Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets Audiobook

" a phenomenal book. Eye opening look into a world we barely recognize, let alone understand. "

" I didn't end up reading the last chapter and a half. It was interesting to read and learn about gang culture, but it was hard for me to a read a book without it leading to a big climax. "

" I read this entirely in one day. The story was fast paced and eye-opening, however, I guess I was surprised that the author offered absolutely no suggestions on how to improve the living conditions of the people in the projects. "

" This book was fascinating! Be warned--the language is, at times, harsh. But if you were interested in the gang chapter in the book Freakonomics, you will be interested in this book. It basically gives the background information and MUCH more detail. "

" Intriguing and sad. "

" Excellent memoir of a researcher who immersed himself in a housing project and drug gang for a year to study it. "

" Not too impressed. I hate when people think that they are "gangsta." "

" Read in less than 24 hours. A serious page turner. Highly recommend. "

" fascinating account! "

" This book was actually a bit depressing but very well-written and very fascinating. "

" Fascinating account of gang life in the projects of a big urban city. From a sociological research perspective the author's ethics are certainly brought into question. "

" I learned so much and it was a fantastic book club discussion. "

" so good. read it in a day. Loved it. "

" I can't think of the last time that I blew through a nearly 300 page book in a day. Very compelling - really valuable for me as a researcher and as someone who lives down the street from the projects but really knows nothing about them. Definitely recommend it. "

" A somewhat interesting read. Either this guy was really naive or a real DB. "

" Liked this because of the Chicago connection. Gave me a perspective to what gang life is like. "

" Very interesting inside look at the human spirit of the urban poor. "

" A good read. I thought the book captured the community poverty creates very well. "

" Southie in da hood - what more can i say? "

" This is a great read. "

" a really great story, but a bit alarming in how he conducted his research, considering much of this contributed to his PhD "

" This is probably not everybody's thing, but I really enjoyed it and felt like a learnt a lot and gained a different perspective on street gangs and poor American neighborhoods. If you are into documentaries and curious about how society can work, then this is definitely a good read. "

" Despite the silly and misleading title this is a fascinating book. It also has something to say about social science research. I'd like to check out his scholarly work, which hopefully goes into greater depth. "

" This book is really interesting. A student studying at the University of Chicago decides to look into the lives of gang members. He becomes close with the leader of a major Chicago gang and learns the ins and outs of what it's like to be a gang member "

" More entertainment than facts, but a good anecdotal (and very personal) view of life and crime in the ghetto, ala The Wire. "

" An interesting book about a sociologist amidst the Chicago projects "hustler" culture and life in the projects. "

" Fantastic look at the inner workings of a gang. I'm amazed that the author didn't get himself killed. "

" This book was an addictive, fascinating read. I highly recommend it. It will turn everything you know/believe about gangs on your its head. "

" This guy's thinking he was the shit for gaining the trust of these gang members clouded his objectivity and lost focus for his project. "

" It's like a really engaging dissertation, or only-kinda-engaging non-fiction. A University of Chicago doctoral student spends years in the projects learning about gang life and the crack trade. Just read Freakonomics and get the abbreviated version of this story. "

" I read this book for a class, and it was informative and eye-opening. "

" Really exciting yet thought provoking. "

" This guy should be dead. It's a pretty ballsy thing he did. A lot of insights on the economics of drug dealing. If you read, and enjoyed, the bit about him in Freakonomics, you will love this book. "

" This book is just too awesome for words! An Indian sociologist who becomes close friends with one Chicago's most dangerous gangsters and manages to run the organization for a day ... while he was a PhD student!! Need I say more? "