Donna C. (karmagirl) - , reviewed Random Family : Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book was hard to read, the decisions made by these young girls was heartbreaking, but I could not put it down. I kept hoping these girls would turn their lives around and better themselves and their children. I highly recommend this book, it is a sobering look at life on the streets of the Bronx, and struggles with poverty, drugs and prison life.
Pam P. (Meowkatt) reviewed Random Family : Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book, but it's sad. It helped me understand more about what my foster children's lives were like before they were removed. It's hard to see people not learning from their parents, friends, neighbors & their own mistakes.
Daisy D. reviewed Random Family : Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was fascinating but also draining. It was so interesting to read about the highs and lows of these young peoples' lives. As a New Yorker, I was intrigued to see how differently we live given our close proximity to one another. The many people who populate the pages of the book, their harsh existence and the negative recurring cycles were difficult to read about, though. I recommend it because it shows - sometimes in dizzying detail - how difficult it is to break negative cycles given our socio-economic circumstances, our traditions, and day-to-day obstacles.
Charlene C. (charlovey) reviewed Random Family : Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was really good. In the beginning it was quite confusing to figure out who's who... but a few chapters you get the hang of it. Good story about poverty and young girls who only know the street life.
Great Read!!!
Great Read!!!
Dave L. reviewed Random Family : Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
David Sedaris was here in Washington DC and I went to see him - during his talk, readings, etc, he noted that this was one his favorite books, primarily because of the story telling (although this is non-fiction). I really, really enjoyed the writing as well - very matter-of-fact yet it sucks you in. I think this also provides an amazing opportunity to understand some of the daily struggles of the poor, something that is good for all of us to understand and learn to appreciate. The only complaint I have is that the book somewhat abruptly ends - I guess that's because everyone's lives continue on but I was expecting a little more "closure". That said, it's a great read and I would highly recommend it.