Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I'm really sorry I just couldn't get into this book, although the author kindly put the descriptions of the wording that was used at the front of the book it was quite off-putting trying to figure out each new word whilst following the story.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. xx

Terroll’s book tells the story of a life so different to mine, although I couldn’t not relate, my goodness I felt like I was there. Through his words I could imagine how I would have been had I found myself in similar situations to him, his friends and family. Obviously this book has a lot of triggers but I think most people would know that simply from the subject of the book. It is a hard hitting story of gang life and culture and what it takes to step away from that. I went from feeling shocked and worried to being inspired and uplifted. To say I have had my eyes open is an understatement and I think this is a must read for people like me who are worlds away from this lifestyle.