This is an inspiring story about a man who chooses to become a "Gangsta" in Washington D.C. in the 1960s. The narrator's charismatic sense of humor makes him sympathetic. It begins with his memories of loving to sing in the Salem Baptist Church. Moments later, he's fighting off thugs who tried to steal his girlfriend's money. It's a fast-paced novel that reads like a memoir and is based on the true life and times of gangster and writer Clifton Bullock.

Clifton describes his home life as loving, but the streets are cruel. The church is a sanctuary. In a neighborhood where grown men place bets on fights between young boys, winning meant surviving. Readers gain sensitivity to neighborhood justice and the wild urban spirit. Though it's full of crime, street life demands ingenuity and crafty survival skills. And even though he turns to bank robbery, Clifton serves his time and charms everyone. He faces challenges calmly. There is a theme of making difficult choices for logical reasons. At a young age, he chooses to live with a family that is not his own because he has a job with them. Financial schemes—both legitimate and criminal—dominate this book.

When Clifton goes to a new school, he understands that the kids who steal from him are less fortunate than him. Although authority figures always try to steer Clif away from gang life, the gangs want his leadership because he understands everyone. He has genuine compassion. When the gang skips school to fish in a local creek, their fun relieves tension. The novel makes readers understand why a good kid gets involved in crime. By the end of the book, readers have more street smarts, and business owners will likely reconsider where to hide that secret stash of cash.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

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