Customer Reviews

Street Fighting Man

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Early on in Dennis Jones's Street Fighting Man, turf battles are being fought on the streets of the Gravesend section of Brooklyn, and we find Kevin O'Brien having mastered the ropes. But O'Brien wants something more. He fights to control his growing anger through a mastery of the drums, so that he may somehow escape the fate of his father, who fights a hopeless battle against alcoholism, and his brother, who is being seduced by the emerging drug scene. O'Brien is drafted into the Army, and finds that, despite the growing national turmoil over Vietnam and racism, turf warfare remains the order of the day. Here is where Jones really delivers. His depiction of abuse and disembodied hatred are riveting. The California drug scene in particular comes alive, a vivid forum for O'Brien to lose, then slowly regain, his foothold in reality. Jones makes an artful transition from the local scene in Brooklyn to a widening vision of corruption and chaos, and makes his tale personal and compelling.

Dennis Jones has captured a wild spirit with Street Fighting Man. From the very first punch that occurs within seconds of opening the book to very last punch, Dennis Jones KO's the reader with a well told story of coming of age in 1960's Brooklyn.

I read the book awhile back and I just started it again. It takes me back to that magic and awkward time where I learned that some dreams come true, but that growing up in Brooklyn back then, could be an emotional roller coaster. The book certainly captures the essence of the time period and portays the struggles that I know the author experienced. It is a well written, somewhat painful story that I really enjoyed and highly recommend, but of course I would. Johnny James

When I received Street Fighting Man, I had set it aside for a day when I knew it would be the right time to delve into it. That happened to be in the middle of a snowstorm on a January day. I tend to go with the flow of my feelings and when the spirit moves me, I will decide to do something. I knew about Dennis' life and the book opened up like a movie scene in front of my eyes. Dennis paints a picture of the main character, Kevin using his life experience as a backdrop for the trials and tribulations he went through. I did not grow up in Brooklyn, but through Dennis' writing, I got a real sense of what it is like to be in an urban environment. Dennis has a wonderful way of conveying words that flow so well and I could feel what it was to be in that place during that time period. Kevin was a violent teenager, something I could not relate to but I came to appreciate what this feels like inside someone going through this. Kevin's life was going downhill but he picked up the drums and I could see how the drumming helped to focus his life and truly was a life saver- very inspirational for me. His experience in the service gave me a real appreciation for what young men go through when faced with this- I felt his emotions. I was actually sad when the book came to the end as I really made a connection to Kevin. Dennis, you are a star and deserve all 5 of them.

Dennis really captured the Brooklyn of the sixties. As someone who grew up in Brooklyn at that time, I thoroughly enjoyed the way Dennis stimulated my memories of those exciting days. If you were there, in Brooklyn at that time you'll love this book for the memories. If you would like to know what life was like in the sixties in Brooklyn, this book is for you. Yo, Tanks for da memories... Bro!

Make time to enjoy this book. Once you start reading it, you won't want to put it down. The story takes you through the journey of a young man's life. His struggles to overcome his personal demon's is spell binding because it relates to any generation.

Music is his identity and saving grace that gets him through the daily survival of living on the streets of Brooklyn, NY. His choices take him through the war torn period of the 60's and cultural changes of music and drugs only to discover that it was what was inside of him that allowed him to prevail and understand what his life is all about.

This book is artistically graphic in describing the effects of
social issues and drugs. It leaves one pondering and hopeful that one can overcome any challenge by re-awakening the
human spirit that has sadly fallen asleep by the pressures of
society.

Dennis,
This is Big Guy's middle kid from Austin, TX here. I don't know if you check this site for reviews or hits, but I'm counting on a fellow writers' vanity for that, as I could find no other way of reaching you at this weird hour that I find myself thinking about your book. I can't believe I didn't say anything when I saw you at the Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club gig! I'm kicking myself now. I read your book back in February 2003 while staying at my folks' house; my pop had a copy. I was gripped from page one, and of course the fact that I knew or knew of most of the principal characters had something to do with it, but also it was a damn good read. I really wish I had a chance to talk with you about it. I'm real proud of you and hope you give 'er a'nuther go. Also, it was great to hear you sing those two Dylan tunes. Love it when you do that. The other "Lost McMahon" was also great. Your mother looked so proud with you boys up there. I really hope this reaches you somehow, otherwise I may forget to express it again, as is my nature. But I'm trying. You're a class act, Dennis. Proud to know you. If you get it, e-mail me at ChemicalBilly@msn.com.

Dennis Jones has done a great job in capturing the feel of Brooklyn in the 60s. A coming-of-age story against the background of Rock & Roll. He made me feel like I was living through it with him. I can't wait for his second novel.

Dennis Jones has captured Brooklyn in the early 60's perfectly. It is a must read for anyone that grew up in Brooklyn, and a wonderful book to read for people that want to experience what it was like. Just open the cover and next thing you know your finishing the second chapter. A Great Great Book!