Crackhouse: Notes from the End of the Line

Rating:
Summary: Ever Wonder What Really Goes On In A Crackhouse?
Review: If you've ever wondered what really goes on in a crackhouse, or what kind of people inhabit such a place-this is the book for you. I very much enjoyed Terry Williams writing style-simple and straightforward, not preachy or judgemental. I enjoyed this book so much I ordered his other book-Cocaine Kids. This is an excellent read, although it's pretty gritty. I was surprised to see it in the "Youth" section.

Rating:
Summary: Ever Wonder What Really Goes On In A Crackhouse?
Review: If you've ever wondered what really goes on in a crackhouse, or what kind of people inhabit such a place-this is the book for you. I very much enjoyed Terry Williams writing style-simple and straightforward, not preachy or judgemental. I enjoyed this book so much I ordered his other book-Cocaine Kids. This is an excellent read, although it's pretty gritty. I was surprised to see it in the "Youth" section.

Rating:
Summary: A good introduction to this countercultural subset.
Review: Terry Williams does a very good job in introducing the reader to this little known and forgotten subset of our society. The story focuses on his experiences and observations of a small group of crack and free-base cocaine users. His prose is devoid of moral undertones and is non-judgemental allowing the reading to form his own opinions and motivations.

Crackhouse: Notes from the End of the Line does not sensationalize or exploit the travails of these people in this lifestyle. This book does not shock anywhere near as much as it educates. Mr. Williams does not sugar coat anything, but he refrains from overstating the obvious.

Mr. Williams has also included a nice glossary of terms at the end of the book concerning the crackhouse vernacular.

I wish the book could have detailed the lives of the inhabitants outside of the actual crackhouse or smoking room with more detail. How were these people contributing to society when they weren't "seeing Scotty" (a phrase that Williams' group would sometimes use when getting high)? Perhaps, this was not the focus that Williams was aiming for.

In any case, I strongly recommend this book for anybody with an interest in the ethnology of crack cocaine users. I found the book educational. I look forward to reading more about this subject in the future.