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courtneylake's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
tense
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality and Racial slurs
Minor: Child death, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, and Drug use
unladylike's review against another edition
5.0
I've been in Denver since 2005, and I remember hearing and reading about the rooftop fire and a gang feud that left way too many people dead. But I wasn't in or near North Park Hill, and had no known affiliations with that community in my first few active years around town. I'd love to know how members of the community who were interviewed and described feel about this account. I'm sure it's not perfect, but it is a very impressive piece of in-depth journalism, and I'm really glad Julian Rubinstein took the approach of slowly building relationships with the people who were villainized and treated as beastly threats and statistics by the police. This is an important story to know if you live in Denver, or any city where "gangs" are feared. I am not against gangs inherently. Early sections of this book will show you bits of history that explain their original roots being based on community uplifting and self-defense against Overseers that now had badges and guns and firehoses aka cops.
The meanings of these particular OGs from Los Angeles are disputed history, but I like the version that Rubinstein cites:
BLOOD stands for Brother Love Overcomes Oppression & Destruction.
CRIP stands for Community Revolution in Progress.
The meanings of these particular OGs from Los Angeles are disputed history, but I like the version that Rubinstein cites:
BLOOD stands for Brother Love Overcomes Oppression & Destruction.
CRIP stands for Community Revolution in Progress.
joeynedland's review against another edition
5.0
Really good book that tells the complex and conflicting story of Terrance Roberts and the history of Denver’s Northeast Park Hill (The Holly, specifically). A newfound appreciation for a piece of Denver’s cultural fabric that I’ve never seen, and never would have otherwise known about. Makes me want to read more and more about the city.
yessycow's review against another edition
5.0
The Holly is at first, the story of Terrance Roberts' work as a gang member turned community leader and the violence that seemingly went against everything he stood for when he shot a gang member in 2013. But Julian Rubenstein's detailed investigation into why Terrance would take such an violent action after spending so many years building up his Prodigal Son Initiative, tells a bigger story. The story seems sensational at times, with shocking connections between city officials and long time OG gang members who are calling the shots. But Julian's writing makes those connections clear and his sources are credible. From the mayor's office to local community leaders to the national and local media, this book names everyone as being complacent. It tooks him years of research and this story comes at a time when this nation is reconsidering the term "public safety" and police budgets. Centered on the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver from the 20's to today, The Holly is an amazing reflection of how racism, poor city planning, and corruption hurts our most vulnerable communities.
cslanzi's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Even though I know how much corruption exists, I am always surprised every time a read a book with this content. It was well written and easy to read.
irenecoleman's review against another edition
5.0
I can't say enough about this book. Living in Denver and knowing the area is one thing, but then listening to the community voices over such a long period of time was fascinating; it has thoroughly challenged my thought processes. Can't wait to watch the documentary about it.
canadajanes's review against another edition
5.0
Well written, learned a lot of the recent history of my city that I had missed.
masterofmusix's review against another edition
challenging
informative
tense
slow-paced
5.0
The most incredible thing about this book is that it is a true story. Anyone who lives in Denver or is invested in social justice must make time to read this very important chronicle of anti-gang and anti-police activists in Denver.