New York, New York, the city that NEVER sleeps! They say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere! From the mesmerizing bright lights cascading from Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, to the boosters selling knockoffs and hustlers performing with only a dollar and a dream of making it BIG. It's the real survival of the species in this "Concrete Jungle."

In the midst of the trying to survive in New York City where the lions, tigers and bears do dwell, arises Maralyn, a minority girl. She dreamed of becoming a world-renowned success story not just for herself, but for her family. Though growing up in the Bronx discouraged her from believing her dreams could be bigger than her environment, within these pages she boldly and fearlessly shares what growing up in poverty was like, enduring harsh obstacles including: sexual, physical, substance and verbal abuse, drugs, violence, and mental health issues while yet she continued to chase her dreams. You will find that she discovers something deeper than her dream of receiving a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame or an Academy Award.

Maralyn discovers her own resilience and strength which has inspired others to dream in spite of all odds. Her pain has morphed into healing, and through her unapologetic transparency she shares this journey with you in the form of poetry. Both women and men will relate, she hopes it will inspire and encourage you to begin your own healing.