About the book
A modern classic of manhood, marginalization, survival, and transcendence—and a lyrical memoir of coming of age on the streets of Spanish Harlem.
\"A report from the guts and heart of a submerged population group ... It claims our attention and emotional response.\" —The New York Times Book Review
Thirty years ago Piri Thomas made literary history with this lacerating memoir. Here was the testament of a born outsider: a Puerto Rican in English-speaking America; a dark-skinned morenito in a family that refused to acknowledge its African blood. Here was an unsparing document of Thomas's plunge into the deadly consolations of drugs, street fighting, and armed robbery—a descent that ended when the twenty-two-year-old Piri was sent to prison for shooting a cop.
As he recounts the journey that took him from adolescence in El Barrio to a lock-up in Sing Sing to the freedom that comes of self-acceptance, faith, and inner confidence, Piri Thomas gives us a book that is as exultant as it is harrowing and whose every page bears the irrepressible rhythm of its author's voice.
Editions of Down These Mean Streets
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780394421575
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780679732389
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780679781424
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307763563
Read an Excerpt
A modern classic of manhood, marginalization, survival, and transcendence—and a lyrical memoir of coming of age on the streets of Spanish Harlem.
\"A report from the guts and heart of a submerged population group ... It claims our attention and emotional response.\" —The New York Times Book Review
Thirty years ago Piri Thomas made literary history with this lacerating memoir. Here was the testament of a born outsider: a Puerto Rican in English-speaking America; a dark-skinned morenito in a family that refused to acknowledge its African blood. Here was an unsparing document of Thomas's plunge into the deadly consolations of drugs, street fighting, and armed robbery—a descent that ended when the twenty-two-year-old Piri was sent to prison for shooting a cop.
As he recounts the journey that took him from adolescence in El Barrio to a lock-up in Sing Sing to the freedom that comes of self-acceptance, faith, and inner confidence, Piri Thomas gives us a book that is as exultant as it is harrowing and whose every page bears the irrepressible rhythm of its author's voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Down These Mean Streets about?
A modern classic of manhood, marginalization, survival, and transcendence—and a lyrical memoir of coming of age on the streets of Spanish Harlem.
\"A report from the guts and heart of a submerged population group ... It claims our attention and emotional response.\" —The New York Times Book Review
Thirty years ago Piri Thomas made literary history with this lacerating memoir. Here was the testament of a born outsider: a Puerto Rican in English-speaking America; a dark-skinned morenito in a family that refused to acknowledge its African blood. Here was an unsparing document of Thomas's plunge into the deadly consolations of drugs, street fighting, and armed robbery—a descent that ended when the twenty-two-year-old Piri was sent to prison for shooting a cop.
As he recounts the journey that took him from adolescence in El Barrio to a lock-up in Sing Sing to the freedom that comes of self-acceptance, faith, and inner confidence, Piri Thomas gives us a book that is as exultant as it is harrowing and whose every page bears the irrepressible rhythm of its author's voice.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Down These Mean Streets?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Memoirs
Where can I read a sample of Down These Mean Streets?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780394421575
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Down These Mean Streets?
Piri Thomas
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Down These Mean Streets is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780394421575) and paperback(ISBN 9780679732389) and paperback(ISBN 9780679781424) and ebook(ISBN 9780307763563)
Where can I buy Down These Mean Streets online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Down These Mean Streets from below
Where can I buy Down These Mean Streets?