The Unmaking of a Latin King
by Reymundo Sanchez
Sanchez continues with his struggle to separate himself from his previous drug-crazed, violent persona. As a sequel to his previous book My Bloody Life Sanchez continues his memoirs of his post gang life. Trying to move on from the life he had with the Chicago Street gang The Latin Kings he will face many hardships. Even though he tries to move on from the life he had he goes back and gets involved with drugs and eventually goes to prison for possession. He soon comes to realize his incarceration is a “blessing in disguise” and begins to read the Bible and focus on his poetry and writing. Once released, he finds himself alone left only with his horrifying memories of physical and sexual abuse and a sense of worthlessness. Soon he manages to get a job and learns to feel the peacefulness of his freedom. Sanchez then finds Marilyn, an educated Puerto Rican woman whom he idolizes. Even though he believes she’s his “soul mate” he later abuses her. His violence toward her was due to the resentment against his unloving mother and he desperately wants to change but doesn’t know how. This is a very good book and I highly do recommend it. It deals with real life obstacles and situations that will change your life.
Mirleydi Borquez