"Gang leader for a day"

[vicarz]

If you read freakonomics, then you're already aware of the story of the naïve student who went into a high-rise projects building, lived through the initial encounter through sheer lucky ignorance and his ability to entertain his captors, and then commenced a longitudinal study of the culture within the dangerous community. This is a collection of his less scientific notes. I think it's fair to compare freakonomics to the zombie survival handbook, and this subsequent collection of stories as the WWZ follow-up.

I nearly downed the book in one sitting (me, who still can't stomach more than 20 pages of omnivore's dilemma at a time, and is still not done). You can picture him, his impression of the situation at the time, his impressions looking back, and you get a window into what people around him must be thinking at the time of his visits. It's a plain old fun read with entertaining stories even if you don't understand the surrounding political and socioeconomic environment. This writer does an excellent job of conveying a broad perspective on the events he witnesses. He is an excellent writer, but I think because of his humble disposition. He listens to the people around him, reports their stories as they tell them, recounts what he thought at the time, and honestly reflects upon the situation later - even noting his own selfish desires and motives at the time. He covers his own ethical dilemmas rather than just reporting on the populations around him. It's a rare book that merits a 2nd read not just to hear the exciting and funny stories told again, but because as you see the characters develop, including the narrator, you may gain additional insights through reading the initial encounters in light of the things you learn as you follow them through the years.

Comments

[calibraxis-x.livejournal.com]

I've heard this guy on the radio and seen him on his book tour a few times now...he gave fascinating interviews/talks--glad to hear the book is so good, I'll read it soon.

[pangia-fallen.livejournal.com]

It's pretty rare that I read a review and want to pick up the book..... curse you.

[blindtillnow.livejournal.com]

he's also quite well-spoken. i came across an hour long interview with him on public access of all places. i sat through the whole thing.

seriously interesting stuff.

-s

Pimp for a day

[vicar.livejournal.com]

Colin told the story of when he asked to interview pimps, and the misunderstanding led to him being set up as a pimp complete with territory and hos. He was horrified at the misunderstanding and presumably declined...this story didn't appear in the book, however.