Reading Lists ā†’ Gangs

Books About Gangs (10 Books)

Here is a list of 10 books about Gangs. The list includes The Outsiders by S.e. Hinton, and Always Running by Luis J. Rodriguez.

Last update: January 11, 2024

1. The Outsiders (1967)

"I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me."

In S.E. Hinton's landmark novel, "The Outsiders," a gang of working-class teenagers confronts the harsh realities of violence and societal division, providing a poignant exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to belong.

  • šŸ“‡ 224 Pages
  • šŸ“ 56,000 - 67,200 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 7 Hours Reading Time

2. Always Running (1993)

"The more you know, the more you owe."

"Always Running" by Luis J. Rodriguez is a powerful memoir that takes readers on a journey through the streets of East Los Angeles, exploring the harsh realities of gang life and the author's determination to break free from its grip.

  • šŸ“‡ 262 Pages
  • šŸ“ 65,500 - 78,600 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 9 Hours Reading Time

3. Monster (1993)

"Out of frustration and hopelessness our young people have reached the point of no return. We no longer endorse patience and turning the other cheek. We assert the right of self-defense by whatever means necessary, and reserve the right of maximum retaliation against our racist oppressors, no matter what the odds against us are."

In his gripping memoir, Sanyika Shakur, an ex-gang member, takes readers on a wild journey through the underbelly of Los Angeles, providing a raw and unflinching account of his transformation from a Monster to a man seeking redemption and hope.

  • šŸ“‡ 400 Pages
  • šŸ“ 100,000 - 120,000 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 13 Hours Reading Time

4. The Corner (1997)

"There should be no surprise when you come to that hideous moment for which you've spent a lifetime preparing."

In "The Corner" by David Simon, dive into the gripping true story of life in a drug-ridden corner of Baltimore. This compelling and candid account sheds light on the devastating impact of addiction, poverty, and inequality, leaving readers with a profound understanding of the human condition.

  • šŸ“‡ 543 Pages
  • šŸ“ 135,750 - 162,900 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 18 Hours Reading Time

5. The Warriors: Reflections On Men In Battle (1959)

"But I find courage and strength from somewhere. I shall go on. Plato wrote of the wise man caught in an evil time who refuses to take part in the crimes of his fellow citizens and takes refuge behind a wall until the storm is past. Plato understood."

In "The Warriors: Reflections On Men In Battle," J. Glenn Gray delves into the profound psychological and moral dimensions of warfare, examining the complexities and impact it has on the men who endure its trials.

  • šŸ“‡ 242 Pages
  • šŸ“ 60,500 - 72,600 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 8 Hours Reading Time

6. Gang Leader For A Day (2008)

"Everyone wants to kill the leader, so you got to get them first."

In "Gang Leader For A Day," sociologist Sudhir Venkatesh delves into the gritty and dangerous world of an urban Chicago housing project, where he gains unprecedented access to the inner workings of a notorious gang and exposes the harsh realities of life within the American underclass.

  • šŸ“‡ 320 Pages
  • šŸ“ 80,000 - 96,000 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 11 Hours Reading Time

7. The New Jim Crow (2010)

"The nature of the criminal justice system has changed. It is no longer primarily concerned with the prevention and punishment of crime, but rather with the management and control of the dispossessed."

In "The New Jim Crow," Michelle Alexander delivers a searing analysis of the racial caste system that has been hidden in plain sight in America's criminal justice system, revealing a chilling reality behind mass incarceration and its devastating impact on communities of color.

  • šŸ“‡ 352 Pages
  • šŸ“ 88,000 - 105,600 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 12 Hours Reading Time

8. Ghettoside (2015)

"Fundamentally gangs are a consequence of lawlessness, not a cause."

In "Ghettoside," Jill Leovy delves into the devastating impact of violence in South Los Angeles, unraveling the intricate web of crime, injustice, and human resilience. A compelling exploration of a broken system and the pursuit of justice within America's most marginalized communities.

  • šŸ“‡ 384 Pages
  • šŸ“ 96,000 - 115,200 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 13 Hours Reading Time

9. The 57 Bus (2017)

"Because Iā€™m going to make you understand the family motto: Never let your obstacles become more important than your goal."

"The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater is a powerful real-life account that delves into the true story of two teenagers from different worlds whose lives collide on a fateful bus ride, ultimately sparking a nationwide conversation about identity, empathy, and justice.

  • šŸ“‡ 320 Pages
  • šŸ“ 80,000 - 96,000 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 11 Hours Reading Time

10. The Hate U Give (2017)

"What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?"

"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas is a powerful and timely young adult novel that confronts social injustices through the eyes of Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old who finds her voice as she witnesses the tragic shooting of her unarmed best friend by a police officer.

  • šŸ“‡ 480 Pages
  • šŸ“ 120,000 - 144,000 Word Count
  • ā±ļø 16 Hours Reading Time