Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets
 

Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets

by Sudhir Venkatesh

First introduced in Freakonomics, here is the full story of Sudhir Venkatesh, the sociology grad student who infiltrated one of Chicago's most notorious gangs

The story of the young sociologist who studied a Chicago crack-dealing gang from the inside captured the world's attention when it was first described in Freakonomics. Gang Leader for a Day is the fascinating full story of how ... (read more)

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airinbug
  • Rated 4 stars

What a great book! Sudhir spent almost 10 years studying the gang life of inner city Chicago in the 80s and 90s. (His story was described in Freakonomics.) His stories give a lot of insight into the life of a gang and the neighborhoods around gangs (although somewhat from his perspective and not always from those who live in it). One of the few non-fiction reads that I couldn't put down.

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Newest Comments

  • Lateef X

    lateef x said:

    Top 5 Books I've Ever Read.
    If you're into sociology or ethnography - this is VERY important to read. If you prefer fiction - this book provides the constant, fast-moving entertainment you desire. The author spends around seven years visiting the most neglected housing projects in the United States - in this time he develops relationships with the most influential people in the community, among them gang leaders, community leaders, and police officers.

    posted Monday, April 28 2008
  • Dave

    dave said:

    This is one of the most authentic, and gritty books you can ever read. As a sociologist, I can identify with the author, but he goes far beyond what I would do, to understand the depth of poverty, gang violence, and the like. I would recommend that you listen to this book as you find you become far more invested in the book.

    posted Saturday, March 29 2008
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