Customer Reviews

Gangsta Lean

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Author Rochan Morgan introduces readers to the gangster lifestyle in the novel, Gangsta Lean. The protagonist, Allen Richards, who is affectionately known as "Pooney" to his friends and family, is a fifteen-year-old boy growing up in Texas. He lives in a loving home with his little sister, Sheila, and his single mother, Regina. Pooney is a pretty good student and an excellent athlete, but the streets are calling him. Pooney becomes a member of the Deuce-Nine Crips, a notorious street gang, and begins to live the life of a hustler. Despite gaining money, power, and respect, Pooney learns that the gangster lifestyle is not what he expected, and he soon learns that once a gangster, always a gangster and that getting out of a gang is much harder than getting in and often has deadly consequences.

Gangsta Lean gives an inside look at the anatomy of a gang. From being jumped in, to the day to day activities, to getting out, Rochon Morgan leaves nothing out. Yet there is more to this story than just telling of gangsters and street life. It is a coming-of-age story. It tells of Pooney and his growing pains and indecision. It shows how a young man can be lured into a gang, but also gives hope to those who are in a gang but want out.

Gangsta Lean is a well written, fast paced read. The character development was excellent. I could feel the pain, joys, and frustrations of all of the characters. The book was well paced. There were never any lulls and the action flowed smoothly. I think that the story may have been a bit stronger if it had more of a back story on how Pooney got involved with the gang. Although his reasons for joining were stated, I think that it may have been better to see how or even if he struggled with his decision to join. I would have also enjoyed seeing more character development done with Pooney's father. Although he is introduced, I would have liked to know more about him and his plight. Nonetheless, Gangsta Lean is an excellent novel that I would highly recommend, especially to those teenagers who are considering joining a gang...this novel just might save their lives.

Review by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
APOOO BookClub

Allen Richards aka "Pooney" was just a 15 year old trying to fit in. A proud new member of the Deuce Nine Crips, Pooney is faced with the seemingly easy street life. As naive as Pooney was he knew it was time to call it quits when his gang leader, Mo is building a relationship with his sister. But how can he just quit? It's Deuce Nine 4 life--right? With a tough predicament at hand how can Allen do whats right?
This book has it all. Action,love,suspense,gangs and murder. It showed all the characteristics of the street life. The book was outstanding. If you haven't read this yet you should jump it up in your to read list. Trust me, you wont be dissappointed.

Fifteen year old Allen Richards aka "Pooney" was just looking for a sense of belonging when he joined the Deuce-Nine Crips gang. With his father behind bars and his mother working odd hours he embarks on a road to self destruction which includes drugs, jaiil and blood - all in the name of Deuce-Nine. And while Pooney feels he has no one to turn to, his sister, girlfriend and even his coach try to open his eyes to his potential. But first they must declare "You stupid Pooney!"

This is a 'true to life' story with personable charactars that lure the reader. I especially liked Pooney's sister Sheila and the relationship they shared. The writing is consistent and the storyline flows smoothly to a satisfying conclusion. "Gangsta Lean" is a story many youth and adult alike can connect with and I look forward to more conscious stories from this author.

Englishruler
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating: 5 Stars

Rochan Morgan's novel "GANGSTA LEAN", is a compelling and heart-wrenching story of self-discovery.
Pooney is a boy trying to fit in a man's shoes. He is a fifteen year old boy who like months of our young men was being raised in a fatherless environment. Afforded many opportunities, one being football. He choses the streets and his the crips gang as his top priority. This book touched me the most because it displayed his strength, weakness, sensitivity, and just the fact that he is young and naive. He goes through so many difficult decisions and sometimes does not make the right ones. But this book is very much a good book indeed. A definite page turner. I feel many would definitely relate to this book and love the way it turns out! If you are looking for a great read and a well written book then GANSTA LEAN BY ROCHAN MORGAN should be your number one pick!

Allen Richards is the fifteen-year-old son of a single overworked mother, Regina, and dope-dealing father, Big Al, serving time in the joint. Allen's nickname is "Pooney" and he has the potential to be the next football All-American. But Pooney succumbs to peer pressure and joins the Deuce-Nine Crips, an infamous gang. He quickly climbs up the ranks and begins to live the life of a hustler. Pooney is a young Deuce-Nine solider who has gained the respect of the gang leader, Moe. It does not take long for Pooney to realize that gaining money, power, and respect in the hood doesn't mix with family, love, and values at home. But once you are in the gang, are you in it for life?

GANGSTA LEAN gives readers an inside look at the inner workings of a gang. Morgan chronicles being jumped in, day-to-day activities, drug transactions, and sexual escapes of gang members. The Richards family is in crisis - Regina doesn't know the daily activities of her children; Big Al wants to teach his son how to be a man but doesn't know how; Sheila (Pooney's sister) is only thirteen but has the wisdom of someone thirty; and Pooney doesn't understand the value of family. Will they be able to connect with each other before its too late?

Rochan Morgan makes an outstanding debut with this compelling, well-written, and carefully crafted story. The tale was fast paced and action flowing smoothly throughout. Even though this is urban lit, there is a heart-warming subplot of self-discovery, family, and love. If you haven't read anything of this nature before, this would be great first urban lit book.

After reading GANGSTA LEAN by Rochan Morgan, the lyrics to the song "Soldier" by Destiny's Child came to mind: "If his status ain't hood I ain't checkin' for him, betta be street if he lookin at me, I need a soldier that ain't scared to stand up for me." It's the story of a young boy at the turning point in his life, and he needs to decide what type of soldier he wants to be.

Allen Richards, affectionately known as Pooney, is a fifteen year old student who has a life full of opportunity ahead of him. He is a star athlete on the football team and not too shabby academically. His father is currently incarcerated, and he lives with his mom, Regina, and his younger sister, Sheila. Regina is busy working the night shift, and her two children are home alone free to do as they please. Pooney's best friend, Tony, persuades him to join Deuce-Nine Crips, a local gang. Pooney joins and immediately loves his newfound family.

He becomes a baller as soon as he is jumped into the gang and has money, women, a nice car and gains much respect from the other members. After a while Pooney's gang activities begin to interfere with his education, but this doesn't stop him from continuing to gang bang. After several incidents, Pooney realizes gang life isn't for him, not to mention one of the highest ranking gang members is showing an interest in Sheila, Pooney's little sister. Pooney has a decision to make: does he continue to be a soldier in the gang? After all, when you join you are in for life and getting out won't be easy. Or will he be another type of soldier and do the right thing by getting out, no matter how hard it will be, and focus on school, football and normal teenage activities?

Rochan Morgan's debut novel, GANGSTA LEAN, is a compelling and heart-wrenching story of self-discovery. Pooney is a young man who loves his mom and sister dearly and doesn't want to do anything to hurt them. It is his heart and sensitivity that draws me to him. He just gets caught up in gang life and ultimately realizes there is more to life than gang banging. What I enjoyed most was that the characters were very well developed and loveable. Anyone would be able to relate to the Richards family. If you are looking for a touching story of a young man coming to grips with who he is, then GANGSTA LEAN is the book for you.

Reviewed by Eraina B. Tinnin
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Gangsta Lean was one great read! The action is non-stop and the character development is unbelievable! It's one of those books you don't want to put down, and when you finish it, you'll be thirsting for more. This book would make a great movie!!

I enjoyed gansta lean from the beginning to the end. Every scene was engaging,left you waiting for more! The characters were well developed. I felt as if I was apart of them all.

All I can say is that this book is absolutely amazing. A must read. The author did an outstanding job with having the reader feel like they were in the book watching each detail as it unfold. I laughed when the characters laughed, I cried when they cried. Great work Mr. Morgan this book was amazing.

Regina Richards is a struggling single mother of two forced to shoulder the responsibility of being sole provider and caregiver after the father of her children is incarcerated. Six years later and the struggle has only increased now that she is dealing with teens. As the plight with many single mothers, Regina has to do what she has to do in order to keep food on the table and a roof over their head. In this case, Regina works overnight and sleeps during the day, not affording her much of an opportunity to spend time with her children. It's during those lost times that her oldest child, Allen aka Pooney, falls prey to the streets.

Pooney has great potential. He is a gifted student possessing both academic and athletic talent. That potential soon begins to fade, as Pooney is ill advised by his best friend Tony to join the Deuce-Nine Crips. From there, Pooney's life kicks into hyper-speed on a path that nothing good can come from. He's hustling. He's drinking. He's smoking weed. He's gangbanging. His dreams of playing football and going to college have quickly become dreams deferred. Can the love and support of his family and friends prevent his imminent crash with self-destruction? The events and decisions of one summer will forever change the Richards' household.

Gangsta Lean is an emotionally gripping tale of one young man's loss of innocence and the ramifications of his decisions; ramifications that are far reaching that just himself. Rochan Morgan paints a vivid sense of the dangers, both physical and emotional, of day-to-day existence in this urban environment where gang activity is the norm. Morgan achieved accuracy and dramatic resonance in this story of an at-risk youth. I absolutely loved the relationship between Pooney and his sister. Rochan Morgan's talent is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Reviewed by: Toni