03.11.09
Gang Leader for a Day
Title: Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets
Author: Sudhir Venkatesh
Publisher: Penguin Press, January 2008
Summary:Beginning his graduate work at the University of Chicago, Sudhir Venkatesh wished to study the urban poor. When he went to the projects to survey residents (First question: “How does it feel to be black and poor?”) he is held hostage by the Black Kings, a drug dealing gang, for several hours. Undeterred, Venkatesh returned to the projects and formed a remarkable friendship with J.T., the charismatic leader of the gang.
For seven years, this alliance allowed Venkatesh access into the inner workings of gang life, the drug trade, and what it takes to survive in the projects. He meets college graduates who return to the projects because dealing is more lucrative than legitimate work, tenant leaders who run their buildings like kingdoms, and squatters working the angles to survive in an environment where you can’t count on the police or social services to protect you, and constant hustling is the name of the game.
Who will like this book?: People interested in sociology, particularly stories about inner city life.
If you like this, try this: Random Familyby Adrian Nicole LeBlanc. Life on the Outsideby Jennifer Gonnerman.
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian
03.06.09
Three Weeks To Say Goodbye
Title: Three Weeks to Say Goodbye
Author: C.J. Box
Publisher: St. Martin’s Minotaur, January 2009
Summary: Nine months after adopting their daughter Angelina, Jack and Melissa receive devastating news. The baby’s teenage father never signed the adoption papers and now he and his powerful father want the baby back. They have three weeks to prepare to hand their baby back over to her father-three weeks to say goodbye. It doesn’t take Jack and Melissa long to question the true motive of Angelina’s father and grandfather. The deeper they dig into the pasts of these two men, the more frightened they become for their daughter.
Jack and Melissa are convincing as parents facing a terrifying situation. If you are a true fan of thrillers (like me), don’t despair! There are plenty of sick and twisted characters to keep you interested in this one.
Who will like this book? Thriller and crime fiction fans.
Recommended by: Sue, Circulation Coordinator
