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Summary: An essential Puerto Rican classic
Review: "Down These Mean Streets," by Piri Thomas, tells a story of growing up as a dark-skinned Puerto Rican in New York City. First published in 1967, the book has been re-issued in a 30th anniversary edition with an afterword by the author.The book opens in 1941, with 12-year old Piri living in New York with his family. The narrative recounts his growth into manhood; we accompany Piri as he gets into fights, uses illegal drugs, becomes a violent criminal, spends time in prison, and experiences conflict within his own family. This is a raw, powerful book. Thomas has a vigorous, muscular prose style that incorporates many Spanish terms (readers may find the glossary at the end of the book useful). The book raises many questions about racial and ethnic identity as Piri has relationships with many different people of various colors and cultures. Thomas also explores the interconnections of race and religion, and vividly portrays the subculture of prison life. This is an essential book for anyone interested in the Puerto Rican experience on the U.S. mainland. The book has a lot in common with "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." Also recommended as a companion text: Miguel Pinero's play "Short Eyes."
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Summary: One of The Best Books Ever
Review: "Down These Mean Streets" by Piri Thomas is a truly captivating book. Me myself being Black and Puerto Rican and growing up in New York, I was able to identify with so many of his feelings and the way he handled them. I felt as if I was right in the middle of the scene, sometimes wanting to comfort him in his shortcomings and to let him know he wasn't the only one confused on which role to play. This book was so good that I finished it in a time span of 3 days and will recommend it to anyone who's longing for knowledge of insight of a Black Puerto Rican or Latino growing up in NYC.
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Summary: Learn more about Piri Thomas... CHEVEROTE punto Com!
Review: An awesome, phenomenal MUST READ for all Boricuas, Latinos and all people of color! Visit Brother Piri at CHEVEROTE punto com. And even get your own copies of his two best selling titles from the man, himself!
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Summary: Raw and Powerful
Review: An outstanding depiction of the untold story of many Hispanic Americans during the early 20th Century. Piri is an honest, often tragic character whose words I will never forget. Although the beginning of the book was a bit hard to get into, once I did, I was hooked. You cannot help but feel what the author was going through during his long dark years. I would read this book again in a second.
Rating:
Summary: Raw and Powerful
Review: An outstanding depiction of the untold story of many Hispanic Americans during the early 20th Century. Piri is an honest, often tragic character whose words I will never forget. Although the beginning of the book was a bit hard to get into, once I did, I was hooked. You cannot help but feel what the author was going through during his long dark years. I would read this book again in a second.
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Summary: Easy language and interesting common circumstances
Review: Describes very interesting situation in which people wont to know how to act. Contains useful ideology of life.
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Summary: THIS NEEDS TO ME MADE INTO A MOVIE - THE TIME IS NOW...
Review: I first heard this man, Mr. Piri Thomas, speak in the spring of 1993 at Cal State University at Hayward. I was so moved (as a high school student) that I had our school (California High School) invite him to speak at our "Free Your Mind" day on June 4th, 1993. I loved his poetic 'realness' - and it was the first time I felt really empowered as a person of color living in a largely suburban environment. His experience and insight was so raw and so 'real'. In this autobiography, Mr. Thomas addresses issues of racial identity (he was dark skinned, but his brother was lighter skinned/more white looking) and how racism affected him as a Puerto Recan. It describes him growing up in Spanish Harlem, NY, moving down the coast, meeting friends and some crazy situations. I remember him really hitting rock bottom, and then coming out in the end. I always looked forward to reading on. I read somewhere that R&B singer Brian McKnight considers this his favorite book. That's when I knew I just wasn't being easily impressed. This is an excellent life story, well written, and a must read for anyone interested in the topic of racial identity. Yes, we are all individuals, but we should never deny our heritage...thank you Mr. Piri Thomas. I feel nothing but the deepest respect for you...thanks for your vision, insight and generosity. Knyte (Trust Me) P.S. If I could give more than five stars...I would
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Summary: make time to read this book
Review: I LOVED THIS BOOK I DONT HAVE TOO MUCH TIME TO READ BUT WHEN I STARTED READING THIS BOOK I MADE TIME.
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Summary: GREATTTT
Review: I loved this book it was comforting and very honest 50 million thumbs up! if u liked this book you'll love always running!!!!!!!!
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Summary: SIMPLY FANTASTIC
Review: I read this wonderful book over 15 years ago. Although most of its details have faded with time, its impact has not. As a Puerto Rican male growing up in the Bronx, I could certainly relate to much of what Piri Thomas was describing. But "Mean Streets" is so powerful and gripping, that anyone who reads it will be moved and mesmorized. This is truly a modern-day classic that will surely withstand the test of time. Its lessons are appropriate for all youth everywhere and always.
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