The authors are writing under fake names for their own security and privacy. The book is devastating to read. If this is the life of a Latin Queen who achieved high rank, what of those who were not ever so powerful? Coming from a background of child abuse, Lady Q manages to eventually make a break from the Latin Kings gang. But to do so she must first endure physical violence, mental abuse, drug addiction and dealing, the prison sentence of life for the man she loves, prison for herself, and wrecking the same havoc on her own child.
page 73
"In the hood people hurt one another, betray each other, even kill each other, but life goes on quickly. Resentments don't last. And what is the cause for strife one day is not expected to make a difference the next. The only unforgivable thing is when someone changes gang allegiances: this is the cause for mortal retaliation... '
page 116 - Sonia homeless...
"The closest Sonia came to a permanent shelter that winter was a room she rented at a boardinghouse. But she could only afford to pay for one week. After that she would leave the room early in the morning and come back late at night to avoid the landlord. She felt like a criminal, but her welfare check wasn't enough to both pay rent and buy diapers and food for herself and her baby. She knew that she wouldn't be able to avoid the landlord forever, she she wasn't surprised to find the locks changed when she returned to the room one night. There was no Thanksgiving dinner for Sonia and Lisette that year. There was no Christmas either, and no New Years celebration. No family, no friends, no gifts... She walked the streets in desperate need of help while Christmas shoppers turned their faces away so they wouldn't have to see her. She spent New years eve in a cold, dark hallway listening to the echoes of those who had something and someone to celebrate. Sonia looked at her a baby girl and softly apologized... She promised herself to never forget all the so-called Christians who passed her by as they acquired their tokens to celebrate their faith while she was left to suffer with a newborn baby on the streets...'
Chicago Review Press is the publisher...
Copyright by the authors 2008
The author Raymundo Sanchez will respond to questions mybloodylife@hotmail.com
