Run Baby Run [Paperback]

Nicky Cruz (Author), Jamie Buckingham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1988 | ISBN-10: 9780882706306 | ISBN-13: 978-0882706306

This is the thrilling story of Nicky Cruz's desperate battle against drugs, alcoholism, and a violent environment, as he searched for a better way of life on the streets of New York City.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

In the forty years that have passed since coming to Christ, Nicky Cruz has ministered around the world, speaking to hurting people in all walks of life. He has reached thousands of inner-city gang members as he speaks to their need from his own experience. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Bridge-Logos (December 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780882706306
• ISBN-13: 978-0882706306
• ASIN: 0882706306
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,231 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your usual "Ugly Duckling" story!!! December 26, 2002

By C. Polanco

Format:Paperback

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.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars If you run into this message... EMBRACE IT! November 26, 2006

By Wolfe Moffat

Format:Paperback

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. Read more ›

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! June 26, 2004

By D. Noonan

Format:Paperback

I read this book when I was a teenager (I'm almost fify now). Since I haven't reread it, I can't remember many of the details of the book. However, I do remember this book greatly impacted me in three ways. One, it showed why young people join a gang. Two, it showed how brutal gang life is. Three, it showed how Jesus can transform anyone, even a hardened gang member, if he or she will only ask Him to come into their heart. I believe everyone will benefit from reading Nicky's story.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will challenge you! March 10, 2002

By Ruth Dickerson

Format:Paperback

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!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Classic March 10, 2006

By Lawrence R. Taylor

Format:Paperback

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars INSPIRING STORY October 20, 2005

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

This is an inspiring and heart-breaking story.

I am 50 yrs. now, and I read this novel when i was in my early 20s.

I bought this book from a Christian Union Mission book store in

Roseau, Dominica. (island in the Eastern Caribbean). This story has impacted my life until today. I would encourage all parents to purchase this book, with The Cross & the Switchblade by David

Wilkerson for their teenagers. There is also another hit "Coming Clean" that I am about to read for the first time. I have just ordered these books so I can read them again. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH CHRIST. I would like to commend Billy Graham, Nicky Cruz and others who have worked to republish this novel.

Catholic Christian, Atlanta, Georgia.