Punished for Purpose

Amazing Read, Carole K. - I have to agree with a couple of previous reviewers who called this book difficult or painful to read---you just feel so badly for this little girl! However, it's worth it. I gained a deeper understanding of what makes tormented people turn to drugs and worse. I was also deeply inspired by Lauri Burns' transformation, which proves that we can overcome anything and use even our darkest, most painful experiences to help others. Lauri was beaten & abused, wrongly committed to a mental institution and later became a homeless drug addict. She turned to prostitution at a young age to support herself and her drug habit. This book kept me awake late into the night. It's hard to believe she through all of this, then turned around and actually FORGAVE her abusers, AND turned her experiences into a passion for helping foster kids and homeless teenagers. Get this book! You won't regret it! It will light a fire in you & stay with you for a long time to come.

Laurie is truly making a difference, By Martha Karelius - No one would blame Lauri Burns if she ended up a bitter victim. What's amazing is that given her horrific upbringing and subsequent fight to survive she emerged a beautiful, passionate, down to earth savior to girls caught in the system. Lauri is real and she is making a very real difference in so many young lives. This is an eye-opening, very uncomfortable, life-changing read.

great, raw, and hopeful, By Julie Ann Sambuco Punished For Purpose is an exceptional book. This book rings true, and what Lauri has accomplished is amazing. She is down to earth, makes change happen for others, and her narrative is both raw and inspiring. I have bought three copies and passed one to a relative who I hope finds inspiration, and two friends who will benefit from reading as well. Through happenstance, Lauri attended a book club I was at. She brought one of her "kids"... a delight! This is real and the book gives insight; to those of us who are searching for a way to make a difference in someone's life, this is a great way to understand what those in need have gone through. Thank you for writing this book.