As I sit on this subway car, I wonder how I can explain this experience, yes I called it an experience, this book was much more than just a book. It was an experience, the life experience of author Ivan Sanchez. The life experience of many a young man growing up in the Bronx.
I struggle with putting this to words, there was so much emotion in this read. The entire time I was reading this book I was rooting for Ivan and his friends. When one of them was killed or jailed, I experienced deep sadness and disappointment. The book was definitely an emotional roller coaster for me. I laughed at times, felt teary eyed at others, I experienced fear and suspense, anger and hatred, this read was an emotional roller coaster.
Perhaps it will make more sense to you if you know my history. I grew up in the Bronx, I knew the area, though if you were smart you’d know to avoid most of it at all costs, especially Creston Ave. I can only recall passing by Creston once or twice. I usually stayed on the Grand Concourse if passing by, walking through the inner blocks was always a risk.
After reading this book I felt like I personally know author Ivan Sanchez. I feel like he was one of my homeboys growing up, and I’m glad he’s still around to tell this amazing tale. I’ve never met Ivan, but one cannot help but feel connected to him and his friends after reading this book.
If you want to take a look into what life was like for some of us growing up in the Bronx, pick up this book, it’s an amazing tale. Shoutout to Ivan Sanchez, for making it out of that life, and to being a real father. Respect. Rest in Peace to all the men and women that lost their lives back then. From personal experience I can say that not only the victim is the victim, peace and light to those left behind.
Just a life long New Yorker sharing the journey through my lens. Please take note of a post’s date. The views I express here are subject to change and evolving as I grow and learn.
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