Description

Book Synopsis

Sudhir Venkatesh the young sociologist who became famous in Freakonomics (Why do drug dealers still live with their moms?) describes his time living with the gangs on the Southside of Chicago and answers another question: what''s it like to live in hell?

In the Robert Taylor Homes projects on Chicago''s South Side, Sudhir befriends J.T., a gang leader for the Black Kings. As he slowly gains J.T.''s trust, one day, in order to convince Sudhir of his own CEO-like qualities, J.T. makes him leader of the gang...

Why does J.T. make his henchmen, the ''shorties'', stay in school? What is the difference between a ''regular'' hustler and a ''hype'' - and is Peanut telling him the truth about which she is? And, when the FBI finally starts cracking down on the Black Kings, is it time to get out - or is it too late?



Trade Review
'A rollicking read ! a vivid insight into gang culture' The Times 'Darkly entertaining ! an absorbing and self-effacing odyssey' The Guardian 'An absolutely incredible book ... equal parts comedy and tragedy ... I promise you will not be able to put it down' - Steven D. Levitt, co-author, Freakonomics

Gang Leader for a Day

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Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Dec 2025.

A Paperback / softback by Sudhir Venkatesh

7 in stock


    View other formats and editions of Gang Leader for a Day by Sudhir Venkatesh

    Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
    Publication Date: 05/02/2009
    ISBN13: 9780141030913, 978-0141030913
    ISBN10: 0141030917

    Description

    Book Synopsis

    Sudhir Venkatesh the young sociologist who became famous in Freakonomics (Why do drug dealers still live with their moms?) describes his time living with the gangs on the Southside of Chicago and answers another question: what''s it like to live in hell?

    In the Robert Taylor Homes projects on Chicago''s South Side, Sudhir befriends J.T., a gang leader for the Black Kings. As he slowly gains J.T.''s trust, one day, in order to convince Sudhir of his own CEO-like qualities, J.T. makes him leader of the gang...

    Why does J.T. make his henchmen, the ''shorties'', stay in school? What is the difference between a ''regular'' hustler and a ''hype'' - and is Peanut telling him the truth about which she is? And, when the FBI finally starts cracking down on the Black Kings, is it time to get out - or is it too late?



    Trade Review
    'A rollicking read ! a vivid insight into gang culture' The Times 'Darkly entertaining ! an absorbing and self-effacing odyssey' The Guardian 'An absolutely incredible book ... equal parts comedy and tragedy ... I promise you will not be able to put it down' - Steven D. Levitt, co-author, Freakonomics

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