I was pleased to recommend this on What Should I Read Next episode 299: playing genre hopscotch, featuring an interview with a publishing professional who is interested in expanding his literary diet with some new genres that will revitalize his reading life—including absorbing nonfiction with a strong sense of place.

A thoroughly researched study on a neighborhood in northeast Denver and the life long journey of Terrence Roberts (a gang member turned anti-gang activist), this book was incredibly engaging. Rubinstein really delves into the connections between active gang members, those with financial influence, and law enforcement. I was shocked by the layers of connection and the intense political nature of anti-gang work. In the background of this study is an investigation of a shooting by Roberts. Rubinstein's writing really paints a clear picture of the major players in this neighborhood and their multi-faceted humanity.

"The Holly" by Julian Rubinstein is a non-fiction book that centers around the life and work of Terrance Roberts, a former gang member in Denver. In addition to learning more about Terrance's transition from gang member to community activist, and the event around which this book is centered, this book informs the reader about gang history and about a darker side of Denver that I never hear mentioned in discussions about the city. "The Holly" provides a crucial, yet tragic, explanation of how gangs have proliferated in the United Sates, in Denver in particular, and how difficult it can be to move beyond one's membership earlier in life. As much as Roberts tries to steer a new path form himself and his community by building a community center and outreach programs, his prior criminal history and gang affiliation, as well as the local political and business officials, keep him tied down. The part of the book that most sticks out to me is how much business and political forces worked against Roberts to prevent him from changing the community. This book changes the way you think about the Mile-High City.