Monster (1994) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 4 stars

“A gang members point of view. A must read for law enforcement officers.”

• Rated 0 stars

“I picked up this book hoping to find the story of a man who transformed his life through courage, self-reflection, and sheer grit. What I found was the story of a man afraid to take responsibility for his actions. I'm glad I read it, but the author is a sad, angry man, even to this day. If you're looking for a role model for abdicating responsibility, this is your book.”

• Rated 4 stars

“ All I can say is “WOW”! The autobiography of Sanyika Shakur, aka Monster Kody Scott is very detailed on accounts. I had numerous responses to this reading: shock, disbelief, a lack of understanding and then an abundance of understanding.
I appreciate how this autobiography was written in much of the slang by the author. This made the portrait of gang life much more real. There were so many graphic descriptions in this book, I would not be opposed to high school aged students reading this book, but may question younger students reading based on their life experiences and maturity levels.
I was mesmerized as I read his murderous accounts, attempting to picture a kid on a bicycle with a sawed off shotgun. It just seems so out-there trying to actually visualize this picture. Later when Monster Kody was in the hospital he shares the time where he and his younger brother visit and Lil’ Bro realizes the weight to destroy the person who shot his brother and “save the world” – their set. Kody reiterates, “At fourteen, that’s a heavy load.” I kept forgetting the young age of these boys.
This book was an engaging read and I am glad I read it.
”

• Rated 4 stars

“In this intense personal encounter of life as an L.A. Crip, Sanyika Shakur shares his experiences running with one of the most infamous international gangs. If you like tales of struggle and redemption, Monster is book that will keep you hooked. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“If your a young black youth or latino you will like it. Monster gives the reader a full inside look of L.A's gangworld from his eyes. From his young beginning to now where he sits in a California State Corrections Facility.”

• Rated 5 stars

“The book is about a l.a gang banger who wanted to be in a gang so he pump 8 shots at a rival gang to be in the la crips. his life turn around after he did that.As u read the book u will see how his life will go from bad to good.it was a ok book”

• Rated 5 stars

“Goood! :)”

• Rated 4 stars

“very gripping and honest, gave me quite the glimpse into LA crip life of the 70's and 80's. Can't help but wonder how things have changed and how they have stayed the same...”

• Rated 5 stars

“Real gang bangin book

#getownedoutsiders”

• Rated 3 stars

“I've read this cover to cover in two days. I couldn't stop--it was like driving by a car wreck. I was horrified at acts a young boy carried out as a member of the Crips and at the life he lead. I recommended this book to teens, but suggested they flip through as it interested them. This is not a book that one has to read sequentially, which works well for non-readers.”