I want to share a few things with you about me and my book. I am from Newark, New Jersey, and THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSE is the true story of my life. In this unforgettable memoir, I share my experiences and struggles as a young girl growing up in Newark, New Jersey. I share the spiritual war within myself between good and bad and the way I was treated by my family. Everything you read in this book was a real-life event or experience. From skipping school and lying to my mother slipping in and out of my life to dealing drugs, and alcoholism I share how I overcame these challenges to become a better, stronger person, in spite of the odds. THE BLESSINGS AND THE CURSE is a powerful story about recognizing where you come from, never giving up, and persevering to live a significant life.