Rating: 
Summary: "Skinhead! Roots, reggae, rock and roll, on parole..."
Review: This is such an incredible book. I bought it at a bargain book store (you know, where they put that little black mark on the book and sell it at 80% off the cover price) because I had heard good things about it. Went home, cranked up the punk, and read. And read, and read, and read. I was blown away at how good it was and how real the main character was. It shows every angle of the skinhead life. Trads, nazis, rudies, everything. From the hardcore punks, to the skankin' ska fans, it's an introspective look at an intriguing lifestyle rarely portrayed accurately or with such maturity and poetic verse. Admittingly, some things are a bit far fetched. Now that I think about it, the mafia thing is a bit ridiculous, but while I was reading it, I was so absorbed in the story it felt perfectly legit. I'm not sure how I feel about people saying Alex sold out. Tim? Yes, he sold out. most definately. Maybe Alex did too. but under those conditions, wouldn't you? Easy to say from the comfort of that chair your sitting in, but if you were in his position, what would you do? Nonetheless, a very compelling read. One of the few books I can't wait to read again!
Rating:
Summary: "It's my life..."
Review: This novel could actually leave me speechless had I let it, instead it is dead on and takes you into the life of a teenager who's life has been basically stripped away from him in front of his eyes. Growing up with a similiarity between the main character and his chosen subculture I have to say De Grazia has a way with words! I've read this book more than once, honestly I'd say about 4 times, it never gets old.
This book is a definite read for everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: It is a life reading experience!!!
Review: Told by De Grazia, the life of a rundown teenager, growing his roots in Chicago is an action pact, suspenseful novel that you just can't put down!This book was setted in the Chicago land area, where the story of a teen named Alex Verdi and his sister had it all good, until the betrayal of his parents changed all that. What Alex didn't know was that his father was a big pot dealer. When Alex's parents were arrested and his sister was sent to a foster home, Alex was left with a choice that would change his whole life. Alex made the decision to be on the run from the cops. From there Alex decides to get a job in the city where he ends up meeting these anti Nazi skinheads, who end up giving Alex a place to stay at this club called The Gorgon. Through out this novel Alex learns a lot about the hard ways of life. That being, his love life, racial controversy, drugs, sex, violence, and betrayal. I feel De Grazia did an excellent job making the reader become one with the main character, in that, I felt I went through all the experiences the same as Alex. I highly recommend reading this novel. It is life reading experience!
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