Customer Reviews

Homeboy's Soul: Pride, Terror, and Street Justice in America

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
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As a reader, you are inside the thinking and actions of a real L.A. gang leader's beginnings and life--and experience the consequences of his actions with him. You are there with him, moment by moment--terrified and excited. Loved the writing. It pulled me in right away. I wanted to see how it turned out. I was shocked to experience being there in the middle of the gang and their bullying and the battles, and the choices that had to be made. I felt what the main character felt--down into my toes. I felt for the young boy and what happened; how he took the incident and grew to become hardened and aloof. It saddened me it happened like that. I hope the book prevents more from taking that path. On the other hand, the beginning was a breath of fresh air, reminding me of my own youth and how things were back then. I am left heartened that my path was a different path.

In some areas of America, the law has turned away, leaving people to find their own justice. "Homeboy's Soul: Pride, Terror, & Street Justice in America" tells a story of the barrio, where many Hispanic people faced life in the ghettos, faced with gang violence and the blind eye of the law. Don Armijo brings readers his own experiences where he saw many people close to him die violent deaths. "Homeboy's Soul" is a choice pick for those wanting insight on the plight of the Los Angeles Underworld.

I really enjoyed this book. I've heard so many stories about gang-life and while it's fascinating, it also poses a real threat, especially for young people who will do whatever it takes to fit in. I thought the writing was great.