A Thug's Life (Paperback)

~ Thomas Long (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Dayvon and Ty ran the drug game in West Baltimore for years as the heads of the DFL (Dogs For Life) family. However, after Ty gets sent to prison on a suspect charge and Dayvon decides that he wants outta the game, drama is about to jump off between the two once loyal comrades. Ty plots his brutal revenge when he begins to think that Dayvon had something to do with his incarceration. Dayvon is not about to lie down and let Ty take him outta the game without a fight. To top it all off, they both face a surprise enemy in two up and coming members of their crew, Lil' Jay and Stink, who have their own plans to seize control of the family. What proceeds is an action packed adventure that will have you guessing as to who will survive this tale of urban warfare.

About the Author

Thomas Long was born and raised in the streets of Baltimore City. He has a B.A. degree in Sociology from Morgan State University and a M.A. degree in Legal and Ethical Studies from the University of Baltimore. He combines his college education with his wealth of street knowledge to weave clever tales of inner city life that are vivid and real enough to hold the average reader captive until the story's climatic conclusion. He is currently hard at work on his next exciting novel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Urban Books (January 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974702536
• ISBN-13: 978-0974702537
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #913,763 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Charge it all to da game...................................., May 16, 2005

By	Nardsbaby "Connoisseur of the written word... (Westside Chi-town, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Thug's Life (Paperback)

Dogs For Life one of the most feared YET respected crews in West Baltimore. Created, and strongly influenced by two young Brothas; Dayvon (thorough in thought) & Ty (tight murder game) both leaped into the game as boys pledging their lifetime membership or "until death!"

Dayvon Freeman was anything but your typical street hustler born in the hood. Dayvon was privileged with two parents, a nice home, the right schools, and the capacity to do great things. This self portrayed black sheep took to the streets, and never looked back.

Tyrone Adams was a victim of circumstance. Son to junkies killed because they couldn't pay their drug tab. Ty's only relative his Uncle one of the OG's from B-more help put HUSTLIN' on the map. Tossing Ty out into the streets early he grew to love the drama, and was built for warfare.

Now Dayvon & Ty were men. As leaders in DOGS FOR LIFE they had major success in the streets. Strong 10 year run, prosperous to the entire family. A family that was at MAXIUM STRENGTH. When you've gotten all that you can what else is left?

Sitting tight on a three year bid. Ty recognizes that THUGGIN' was definitely just his be all that ends all! Dayvon, sees the possibilities of what his wealth could afford him and wants to move beyond THUGGIN'.

In the blink of an eye DOGS FOR LIFE would plummet down from its manifesto of love, only to be overthrown by major disloyalty.

Along with money, and fame...comes a hefty price of pain!

A Thug's Life is an experience of urban tension. Leaving the individual reader with the opportunity to glimpse each character as they elect to live a certain way including the consequences that goes with their choices.


"Was it all worth it?"

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Am I My Brother's Keeper?, April 17, 2005

By	Ms Toni "Avid Reader" (Midwest - USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Thug's Life (Paperback)

Best friends Dayvon and Ty are more like brothers than friends. Nothing can come between them. Or can it? As the leaders of the ruthless DFL (Dogs For Life), they have the streets of B'more on lock. That is until Ty gets knocked. Being his brother's keeper, Dayvon holds things down while his partner is gone. Time and experience has Dayvon considering making a change. Maybe it's time to give this steet life up. But what does Ty think of Dayvon's change of heart? Is Dayvon going soft? Or maybe he's a snitch? Is that why Ty is locked up and not Dayvon? Dayvon's decision unknowingly starts a chain reaction of events that no one is ready for. Will the streets of B'more ever be the same?

I had been waiting on Mr. Long's debut novel. After reading his short story in 'The Game,' he piqued my interest. His story was one of the VERY FEW worth reading in that book (don't get me started!). He did not disappoint with 'A Thug's Life.' It was an enjoyable read, but rather on the short side. I look forward to big things from this author.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a look into reality, June 9, 2004

By	Anita T. Byrd "brownbabe" (joppa, maryland United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Thug's Life (Paperback)

reading this book i felt i was right there, growing up in bmore, i could relate to alot of the drama of streets. this is a great book and it hits on alot of high points! great job thomas, and thanks for the signed copy. can't wait until the next one. this is a must have book.