Luis dedicated this book to his son Ramiro. He wrote the book when he learned that his son was starting to head down the dark path of the gang life like he had many years ago. Along with his son, he dedicates this book to all youths struggling to find their voice in society. Luis explains that that gang is nothing more than a group of people trying to fit in somewhere and work together to gain respect. Most kids are pushed into this situation as they feel mistreated and useless. They struggle to find a sense of belonging as well as respect from those around them. It's when they're pushed down and not given the same rights as everyone else that they start to turn into something different than what it was supposed to be. I know that me and probably a lot of other people "frown" upon gangs, but reading this book has given me a new sense of realization. I've learned that not everything is really as it seems. Now instead of me shaking my head at those in or involved with gangs, violence, and drugs, I actually feel more sorry for them. And even more it makes me mad that they are led down this horrendous path by society as they are deprived of equal rights and opportunities. It's people like Luis that demonstrate that it is possible to become something bigger, and not hide behind the stereotypes given by those ignorant people around us. Luis is the voice of those pushed down and mistreated but still got back up and fought. With his many years of suffering and seeing things no one should, he has become very wise and insightful. This is evident throughout the book as he reflects on his past. Luis J. Rodriguez ends his book with these last words that he now tells his son: "You have worth outside of a job, outside the 'jacket' imposed on you since birth. Draw on your expressive powers. Stop running" (Rodriguez 251). One last message I can take away from this book is to always strive for success and stand up for what I believe. No matter how many people may knock me down in the future, no matter the many complications I will most likely face in the future, I will stand strong and tall and never run...
I LOVED my book and I'm so sad it's over... I learned a lot as you can tell and learned a whole new perspective to a topic most of us think we know enough of. I recommend this book to anyone willing to be open and learn many new things. I hope to learn more about Luis and check out his other writings as I love his style. This book was very easy to read in the sense as it was basically a story and had me intrigued from the beginning to the end; however it was very rich with insightful thoughts and raw emotions. As this is my last blog post for this book I want to thank those of you who have kept along with my posts and sincerely hope you enjoyed them and learned something new. Thanks for reading!
I LOVED my book and I'm so sad it's over... I learned a lot as you can tell and learned a whole new perspective to a topic most of us think we know enough of. I recommend this book to anyone willing to be open and learn many new things. I hope to learn more about Luis and check out his other writings as I love his style. This book was very easy to read in the sense as it was basically a story and had me intrigued from the beginning to the end; however it was very rich with insightful thoughts and raw emotions. As this is my last blog post for this book I want to thank those of you who have kept along with my posts and sincerely hope you enjoyed them and learned something new. Thanks for reading!