Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir of American Lives

Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir (American Lives)

by Aileen Weintraub

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1205 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	311 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In her powerful and moving memoir, Knocked Down, Nikki Merritt tells the stories of four women who survived the American foster care system. These women, known as the "Four Horsewomen," faced unimaginable challenges, including abuse, neglect, and abandonment. But they also found strength in each other and in the hope that one day they would find a better life.

Merritt's book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope. It is also a powerful indictment of the American foster care system, which is often failing the children it is meant to protect.

The Four Horsewomen

The Four Horsewomen are:

• Precious, who was abandoned by her mother at the age of three and spent the next 12 years in foster care. She was abused and neglected by her foster parents, and she eventually ran away and lived on the streets.
• Danielle, who was placed in foster care at the age of five after her mother was arrested for drug possession. She was molested by her foster father and eventually became pregnant by him. She gave birth to her son, Daequan, when she was just 16 years old.
• Natasha, who was placed in foster care at the age of seven after her father died and her mother was unable to care for her. She was bullied and ostracized by her foster family, and she eventually ran away and lived on the streets.
• Jasmine, who was placed in foster care at the age of 12 after her parents divorced and her mother was unable to care for her. She was placed in a group home, where she was sexually abused by the staff. She eventually ran away and lived on the streets.

Their Stories

The Four Horsewomen's stories are heartbreaking, but they are also inspiring. They are stories of survival, resilience, and hope. These women have overcome incredible odds to become successful adults. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. They are living proof that anything is possible if you never give up on your dreams.

Merritt's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing children in the foster care system. It is also a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by the power of the human spirit.

The Significance of Their Stories

The Four Horsewomen's stories are important for a number of reasons. First, they shed light on the challenges facing children in the foster care system. These children are often abused, neglected, and abandoned. They are often placed in homes that are not safe or nurturing. As a result, they are at risk of developing a number of problems, including mental health problems, substance abuse problems, and criminal behavior.

Second, the Four Horsewomen's stories show the resilience of the human spirit. These women have overcome incredible odds to become successful adults. They are proof that anything is possible if you never give up on your dreams.

Third, the Four Horsewomen's stories inspire us to make a difference in the lives of children in the foster care system. We can volunteer our time, donate money, or simply raise awareness of the challenges these children face. By ng so, we can help them to overcome the odds and achieve their full potential.

Knocked Down is a powerful and moving memoir that tells the stories of four women who survived the American foster care system. These women's stories are heartbreaking, but they are also inspiring. They are stories of survival, resilience, and hope. These women have overcome incredible odds to become successful adults. They are proof that anything is possible if you never give up on your dreams.

Merritt's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing children in the foster care system. It is also a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by the power of the human spirit.

Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir (American Lives)

by Aileen Weintraub

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1205 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	311 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE