As a child, Trinese Robinson longed to be a princess in a castle. She didn't live in a magic kingdom, however. She lived in Oakland, California. No prince would rescue her to ride off into the sunset. She worked hard for everything she received in life.

In this inspirational tale of challenge and courage, Robinson recounts the physical and emotional traumas she had to overcome in order to live the life she wanted. While certainly no fairy tale, the story definitely has a hero-Robinson herself.

Opening up about the darkest moments of her life, Robinson relates how her beloved...