I found this book captivating with its portrayal of the violent life of an LA gang member. The author does an excellent job of illustrating the hardships youth must face when growing up in this corrupt environment. The main problem I had with this book was the fact that the author never seems to comprehend how his violent actions deeply affect the people he associates with and also society as a whole. For example during one of his many stays in prison he wonders why the guards treat him with such fear and resentment. Could it possibly be because he has shot and killed so many people. I was glad to read that his life of gang banging has finally come to an end, but I also feel that he should be punished for the numerous criminal activities he has been involved in. It is hard to applaud an author who has lead such a destructive and misguided life.