Loved every word of this emotional story and the inspirational message it delivers. Would make an ideal gift for mother's day or for readers of all ages. Perfect for book clubs, school groups, musicians, dreamers, or good souls who love to cheer an underdog to victory. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. Definitely going on my "Favorites" shelf. Bravo!

“The world said I would never amount to anything. My mother said all things are possible to those who believe. I believed my mother.” ~ Zoro

Maria’s Scarf is a beautiful memoir about the unbreakable bond between a mother and son, a family’s struggle to survive in the face of desperate circumstances, and a starry-eyed boy’s quest to live out his dream. From the very first page, Zoro’s journey pulls you in, tugging at your heartstrings with every twist and turn of his life story.

Raised in abject poverty, Zoro defied the odds stacked against him. Before the age of nine, his single mother, a Mexican immigrant, had moved her seven children over thirty times. They lived a hardscrabble life, were often homeless, hungry, and downhearted, but Maria’s unwavering belief in the power of possibility guided them through the darkest of times.

But Maria’s Scarf isn’t just about survival; it’s also about transformation. Zoro’s evolution from a fatherless, biracial child to a world-renowned drummer is nothing short of extraordinary. His journey took him from the mean streets of South-Central Los Angeles to the world’s biggest stages, where he shares the spotlight with music legends such as Lenny Kravitz and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Yet, amid the glitz and glamor, Zoro never lost sight of his roots. This isn’t a rock star tell-all. With his powerful truth telling, Zoro provides heartfelt encouragement to readers from all walks of life. His story is at times hilarious, at other times gut wrenching and tear-jerking. But in the end, Maria’s Scarf is the inspiring tale of a devoted mother who gave her very best to her children, a loyal family that never quit despite their struggles, and a boy’s unrelenting quest to reach for the stars.

Maria’s Scarf will linger in your heart long after you turn the last page. It is a triumph! 5 stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading this book about Zoro, the world famous drummer, writer and motivational speaker . His humble beginnings, his steadfast drive, and most of all his very loving mother and the great influence she had on him is touching. I like that he kept the important values that he grew up with to steer him through life’s ups and downs.