Always Running
By Luis Rodriguez
I'm not sure how to write my personal review of this book, or even where to start. This memoir sticks to my theme of different life perspectives more than any other book I have read this year.
I lived such a different childhood than Luis Rodriguez, coming from a mostly white, upper middle class neighborhood, and never experiencing much difficulty (although, at the time, teen drama made me think my life was horrible). At age 6 or 7, I was playing baseball and soccer, spending lazy summers at the pool with my friends and babysitters, and playing outside for hours at a time. There was never any danger of shootings, drugs, poverty, or familial strife.
While I don't work in South Central LA, the area where I do work is not great. I can't imagine my 7th graders facing such struggles outside the classroom, even though I do know there are similar issues as those presented in Always Running.
I felt very inspired by this autobiography. The honest accounts of gang life, and the accompanying emotions, tugged on my heart. I am inspired that some of the "characters" expressed remorse about their actions, and questioned why they were doing these things in the first place. Somehow, Rodriguez was able to shed his gang persona, and develop a life dedicated to helping youth facing similar issues.
My only criticism is that Rodriguez did not discuss how he got out, and the ramifications of leaving a gang.
A great read!
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