Saturday, August 21, 2010

Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets by Sudhir Alladi Venkatesh

Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the StreetsGang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets by Sudhir Alladi Venkatesh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is definitely a must-read for EVERYONE. It gives you a unique first-hand perspective of daily life in a housing project and a crack-dealing street gang and it's leader. Many of the situations the sociologist writes about are highly unexpected and surprising, from the intricate underground economy to the dedicated way these people stick together and help each other over the years. It sparked my interest in local housing projects in my city and what has become of the residents post-gentrification. I hope all of my friends on Goodreads will check it out. I thought it was one amazing and illuminating book.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie SocietyThe Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVED THIS BOOK!! To say I adored the characters, the setting and the stories would be a gross understatement. This is one of the only books I've read that I can describe as "enchanting" and "resplendent" without feeling like a cheese bag. This book reminded me of the pricelessness of a good friend during hard times and how important and transforming the gift of human kindness truly is.

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