Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence

Mr.Canada grew up in the 60's in the Bronx. In this book he talks about what it was like to live there. He talks about having to prove yourself or face the prospect of getting your ... kicked in the future. You get a VIVID description of what he was up against as a young person. I mean, I grew up a long way away in a much less dangerous place, and I knew exactly what he was getting at. That's a testament to his writing, and the universality of the subject. Mr. Canada recalls one episode where he is walking a few blocks out of his neighborhood, and you get a detailed view of how dangerous this was. Just walking down the street! All I can say against the book is that I would have liked even more of the authors autobiography. Later on in the book, he gets more polemical about what can be done. I agree with what he says, but as far as literary quality goes, that stuff isn't really in the same league as the earlier part of the book. Also, let me say, the author has an excellent, direct writing style, which makes what he has to say that much more powerful.

Much like the book Our America, Fist Stick Knife Gun is a nonfiction story that both teens and adults find captivating. Though this version is a graphic novel, that is an advantage, for teenage reluctant readers in particular will be more apt to read it as a result. I've seen with my own eyes young men read this work and identify with it, and, more importantly, learn from it.Though the artwork is rather straight forward and simple, I can't imagine any other style more befitting. Canada's story is inspiring, brutal, and eye-opening. For some, this book offers a glimpse into a world unknown but no less important. For others, they will see a kindred spirit who made it out alive and is now helping others.I truly recommend this work for all readers of all abilities.~Scott William Foley, author of Andropia

The book is in great condition and I got the book within a reasonable amount of time. I got the right book but I was not sure at first because the book I got did not have the same cover as the book in the picture, but I checked and it is the same book, just different cover. Little confusing since I was expecting the cover that was in the picture.

I read the sample from this book, and bought it right away... I used to be a teacher for 8 years, and I have seen first--hand the trials of violence and and the aftermath of the effects. This book really resonated with me, and I appreciated Geoffrey's willingness to be so transparent with his life in attempting to break the cycle of violence that has affected our country.I highly recommend it!

Recommended by my English composition college teacher and discussed in class, I loved it. Totally recommend it to everybody to find it and read it. Extraordinary example of somebody born in poor conditions, in the ghetto, in New York and becoming an exceptional lawyer, involved in helping others achieving their goals. Great book. We need more people like him!

The book came perfect, no scratch, torn pages, and it was a hard cover whih was amazing. There was only a little wear. But it was fine.

Amazing!

This is one of the best books I have read. Not only does Geoffrey Canada explain in gritty detail the inner workings of ghetto society, he also lists solid solutions, which would enable inner city youth and residents to rise above poverty and despair. We, the people, have turned a cheek for much too long. This book should be required reading for high school and college-level students.

I needed the original book for a course at university. The description indicated that this was book was illustrated but not that it was a graphic novel version adapted from the original text.