African American Books | African American Authors | African American History
African American Literature | African American Magazine | African American
Art
African American Hair Style |
African American Book Club
African American Poetry | African American
Woman | African American Man
Monster : Autobiography of
an L.A. Gang Member, The
by Sanyika Shakur, Monster
Kody Scott
Shakur gives us an inside look at the gang life,
juvenile lock downs, Calif. prisons and that of a new-born revolutionary.
Understand better how young men and women get involved in gangs and what
they must endure on a daily basis. Several times I had to put the book down
and gather the strength to continue to read. It was difficult to learn of
the death and degree of destruction our children cause each other, as they
struggle to live. This is not the story told by the media. Indeed these
children weren't even considered, they were invisible. And for this reason
alone, this book should be required reading for people who can make a
difference - all of us! Read it, pass it on to a friend and decide how
you're going to affect the life of a child. Gangsterism isn't relegated to a
place, it's a state of mind
one of our own tells how it really is to live a thugs life.,
September 8, 1999
Reviewer:
short_tymer@yahoo.com from MCAS Miramar, San Diego, CA.
I grew up in South Central Los Angeles and I
heard stories from older homeboys in my hood about the notorious "Monster"
Kody from Eight Tray. This book was painful for me to read as it dug up my
own personal memories from when I was living as a gang member in L.A. When I
was younger I rolled with 18th street, now a 23 year old survivor and U.S.
Marine I appreciate people like Sanyika Shakur. His story is that of
thousands of young Black and Chicano males through out L.A. County. Look at
life through a true gang banger's point of view and read this book. I know
you'll feel differently the next time you see graffiti or when you roll
through the ghetto.
This was a good book to read. It was rather sad
that some children are exposed to such violence and chooses it as a
lifestyle when they become adults. d
eye opening, July 13, 2003
Reviewer: T.
Powers from San Jose, CA USA
A shocking yet heartfelt story that could
captivate even the most cynical reader. The sheer rawness and vivid
storytelling makes this book a must have for anyone involved in any aspect
of youth criminology. Mr. Shakur should be commended for his work.
Top 100 Bestselling African American Books &
Editorials (Click
On Numbers Below)
Gangsterism, read and learn!, July 26, 1997 
Good Book, August 2, 2003