Running from the Mirror
Running from the Mirror by Howard Shulman is a profoundly moving and inspirational memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life of a man who faced unimaginable adversity from the moment he was born. This beautifully crafted narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, blending raw honesty, emotional depth, and moments of triumph that make it a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories of personal growth and perseverance.
From the outset, Shulman’s story grips the reader with its heart-wrenching premise. Just three days after his birth, he contracted a devastating staph infection that ravaged his face, leaving him with severe physical challenges and, tragically, abandoned by his biological parents. Becoming a ward of the state of New Jersey, Shulman’s early years were marked by countless reconstructive surgeries and the emotional weight of growing up without a traditional family. Yet, what makes this memoir so compelling is not merely the recounting of these hardships but Shulman’s ability to weave a narrative that is as uplifting as it is heartbreaking.
The prose in Running from the Mirror is vivid and unflinchingly candid, pulling readers into Shulman’s world with a clarity that makes every moment feel immediate and personal. His descriptions of the physical and emotional toll of his surgeries are particularly striking, such as when he recounts a procedure where “a large nine-by-eight-inch patch of skin was excised from my chest and shoulder, the graft then rolled up and stitched along the seam to create a headless snake of raw, living flesh”. This vivid imagery not only conveys the physical pain but also underscores the psychological burden of being a child marked by difference in a world that can be unforgiving.
What sets this memoir apart is Shulman’s journey from a bullied outcast to a successful entrepreneur and family man. His path is far from linear, filled with detours into risky ventures, including a surprising stint as a drug dealer, which adds an unexpected layer of complexity to his story. These moments of moral ambiguity, coupled with his relentless drive to forge a better life, make Shulman a deeply human and relatable figure. Readers will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates foster care, builds meaningful relationships, and ultimately finds love and acceptance. The inclusion of key figures—a European actress, a schoolteacher, and a fiery Latina—who help transform his life adds warmth and richness to the narrative, showing how connection and compassion can alter one’s trajectory.
Shulman’s emotional growth is the heart of this memoir. His reflections, such as the poignant realization that “perhaps my story was never about my face but about the journey to arrive at a place of grace, which was far better than anything I could ever have imagined”, resonate deeply, offering readers a universal message about self-acceptance and the power of resilience. The memoir’s pacing is masterful, balancing moments of intense hardship with glimmers of hope and humor, ensuring that the story never feels overwhelmingly heavy. Reviewers have noted its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears, making it a page-turner that keeps readers invested until the very end.
The book’s impact is further amplified by its broader themes of identity, belonging, and redemption. Shulman’s experience as a foster child, coupled with his physical differences, highlights the societal tendency to judge based on appearances—a theme that feels especially relevant today. His eventual placement in a more typical educational setting, after being initially relegated to a special needs program, underscores the importance of looking beyond the surface to recognize a person’s true potential. This message, delivered with sincerity and maturity, makes Running from the Mirror not only a personal story but also a powerful commentary on human worth and dignity.
Critics and readers alike have praised the memoir for its storytelling and emotional resonance. It has been described as “vivid and engrossing from start to finish” by the Midwest Book Review and a “must-read” that reads like an “engrossing thriller with an engaging, ugly-beautiful anti-hero who finds redemption”. The Eric Hoffer Award for Legacy Nonfiction and its placement on the Montaigne Medal shortlist further attest to its literary merit. While some readers have noted that certain sections, such as those detailing Shulman’s business ventures, may feel less emotionally engaging, these moments are integral to understanding his full journey and do not detract from the overall impact of the narrative.
In conclusion, Running from the Mirror is a remarkable memoir that transcends its tragic beginnings to become a story of hope, courage, and self-discovery. Howard Shulman’s ability to share his life with such honesty and grace makes this book a standout in the genre. It is a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, the human spirit can find a way to rise, heal, and thrive. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking an inspiring and unforgettable read that will linger long after the final page.
You can buy Running from the Mirror by Howard Shulman with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4nevYaC
From the outset, Shulman’s story grips the reader with its heart-wrenching premise. Just three days after his birth, he contracted a devastating staph infection that ravaged his face, leaving him with severe physical challenges and, tragically, abandoned by his biological parents. Becoming a ward of the state of New Jersey, Shulman’s early years were marked by countless reconstructive surgeries and the emotional weight of growing up without a traditional family. Yet, what makes this memoir so compelling is not merely the recounting of these hardships but Shulman’s ability to weave a narrative that is as uplifting as it is heartbreaking.
The prose in Running from the Mirror is vivid and unflinchingly candid, pulling readers into Shulman’s world with a clarity that makes every moment feel immediate and personal. His descriptions of the physical and emotional toll of his surgeries are particularly striking, such as when he recounts a procedure where “a large nine-by-eight-inch patch of skin was excised from my chest and shoulder, the graft then rolled up and stitched along the seam to create a headless snake of raw, living flesh”. This vivid imagery not only conveys the physical pain but also underscores the psychological burden of being a child marked by difference in a world that can be unforgiving.
What sets this memoir apart is Shulman’s journey from a bullied outcast to a successful entrepreneur and family man. His path is far from linear, filled with detours into risky ventures, including a surprising stint as a drug dealer, which adds an unexpected layer of complexity to his story. These moments of moral ambiguity, coupled with his relentless drive to forge a better life, make Shulman a deeply human and relatable figure. Readers will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates foster care, builds meaningful relationships, and ultimately finds love and acceptance. The inclusion of key figures—a European actress, a schoolteacher, and a fiery Latina—who help transform his life adds warmth and richness to the narrative, showing how connection and compassion can alter one’s trajectory.
Shulman’s emotional growth is the heart of this memoir. His reflections, such as the poignant realization that “perhaps my story was never about my face but about the journey to arrive at a place of grace, which was far better than anything I could ever have imagined”, resonate deeply, offering readers a universal message about self-acceptance and the power of resilience. The memoir’s pacing is masterful, balancing moments of intense hardship with glimmers of hope and humor, ensuring that the story never feels overwhelmingly heavy. Reviewers have noted its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears, making it a page-turner that keeps readers invested until the very end.
The book’s impact is further amplified by its broader themes of identity, belonging, and redemption. Shulman’s experience as a foster child, coupled with his physical differences, highlights the societal tendency to judge based on appearances—a theme that feels especially relevant today. His eventual placement in a more typical educational setting, after being initially relegated to a special needs program, underscores the importance of looking beyond the surface to recognize a person’s true potential. This message, delivered with sincerity and maturity, makes Running from the Mirror not only a personal story but also a powerful commentary on human worth and dignity.
Critics and readers alike have praised the memoir for its storytelling and emotional resonance. It has been described as “vivid and engrossing from start to finish” by the Midwest Book Review and a “must-read” that reads like an “engrossing thriller with an engaging, ugly-beautiful anti-hero who finds redemption”. The Eric Hoffer Award for Legacy Nonfiction and its placement on the Montaigne Medal shortlist further attest to its literary merit. While some readers have noted that certain sections, such as those detailing Shulman’s business ventures, may feel less emotionally engaging, these moments are integral to understanding his full journey and do not detract from the overall impact of the narrative.
In conclusion, Running from the Mirror is a remarkable memoir that transcends its tragic beginnings to become a story of hope, courage, and self-discovery. Howard Shulman’s ability to share his life with such honesty and grace makes this book a standout in the genre. It is a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, the human spirit can find a way to rise, heal, and thrive. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking an inspiring and unforgettable read that will linger long after the final page.
You can buy Running from the Mirror by Howard Shulman with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4nevYaC
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