Plain and simple, this book is terrible. The fact that the author went through the hood of L.A did not make up for how poorly this book was written. I can tell off the bat that this book was written by a white author who knows nothing about gangs. Advice: do alot of research first then the interviews. (She lucky it wasnt after the Rodney King incident when she stroll through the hood). Would you buy a documentry book about the stock market written by a gang banger?

The characters that were the voices in this book were very interesting and had great stories. There was everything to wannabes, baby homies, OGs and those on their way up to OG status, ex-homegirls that were blinded by being shot in the neck, a young teenage lil' homie who drove himself to the hospital after being shot in the stomache, and the families that lived with 'em. I really liked hearing their dialogue, a brief history of how gangs may have came about, and a listing of the different sets over the different streets. The narrator was a strange element to the story because she was just a white older lady that obviously had never done anything remotely gangster in her life. However, she was non judgemental, caring, and sincere, so I couldn't be too upset about that. All in all, great book.

Inspite of all the hype and controversy centering mainly on Leon Bings race and sex, this book is an valuable resource for gang research if for no other reason than it was the vehicle which led to the Monster Kody autobiography. There are many holes in the structure of the book in relation to use of slang but that is understandable considering the author was obviously out of her element with this project. Once again I would suggest reading this title for the early account of Monster Kody who was just emerging from one of his many jail stints. The interview with Kody is far and away the highlight of the book even if the cover photo is a pathetic attempt to portray the danger of a murderous gang member as sexy.

Pretty good book. I enjoyed reading. Author could have done a better job translating text. Ex. "What's up my Nigga" vs What's up my Nigger"

I read Monsta Kody's autobiography first and it was good, then I read this cause Monsta is on the cover. It's hella weak. The author is a white lady, now there is nothing wrong with this until you start reading and you see the "N" word used incorrectly over and over. Anybody that has any sense know that street cats use that word 100 times a day but it is pronounced Nigah. She doesnt get it tho, it is spelled out the way a racist would say it with the "ER" on the end of the word. I aint saying that she is racist but to me it's a sign that she wrote a book about something that she didn't understand...so how can the book be all that good. She isn't naming sets, she is calling Ese's "Essays", the stories are not that interesting...maybe if I woulda read this before I read Monsta's book it woulda been readable. If you are interested in this subject and you have have limited funds buy Monsta Kody's book instead.

For a white woman to walk around South Central, tagging along with bangers...I have to give it to her. It was a little patronizing and a tad too melodramatic sometimes but all in all, it was worth the read.