Odyssey of a Romanian Street Child Paperback - 2002

From the publisher

What is it like to be a young child living on the streets?Come and see. But be forewarned: This inside look at the grim reality of a street child's life may change your outlook on life.In major cities all over the world, children of the street are considered a nuisance...bad for business...bad for tourism. Now, you will meet these children up close...as human beings. This is the true story of Catalin [Kuh-tuh-leen], who ran away at age eight to escape abuse at home. Within a short time, he had mastered the art of living on the streets. The Bucharest train station became his home; a pile of crumpled papers his bed. His food often came from trash bins; his comfort from lacquer fumes in a plastic bag. Eventually, he despaired: "Life had had no meaning for me, and I had no hope it ever would." But one cold winter's day, Catalin met a man who changed everything.In this gripping narrative, told by Catalin himself, you will hear the innermost thoughts and feel the soul of a street child as no one ever has. Prepare to have your heart stirred. About the author: Catalin Dobrisan is the first Romanian street child to ever write of his trek out of despair. He is now an honor student and serves as administrator for the children's home that rescued him. He says, "I was nothing, but now I have value; I was lost, but now I am on a path going somewhere."Catalin wrote the manuscript; John translated it and added commentary giving unusual insights into Romanian history, life and customs.

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