tsimp9's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
5.0
This story is a true testament to the fact that one decision can change a person’s entire life. Told alternately by the authors, it does an excellent job of sharing their histories, providing the details on what occurred, and most importantly, giving an honest view on the negative outcomes of those considering or involved in the game/streets. It also speaks to the significance of second chances. As always, I love a memoir that feels as if the author is having a conversation with me, and I learned even more about Ice-T than I’d previously known. This book gives an excellent “conversation,” is well-written and keeps the reader’s/listener’s interest. I was pleased with the fact that the book was narrated by the authors and thoroughly enjoyed the interview at the end. Great read!
“Before the streets became their surrogate parents, everybody had innocent dreams.”
bound4travel's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I was utterly amazed at how much I loved this book. In a split memoir, Ice-T and Spike share their life stories with us providing a peek into how a very similar starting point resulted in two completely different life paths. The starkness of this makes the memoir. Additionally, the understanding, tough lough, and loyalty witnessed between Ice-T and Spike is admirable and adds so much to each of them. Whereas many might see this as a one way relationship with Ice-T supporting Spike, I believe this memoir exemplifies the mutual support, loyalty, and boundaries that a true, long-lasting friendship demands in order to last and not become unhealthy. The fact that both of these men took their paths and utilized each step on the journey to grow and support others is a tribute to their perseverance and true nature.
edoherty's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
The book starts by focusing a little more on Ice-T's story and ends with more focus on Spike's, which feels like the absolute right decision: this is not a book about how Ice-T made it big but about how two men in similar circumstances each made a choice (stay in the life or get out) that led to vastly different outcomes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Racial slurs, and Police brutality
Moderate: Car accident, Grief, Violence, and Infidelity
Minor: Death of parent, Dementia, Gun violence, Cancer, Death, and Murder
itskellyjustice's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25