Blue Rage, Black Redemption: A Memoir

No problem

Well I bought it because I thought it would be interesting, and I read it because I was really bored. Prior to reading this book, I knew next to nothing about Stanley "Tookie" Williams, beyond what I read on the Wikipedia page that lead me to the book in the first place. Overall the book is an interesting read. I never felt bored whilst reading it, and I was always compelled to continue reading the book up until the end. There are, in my opinion, a few problems with it. One is the writing style isn't particularly compelling, not bad, and it is certainly competent, it just doesn't demonstrate the prowess I've seen in some other writers. With that said I also feel the need to mention that Mr. Tookie does something he himself bemoans in that he will occasionally use unnecessarily sesquipedalian or recondite verbage seemingly at random (see what I did there?). Occasionally the words, which are occasionally in foreign languages such as Latin or Swahili, will even have their more common meaning or a translation immediately following. Sometimes this does serve a purpose, but more often than not it seems unnecessary.As for the actual story, it is interesting. Pacing at time seems like it may have been able to have been done better, and often times many characters are mentioned as if they had always been there with little to no background information or time spent identifying their significance to the reader. It can be quite jarring. It is the story of the foundation of the Crips, but it does focus more on the personal life of Mr. Williams than the significantly more famous gang that he founded. I must say that I personally was disappointed by this. There is very little on the co-founder of the Crips, beyond the seminal moment of the gang and his death. It also completely ignores the formation of the Bloods, the rival gang to the Crips, and only mentions them in passing when referring to members of the gang whom he met while in prison.Overall I say it was definitely worth the read. As evidenced by the overwhelming number of very passionate defenses and condemnations in the reviews section, Mr. Williams definitely led an interesting and controversial life. I will admit I had to take the entire story with a grain of salt. I had a hard time setting my prejudices aside, while at the same time being aware that this is an autobiography penned by a man who was convicted of, and eventually executed for, murder; also directly responsible for the rise of one of the biggest gangs in the world and indirectly responsible for the suffering that caused (a fact for which he was admittedly remorseful). While it did at times feel like a confession, it could also feel like an excuse. This for me was legitimately concerning, not so much because I cared for the case, but because I was reading a non-fiction title and wanted as close to the truth as possible.To conclude I recommend people read this autobiography. Stanley Williams is, for better or for worse, one of the most influential people in American history. His story sheds light on to many aspects of American culture and history that many of us may not have been exposed to, and it definitely warrants a read.

For a used book it looks very mean new

Tookie is gone in body but he lives in Spirit. Many comment that he could not have truly been redeemed because he did not "own up" to the alleged crimes. However, redemption is not the final opinion of human beings. It is ultimately an act of the living, gracious and forgiving God. This suggests that "while man is able to look on the outward appearance, God looks on the heart". Many are quick to blame vulnerable people who live in dehumanizing conditions for impulsive animal behaviour. I believe equal attention should be directed to those who selfishly hoard resources and neglect living conditions that help create a jungle. If you selfishly create the jungle, how do we expect people to act? This does not justify crime. But, those who neglect people who are generationally at a disadvantage are equally criminal. It may be within the creator's will to have released Tookie from this world because his part of the assignment is completed. But, those who care for all children must continue the work of God we have witnessed in the work of Tookie. If there is a will to be unselfish and institutionally liberating, then may be there would be no need for these discussions or any concern for crime victims!Salaam Alaikum, Hetep!!

I sent this book to my son and he loved it. I read it and loved it. Mr. Williams was a great man that was framed .

Don't hesitate in buying this book, don't pick it up if you know you will not dive in it passed one or two pages. This is a sit down with an o.g. that not only has stories to relate with those in low-budget class of society, nor for brainwashing, but a message to liberate from chains of pains.

This book puts a real twist on big tookie. I definitely recommend this book to a young person in your life that might be struggling with gang issues..

This is a book about a man who completely transformed himself from the most vicious monster to a peaceful, wise, and understanding person. He truly did undergo an internal transition from his past life and entered into a world of growth. Just like he did not justify his past we also should not justify his past, but we should celebrate all the ways he tried to positively influence the youth, gangs, and society as a whole.

This was a gift for my brother, he said it's a good read.

Happy with the book :)

Mr Stanley Tookie Williams est un homme que je respect beaucoup. Il est celui qui m'as donner envie de me battre pour la vraie justice et faire de mon mieux pour aider les condamnés à mort à pouvoir être sauvé. Son livre est une manière particulière pour moi, de pouvoir être en contacte avec cet homme. Très révélateur. Très honnête.

Though he never really describes an crime in its full brutality, what sometimes makes it sound like they didn't really do much bad, but if you read those parts with a differciated look, it really draws a good picture of how the crips started and how gang life was back in the days.

Great read. Interesting and intriguing.