Book Jewel of the Month: It Only Hurts When I Can't Run: One Girl's Story (Parker)

Every once in a while, a book comes along that isn’t splashed across every headline — but quietly shines with rare insight, lasting impact, and the power to stay with you long after the last page. We call these book jewels.

Each month, we spotlight one remarkable publication—a book that deserves far more attention than it gets. Through short, punchy reviews (each just a 1–2 minute read), we share what makes this month's jewel worth your time. You’ll hear from reviewers whose voices matter — people whose words are thoughtful, sharp, and well worth listening to.

In just a few minutes, you might discover more wisdom, beauty, and brilliance than you find in an hour elsewhere. We'll leave it to you to decide — but we think you'll agree: some treasures are too good to keep hidden.

This month's book jewel is It Only Hurts When I Can't Run by Gewanda Parker.

paperback
audiobook
ebook

Book Description

A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and Hope

Abandoned, neglected, and abused by the very people who were meant to love her, one little girl found the strength to survive by running—running from pain, running from danger, and, ultimately, running toward healing.

In this raw and inspiring memoir, the author shares her harrowing journey through childhood marked by trauma: a mother trapped in addiction, a string of foster homes, sexual abuse by those society deemed trustworthy, and the profound loneliness of a child no one seemed to want. Yet through every heartbreak, she clung to an unshakable faith in God and an inner resilience that would carry her through.

It Only Hurts When I Can’t Run is a story of unimaginable hardship but also of courage, forgiveness, and transformation. From a broken little girl to an accomplished educator, minister, and entrepreneur, the author’s life offers proof that healing is possible—and that no matter how far you’ve fallen, there is always a path forward.

For readers of memoirs about overcoming abuse, childhood trauma, addiction, and the power of faith, this unforgettable true story shines with hope, strength, and the healing power of forgiveness.

Keywords:

childhood trauma memoir; abuse survivor story; overcoming abuse and neglect; Christian memoir of resilience; inspirational true story; healing from childhood abuse; faith-based memoir; forgiveness after trauma; surviving sexual abuse; foster care survivor; hope and healing after trauma; resilience memoir; women’s inspirational memoir; Christian women’s memoir; child abuse survival story; addiction and family dysfunction; running as survival; spiritual healing journey; memoirs about overcoming hardship; emotional healing and faith

Book Review by Amazon customer, Courtney Skinner: Captivating...5 Stars

The story on these pages will bring hope and healing to ALL who are wounded emotionally. It Only Hurts When I Can't Run is one little girl's story that will have the reader captured the entire book. This book will inspire you to believe and know that one can overcome any challenges in life with faith and belief.

ECOMMENDED by the US Review (book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott)

Amazon rankings:

#4 Hot New Releases in the child abuse category
#8 Hot New Releases in the family relationship/abuse category
#47 Hot New Releases in the family relationship category

Check out more posts about and by Gerwanda and her book HERE.

Read more memoirs HERE.

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