I first read this book when I was about 13 years old, and I have reread it countless times. The characters in the book are a lot like my friend were in high school and I feel I can relate to Desiree.

When I was about 12 years old, my mother bought me a copy of this book. I instantly loved it! I couldn't stop loving it, it became my everything. For me it was sort of a bible. All the words in it, they could have been mine. I've always felt as an outsider, having a feeling of not fitting in. And although I wasn't as strong or brave as Desiree, I felt just like her. Misunderstood. I grew up and I didn't read it for many years. But for about a week ago when my younger sister asked me for a good book I instantly remembered "Walk through cold fire" and gave it to her. After she read it, I decided to read it again. And it all came back to me. I realized why I love writing so much, why I really want to become a writer.

I thought I was crazy loving this book so much. I've read it so many times, I even learned some pieces be heart. It still can touch me, just standing in my bookshelf. When I found those reviews, I realized I'm not crazy, I've just one of the few people who got a copy of this fantastic book. I've got a Swedish copy, but I would give almost everything to get a copy in English. And if someone knows if Cin Forshay-Lunsford have written anything else, please let me know! It's amazing how a book can change ones life. But I know this book have changed mine.

Lina from Sweden

If one book could characterize my teen years, it would have to be "A Walk Through Cold Fire". Though this book was written in 1985, I didn't find it until 1989 and I just fell in love with it. I completely identified with everyone in this book especially Desiree and her repressed upper middle class background she wanted to shed. Like the main character, I got involved with a street gang much like the ones in this book. Their fierce loyalty, their love of each other was just like I experienced in my own neighborhood after they took me in. All of that had died by the time I got this book so I opened it, began to read and couldn't stop crying. This is truly the voice of a young teenage girl.

All the characters were so believable. I knew people just like that. I especially loved Billy who was Desiree's love interest in the book. These were people who had grown up on the edge yet had integrity too. Violet was the perfect friend, loyal yet tough as nails. These are characters who are so much more than just words on paper. They have an incredible life that stayed inside of me to this day.

I'm 28 now. I have a normal life and I work a job but once I knew a different life. I can relive those feelings in this book because reading it brings you back to that time, to that place, to those metal years I never could forget even if all it wasn't so glorious.

Someone said this book changed their life and I agree 100%. This captures that time perfectly. I only wish there were more novels by this author. She really has a gift with words that's evident to anyone who reads this book. I'm so happy to find out that there are so many more like me who loved it. I hope someday they will re-release this because my copy is so tattered and falling apart. I have to say this is one of the most powerful, moving and awesome books ever. Incredible!