz is a personal friend of mine, and I can assure you, he's the real deal -- open, honest, caring, a great husband, father, and grandfather. Ever since his dramatic conversion related in this book, he's been a changed man with a deep social conscious and a heart for inner cities and their residents. This book is a must read -- it never goes out of date. In fact, it is perhaps even more pertinent in today's culture than ever before.

This is the kind of book we need to give to our teenagers today. They can relate in the realest way possible. The pressures of peers, drugs, sex, the macho attitude, and lonliness. It tells of a boy and many others who just want someone to love them. It tells of how God uses other people to help these teenagers see that they are truly NOT alone. God loves them, no matter what crimes they've committed, or what kind of darkness is in their heads and hearts. Nicky Cruz shares his life with us in the most open way. He helps you see how his life was transformed from one of gang life to a wonderful life with a wife, children, and a mission to help other who were just like him. I highly recommend it. Even if you don't believe in God or His awesome power, you will still be able to relate to Nicky. I guarantee you'll be rooting for him and will feel joy in his life-changing moments. He is truly a man touched by God.

I read "Run Baby Run" when I was in my mid-teens, and the book had an incredible impact on me. Nicky's story of redemption from a life of sin and crime in the inner city of New York, and the story of the man who God used to bring Nicky to Christ, shows how the power of God is able to change any heart. It also gives the reader a glimpse into the life a young person lives in the inner city, surrounded by gangs, drugs, prostitution and poverty. The book is well written and impossible to put down! I came away with a new awe for the awesomeness of God and with a desire to reach out to those who are hurting, hopeless and in need of a Savior. I still read this book periodically to remind myself that there is a world that needs to hear the gospel and that nothing is impossible with God!

I enjoyed this book very much. The book presents important issues that face America today; issues like drugs, prostitution & gangs. I am a great fan of his style of presenting the facts and the way his life was transformed to the christianity. I recommend this book to young and adults.