|
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
What life is really like as a gangbanger
– living in fear of never getting out alive
Houston, TX, September 18, 2010 -
Homeboy’s Soul: Pride, Terror, and Street
Justice in America (Publish America)
invites readers into the bizarre and deadly
lifestyle of gangbanging in the barrios of
Pomona on the eastern edge of Los Angeles
County during the 70’s through 90’s. Written
by Don Armijo and Fred Stawitz,
Homeboy’s Soul tells the story of Armijo’s
rise to power within one of L.A. County’s
most violent street gangs, Calle Doce Los
Sharkies. Minus the usual hype and
sensationalism, this provocative tale
invites readers into one of the most
misunderstood lifestyles in America. It
delves into the private thoughts, doubts,
and fears of a normal Chicano ‘kid turned
killer’ with an inside look into what life
in the world of gangbangers is really all
about.
Inspired to write Homeboy’s Soul as a way to
reveal the truth about the influences that
shaped life in the barrios surrounding Los
Angeles, Armijo provides answers to why
Chicano youth are easily attracted to the
homeboy’s lifestyle and ultimately to gang
warfare. Homeboy’s Soul neither blames nor
defends barrio youth for their decisions,
but rather provides a basis for
understanding the culture and influences
that lead them to the choices that have
shaped their lives.
Cruise the barrio with a true vato loco.
Face the deadly consequences of a movida on
a rival gang. Experience the love and
mistrust, the terror and boredom and,
ultimately, the sense of hopelessness that
there will be no bright tomorrow at the end
of all the violence. Homeboy’s Soul provides
a chilling account of how Armijo lived as a
gang member, killed as a gang member, and
wound up in prison abandoned by his homeboys
where he experienced a personal
transformation.
This book’s frank revelations offer civic
leaders whose communities are plagued with
gang violence a foundation for engaging the
public in a conversation about how to
address the socio-economic factors that feed
gang activity. It gives parents and school
officials incentive for a renewed commitment
to provide all children the resources,
support, opportunities, and acceptance they
need to develop into contributing members of
society.
Honored at the 2010 Hollywood Book Festival
with an “honorable mention,” Homeboy’s Soul
helps readers realize that each of us can
alter our situation for the better through
the choices we make and by taking
responsibility for the consequences of our
actions. Don Armijo has made peace with his
past and has dedicated himself to helping
those lured to the web of gangbanging, and
those already ensnared by it find their path
to a brighter future.
This amazing book can now be ordered at all
major book stores, amazon.com, bn.com, and
is available at: http://www.publishamerica.net/product89738.html.
Visit www.HomeboysSoul.com for additional
information.
###
TIP SHEET:
Please view a recent TV interview at:
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2010/09/10/how-1-man-left-the-gang-life-behind/.
Danny De La Paz, actor (Boulevard Nights,
American Me): “Homeboy’s Soul deserves to
take its place among the best literature
available today on the complex and
fascinating subject of what draws a
promising young life to such
self-destruction.”
Jim Bohannon (nationally-syndicated radio
talk show host), The Jim Bohannon Show,
Washington, D.C.: “Good luck in your efforts
here. If you can turn this [gang situation]
around the country will be better off
because of it.”
Evangelina Vigil-Pinon, Viva Houston, KTRK-TV
13 ABC: "It's a great book, cuts the edge in
assessing gang issues and what needs to be
done. Keep up your great work!”
Michael King, King TV, NBC Seattle:
“Phenomenal. Really a great read. Took us ‘
inside.’”
Michael F. Shaughnessy, Professor of
Psychology at Eastern New Mexico University
and Senior Columnist EducationNews.org: “If
you are a sociology instructor or teach
classes in gangs, juvenile delinquency,
probation or parole, you need to get this
book for required reading. Your students
will appreciate it.”
Midwest Book Review, "Don Armijo brings
readers his own experiences where he saw
many people close to him die violent deaths.
Homeboy's Soul is a choice pick for those
wanting insight on the plight of the Los
Angeles Underworld.”
Birga Alden, The Morning Show, KDAZ-AM 730
Albuquerque: “I pray that this book will
continue to make a mighty difference!”
Tommy Briggs, Host of the AM Mayhem Show,
YES-FM, Detroit-Toledo: “A fascinating
book!”
Trent Redekop, The Morning Show, CKSW-AM 570
and CJSN-AM 1490, Canada: “Amazingly
addictive!”
Richard Reyes, Pancho Claus and Gang
Prevention Activist, Houston: “This book
should be required reading for students,
parents, school administrators, police
officers and community leaders.”
Joel Valenzuela, Former Teacher, El Paso,
Texas: “It gives ammunition to parents
waging a painful war for the souls of
children caught in the deadly culture of
street gangs.”
Elizabeth Rhone, First Lady, Mount Sinai
Church of God in Christ, Pomona, California:
“You won’t want to put this book down!” |
