Book

When a heart turns rock solid : the lives of three Puerto Rican brothers on and off the streets

Black, Timothy

Overview

Employing a sociological storytelling method, Black, associate professor of sociology at the University of Hartford, recounts the lives of three Puerto Rican brothers living in poor, gang-dominated Springfield, Mass., whom he befriended and followed for 18 years. The book is not so much about the brothers--Julio, Fausto and Sammy--and their friends as it is about the cultural and social forces and the economic and political policies that in the latter decades of the 20th century determined the boys' fates and the fates of thousands of others. Flawed bilingual education programs doomed them to virtual illiteracy, while harsh drug laws warehoused them in a rapidly expanding prison system. While the author provided concrete forms of assistance--especially for the two younger brothers, who battled addiction--the pull of the street as well as the inadequacy of their education led to failed or marginally productive lives, even for the motivated eldest son, Julio.

• Publisher: Vintage Books
• Subject: Puerto Ricans Massachusetts Springfield. / Puerto Ricans Massachusetts Springfield Economic conditions. / Puerto Ricans Massachusetts Springfield Social life and customs. / Urban poor Massachusetts Springfield. / Springfield (Mass.) Social conditions.
• ISBN: 9780307454874, 0307454878

Item info:

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Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
F74.S8 B53 2010	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE