Disco's out . . . murder's in!

This book appeared as a result of a google search made in the wake of some heated discussion on the supposed dangers of gangster rap. Not that it has much to do with that - or possibly the opposite...

Frank ("the shank") is just a kid. Throughout the book, I need to constantly remind myself of the fact that he's about the same age as my kids (they're 13 and 15) and that the sex and drugs and violence he runs on, he runs on while being "just a kid". That in itself is as scary as it gets.

Focus lies on the debauchery of the LMP and Frank's rise to fame within that gang. While the book does manage to fill it's 224 pages with those stories, I think it would have benefited the reader to get another perspective as well. Apparently, Frank did lead parallel lives of sorts, with regard to school and family life. The book is almost completely devoid of (responsible) adults, apart from Indian, who I think had a bigger part to play in Frank's getting out of the gang lifestyle than he or the book admits. I would have liked to know more about that life altering change, than a half hearted reference to Christ - a reference that in itself apperared in stark contrast to the rest of the book.

Very well... The book has a distinct DIY-feel, suitable to the punk context in which it resides, and that is all good and well. I might have some opinions on what I think is lacking (see above). But even with those included, this book is well worth your time if you have the least interest in the punk and hardcore scene of the early 80's, and want to peek "behind the scenes".