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40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THIS NEEDS TO ME MADE INTO A MOVIE - THE TIME IS NOW..., July 23, 2000
This review is from: Down These Mean Streets (Paperback)
I first heard this man, Mr. Piri Thomas, speak in the spring of 1993 at Cal State University at Hayward. I was so moved (as a high school student) that I had our school (California High School) invite him to speak at our "Free Your Mind" day on June 4th, 1993. I loved his poetic 'realness' - and it was the first time I felt really empowered as a person of color living in a largely suburban environment. His experience and insight was so raw and so 'real'. In this autobiography, Mr. Thomas addresses issues of racial identity (he was dark skinned, but his brother was lighter skinned/more white looking) and how racism affected him as a Puerto Recan. It describes him growing up in Spanish Harlem, NY, moving down the coast, meeting friends and some crazy situations. I remember him really hitting rock bottom, and then coming out in the end. I always looked forward to reading on. I read somewhere that R&B singer Brian McKnight considers this his favorite book. That's when I knew I just wasn't being easily impressed. This is an excellent life story, well written, and a must read for anyone interested in the topic of racial identity. Yes, we are all individuals, but we should never deny our heritage...thank you Mr. Piri Thomas. I feel nothing but the deepest respect for you...thanks for your vision, insight and generosity. Knyte (Trust Me) P.S. If I could give more than five stars...I would
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An essential Puerto Rican classic, April 3, 2003
This review is from: Down These Mean Streets (Paperback)
"Down These Mean Streets," by Piri Thomas, tells a story of growing up as a dark-skinned Puerto Rican in New York City. First published in 1967, the book has been re-issued in a 30th anniversary edition with an afterword by the author. The book opens in 1941, with 12-year old Piri living in New York with his family. The narrative recounts his growth into manhood; we accompany Piri as he gets into fights, uses illegal drugs, becomes a violent criminal, spends time in prison, and experiences conflict within his own family. This is a raw, powerful book. Thomas has a vigorous, muscular prose style that incorporates many Spanish terms (readers may find the glossary at the end of the book useful). The book raises many questions about racial and ethnic identity as Piri has relationships with many different people of various colors and cultures. Thomas also explores the interconnections of race and religion, and vividly portrays the subculture of prison life. This is an essential book for anyone interested in the Puerto Rican experience on the U.S. mainland. The book has a lot in common with "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." Also recommended as a companion text: Miguel Pinero's play "Short Eyes."
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
SIMPLY FANTASTIC, March 9, 2000
This review is from: Down These Mean Streets (Paperback)
I read this wonderful book over 15 years ago. Although most of its details have faded with time, its impact has not. As a Puerto Rican male growing up in the Bronx, I could certainly relate to much of what Piri Thomas was describing. But "Mean Streets" is so powerful and gripping, that anyone who reads it will be moved and mesmorized. This is truly a modern-day classic that will surely withstand the test of time. Its lessons are appropriate for all youth everywhere and always.
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