Ten Dollars in My Pocket is both an American success story and a description of the painful maturation process of a belated teenager trying to discover who and where she is, and who is at least once on the verge of suicide. This account is unique because of the authenticity of its narrative voice: we read diary entries and letters written during those years, as well as several eyewitness accounts published by the author at that time. This kaleidoscope of factual information is complemented by the author’s recollections and reflections.