Books matching: gang violence
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'Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America' by Jill Leovy is a compelling non-fiction work that delves into the epidemic of murder in South Los Angeles, focusing on the killings of young black men in gang-related crimes. Through detailed storytelling and extensive research, the author sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving these cases and the social underpinnings that contribute to the high crime rates in the area. Leovy weaves together narratives of detectives, families, and witnesses, providing a striking mix of facts, social commentary, and emotional truths of living in a war zone.
The box contained a pair of high-top sneakers that once belonged to a black teenage boy named Dovon Harris. Dovon, fifteen, had been murdered the previous June, and the shoes had been sitting in an ev...- #2
Save:'Loose Cannon' by Sidney Bell is a gripping story set in a violent and gritty world, following the lives of Church, a troubled Woodbury Boy, and Miller, a kind-hearted man with a tumultuous past. The narrative delves into themes of personal growth, emotional turmoil, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a Russian mafia-like family. The writing style is described as dark, intense, and emotionally evocative, with a focus on character development and intricate storytelling that keeps readers engrossed.
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Save:'A Brief History of Seven Killings' is a dense and intricate novel that delves into the music and crime scene in Jamaica during the era of reggae icons Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. The narrative unfolds from Jamaica to New York, following the lives of underworld figures and exploring themes of gang politics, drugs, and violence. The storytelling style is described as intense, violent, and challenging due to the multiple narrators and the use of Jamaican patois, providing a gritty and insightful look into Jamaican history and gang violence.
The book is a masterful work that weaves together a complex web of characters and perspectives, creating a fully inhabited and authentic portrayal of Jamaica. Despite the challenging language and violent content, the novel is praised for its ambition, scope, and the way it immerses readers into the culture and politics of 1970s Jamaica and beyond.
Dead people never stop talking. Maybe because death is not death at all, just a detention after school. You know where you’re coming from and you’re always returning from it. You know where you’re goi... "The Cross and the Switchblade" is a true story about a small-town minister, David Wilkerson, who is called to serve inner-city youth struggling with gang violence and drug abuse. Despite witnessing the depths of heroin addiction and feeling close to hell, Wilkerson unflinchingly reaches out in love, demonstrating faith and hope. The book follows Wilkerson's experiences working with street gang members in New York City, facing hardships, threats, and challenges, all while relying on the hand of God to guide his mission.
From delinquency to deliverance, the book showcases the transformative journey of a gang member named Nicky Cruz, who encounters Wilkerson and experiences a life-changing encounter with God. The narrative provides a realistic pathway for teenagers involved in gangs to escape that lifestyle and turn towards faith. Through Wilkerson's genuine sincerity and unwavering commitment to his calling, the book delivers a powerful message of redemption and the impact of God's love on even the most troubled individuals.
'Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion' by Gregory Boyle is a heart-wrenching and inspiring book that humanizes gang members in Los Angeles. The author, known for his work at Homeboy Industries, plants truth bombs that explode in readers' hearts and minds, offering a different perspective on people and situations. Through a collection of powerful stories, Father Greg Boyle showcases the struggles and triumphs of individuals in challenging urban environments, emphasizing the importance of compassion, redemption, and unconditional love.
The book is a spiritual journey filled with humor, tears, and profound insights into the transformative work of Father Greg and his team. It serves as a guide on how to approach the world with a loving heart, stay faithful in the face of failure, and offer restorative love to those in need. Father Boyle's narrative style, focusing on love and personal connection over judgment, resonates deeply with readers, leaving an indelible impact on their perspectives towards life and human connections.
My touchstone image of God comes by way of my friend and spiritual director, Bill Cain, S.J. Years ago he took a break from his own ministry to care for his father as he died of cancer. His father had...- #6
Save:'The Stars Beneath Our Feet' by David Barclay Moore is a story about a young boy named Lolly Rachpaul who is navigating life in the streets of Harlem after the death of his brother due to gang violence. Lolly finds solace in building LEGO creations as a way to cope with his grief and navigate the challenges of living in a dangerous neighborhood. The story follows Lolly's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and making tough decisions while surrounded by themes of family, gang pressure, and creativity.
Lolly's character development is central to the plot, as he learns to choose his own path and find hope amidst the hardships he faces. The writing style authentically captures the struggles and triumphs of a young African American boy growing up in Harlem, addressing heavy themes such as grief, gang violence, and family dynamics with honesty and depth. Through Lolly's experiences, the book explores the power of creativity, friendship, and resilience in overcoming adversity.
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Save:Bluescreen by Dan Wells is a futuristic novel set in Mirador, a transformed world where privacy is virtually nonexistent due to the omnipresent djinnis implanted in everyone's brain. The story revolves around Marisa and her friends who uncover the dangers of a new drug called bluescreen, which infects their systems and puts them in grave danger. The book delves into themes of technology, privacy, and the consequences of being constantly connected in a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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Save:'Perfect Chemistry' by Simone Elkeles is a young adult novel that follows the story of Brittany Ellis, a popular white girl, and Alex Fuentes, a Mexican gang member, who are forced to be lab partners in senior chemistry class. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and the stereotypes surrounding them, Brittany and Alex find themselves attracted to each other. As they navigate through racial prejudice and societal expectations, they must break free from these constraints to be together. The book explores themes of love, friendship, gang life, and the challenges faced by teenagers from diverse backgrounds.
The plot of 'Perfect Chemistry' is a modern twist on classic tales like Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, portraying a romance between two individuals from opposite sides of the tracks. The author, Simone Elkeles, skillfully alternates between the voices of Brittany and Alex, providing insight into their lives, emotions, and struggles. The writing style is engaging, realistic, and relatable, capturing the complexities of teenage life, relationships, and societal pressures.
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Save:"The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton tells the story of two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, set in the 1960s. The plot revolves around the struggles, conflicts, and friendships of the young boys from these different social groups, particularly focusing on the character Ponyboy Curtis. Through Ponyboy's perspective, readers are taken on a journey of gang violence, family dynamics, and the complexities of teenage life in a small town. The writing style is emotional, impactful, and relatable, capturing the essence of growing up, fitting in, and finding one's identity amidst societal pressures and personal challenges.
is praised for its timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, alienation, fitting in, and belonging, making it a must-read for young adults and students. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, filled with suspenseful moments, emotional twists, and heartfelt interactions. Despite being a short novel, "The Outsiders" manages to delve deep into the lives of the characters, offering a poignant exploration of classism, poverty, gang warfare, and the power of genuine connections that transcend social boundaries.
WHEN I STEPPED OUT into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home. I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman--- he looks tou... - #10
Save:In the book 'Perversion' by T.M. Frazier, readers are introduced to the characters Grim and Tricks, who meet at a young age and form a unique bond. The story follows their journey through gang violence, dark pasts, and the challenge of finding each other again after being separated for five years. The author, T.M. Frazier, creates a world filled with danger, suspense, and raw emotions, where the characters navigate through a gritty and brutal reality that tests their resilience and love for each other.
The plot of 'Perversion' is fast-paced, captivating, and filled with twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style of T.M. Frazier is described as dark, intense, and immersive, drawing readers into the world of Lacking and the complex lives of Grim and Tricks. The book ends in a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the trilogy.
I was loading the single garbage bag containing all my possessions into the car of a stranger named Marci. She’d popped up out of nowhere like the ghost of unwanted children’s past and told me I was c...
