Don't Spit On My Corner

Book excerpt: It is World War II in East Los Angeles. ñLittle Mikeî from ñT-Flatsî has a dilemma. Manhood for him and his buddies means dressing ñcool,î hanging around the corner or cruising the neighborhood, boozing it up and protecting their turf at all costs. His family, his girlfriend and the law think otherwise. DonÍt Spit on My Corner is a fresh, new chronicle of growing up on the ñwrong side of the tracksî and clashing with the law. The novel is based on DurànÍs own experiences as a teenage pachuco. Now a counselor for youth gangs, Duràn has been able to depict with authenticity the language, motivation, and pride of youth headed for trouble. His testimony is poignant, eloquent and disturbing. DonÍt Spit on My Corner is absolutely necessary reading for urban youth and everyone interested in them.