Once a King Always a King: The Unmaking of a Latin King-Reymundo Sanchez

On May 24, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

Reymundo Sanchez, the author who brought us his incredible life story in ‘ My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King’ returns with this follow-up book about his final defection from the Latin Kings and the phase in his life that begins. At the beginning of the book, he is still entrenched in the gang life but desperately trying to find a way out. That way out would come in the form of arrest and subsequent incarceration. The time he spends in prison opens his eyes and minds to the harsh realities of the gang life and the preciousness of freedom. The dysfunction and hopelessness he witnesses inside the walls of a prison serve as the catalyst for his final defection from gang life and onto the path of redemption. The events that follow and his response and adaptation to them, form the nucleus of this incredible story. His perseverance and success in confronting his past demons are some of the best parts of this fascinating story.

In the first book, we witnessed the dysfunctional childhood endured by the young Sanchez, complete with a neglectful mother, abusive stepfather, sexual predators, violence, money, drugs and tragedy. Some of the same characters make an appearance in the second part of his story but the nature of the relationships are much changed from what they once were. However, they all play in part in the events that happen and the changes he makes in his quest for a new life. The new aspect of his life on display here for the first time, is love. In this part of his life story, we are witnesses to the first real relationship he has with a member of the opposite sex not based on drugs, money or just sex in general. And as the author points out, this relationship is what finally allowed him to face the demons that haunted him for so many years. Those same demons however, would not go away quietly and rear their ugly heads at more than one point during the book as the author struggles to keep his composure as he tries to break old habits that insist on dying hard.

Some moments in the book are a tough read but necessary to understand the dramatic transformation that the author goes through. Perhaps the most tragic part of the book aside from family relationships and intimate relationships with women, is that even though you leave a gang, sometimes that life never fully leaves you. And he realizes that once a king, always a king, even if unwillingly. And it this message that is conveyed in this eye-opening personal account. Today, Sanchez is no longer a Latin King, but he continues to carry the many scars from his early life, some of which will never fully heal. He freely admits that he does the best he can but at times, it is far from easy. His story and message should be read and heard by all young women and men interested in the gang culture and a life of crime and parents wishing for their children to have as normal of a life as possible. Sanchez’s story is tragic, violent and at times tough to read, but his life and transformation is rare among many of his peers. It took enormous courage for the author to write these two books, but his story has become a personal favorite of mine and I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in the Latin Kings and the brutal life that exist within a gang. And in addition to his own story, he also wrote the story of a female gang member, the incredible book ‘Lady Q: The Rise and Fall of a Latin Queen ‘, with former gang member Sonia “Lady Q” Rodriguez.

ISBN-10: 1556525532
ISBN-13: 978-1556525537

Chiang Kai-Shek: An Unauthorized Biography-Emily Hahn

On May 20, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

April 5, 1975-Chiang Kai-Shek dies at the age of 87 in Taipei, Taiwan from the effects of renal failure enhanced by cardiac malfunction. His death marks the end of the life of one of the most important figures in the history of modern-day China and the 20th century. As leader of the Kuomintang Nationalist Party, he oversaw efforts to resist the Japanese occupation of China and the efforts of the Chinese Communist Party, led by a young Mao Tse-Tung, to seize control of the Chinese government. Mao finally succeeded, formally declaring the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. In the years that followed, Chiang’s role in the history of China was often diminished and overshadowed by Mao’s ‘Great Leap Forward’, the controversial plan that brought China to the brink of disaster. In recent years, Chinese society has seen a surge in freedom movements and the efforts the youths of China to bring change to a system in place for decades. And as the country continues to see itself transformed as new ideas are presented, many may reflect back in time to a period in which a nationalist was fighting to bring democracy and avoid a Communist empire.

Emily Hahn presents to us this biography of the late leader which follows his life from the small village of Chikow up until his exile to Taiwan following the push forward into mainland China by Mao’s Chinese Communist Party. Known as the Generalissimo, the rise and fall of the KMT marked a tragic time in Chinese history in which the nation was caught in a battle between several nations to control the future of China. His decisions and actions were often questioned and even his loyalty came under scrutiny by officials in the United States government. However, this is the real Chiang Kai-Shek, the good, the bad and even the mysterious. A complex figure as all world leaders are, there is no single adjective to accurate describe the late leader. However, Hahn’s account is an informative and valuable look into his life and the many trials and tribulations that afflicted the legendary figure. The relationship between the Generalissimo and his foes and allies in the U.S. is a case study in the controversial U.S. foreign policy prior to, during and following the second World War. Hahn’s account also sheds light on the roots of the Cold War that eventually developed between the United States and Soviet Union. For a good read on Chiang Kai-Shek, the Chinese Communist Party and the alignment and eventual disconnect between America and Russia, this is a good place to start.

ASIN: B0007DLT00

My 21 Years In the White House-Alonzo Fields

On May 16, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

In 1994, Alonzo Fields died at the age of 94, having lived a life that was nothing short of fascinating. Fields is best remembered for having served as a butler and then Chief Butler at the White House for 21 years under four Presidents. In 1960, he wrote this short but intriguing memoir of his time in Washington and the many important historical figures that he encountered during his time at the White House. As a book about the behind the scenes workings of the White House kitchen and support staff, one may be tempted into thinking that the pages of the book will be filled with curious tidbits of gossip about the personal lives of the occupants. This is book is anything but that. Never intended to be a gossip account, Fields stays away from rumors and the secretive lives of the presidents and their families. He mainly recounts his encounters and his opinions regarding his day-to-day interactions with the presidential families.

While Fields’ account does not contain any provocative information, students of history will pick up things here and there throughout the book. And the foreign leaders and ambassadors that visit provide additional memories that Fields fondly recalls. The encounters with Sir Winston Churchill are nothing short of humorous and support the common notion of Churchill being one of the most grand leaders in world history. More often than not, a common misconception about the presidency is that the holder of the office has unlimited power and lives in the most grandest fashion. From Fields’ eyes, we see that isn’t always the case and level of frugality varied from one President to the next. Additionally, the President serves as the top-level head of the nation but his job and the job of the First Lady also dedicates a significant portion of time hosting others. And supporting these endeavors is an amazing and highly tuned supporting staff which Fields proudly recalls having been part of for 21 years of his life. Some of the best witnesses to history are often the silent ones for with the eyes and ears open and mouth closed, they are able to observed and analyze almost everything they encounter. Fields, who remained friends with President Truman and is mentioned in the records of the Truman library, held one of the most important positions in the nation and as a result left us with this good read of what it was like working for the President of the United States.

ISBN-10: 1530072379
ISBN-13: 978-1530072378

Blacklisted by History: The Untold Story of Senator Joe McCarthy-M. Stanton Evans

On May 15, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

On May 2, 1957, Joseph Raymond “Joe” McCarthy dies at the age of 48 in Bethesda, Maryland from the effects of acute hepatitis. The late Senator from the state of Wisconsin is famously remembered for his campaign to extricate employees from positions within the United States government suspected of being members of the American communist party, under the direction of the Soviet Union. During his campaign and for many years following his death, McCarthy was viewed as being paranoid about communism, intent on ruining the lives and reputations of honorary citizens and a self-destructive force who died in part due his own personal demons. One of the beautiful things about history is the ability to look back and re-examine events in the quest to find out what really happened. More than 50 years after his death, McCarthy’s name is still mentioned in conversation and used as the end of jokes about anyone who is suspected of being overly concerned about any type of foreign influence on the domestic policies of the United States. But just who was the real Joseph McCarthy? And was he the out of control hunter of communist who attacked his targets at all costs?

M. Stanton Evans answers these questions and more in this definitive look into the life and actions of the late Senator. Painstakingly researched, Evans’ account is both eye-opening and sobering for it reveals the true Joseph McCarthy and his beliefs regarding communist ideology in American society and the espionage that had been occurring throughout the U.S. government by agents of the Soviet Union. Through Evans’ research, a new picture of McCarthy emerges that is in stark contrast from the historically jaded image that we’ve come to recognize. A new McCarthy is seen, as man who through patriotic beliefs, leads a crusade against what was then a threat to the national security of the United States. Targeted by enemies in the State Department and the Truman administration, a war was unleashed to discredit McCarthy at all costs. Fabrications, missing evidence and evasive testimony would serve as the foundation for endless attacks upon his credibility and beliefs. The Watkins committee and its final result remain the darkest time in McCarthy’s life next to his untimely death.

Evan’s account is a masterpiece of investigative and contains a full roster of some of the most remembered names in history, many of them making an appearance in the book. He was hated by some and loved by others, but his name and crusades remain a critical part in U.S. history. Judgment is often passed quickly upon him, but most fail to see the true Joseph McCarthy and the patriotic battle he waged against an enemy within. The most tragic part of his story, is that it took decades for his vindication to take place. We now know that not only was he right about his beliefs but the hunt for Soviet moles within the U.S. government continued for decades after his death and would reach its culmination under the direction of the mysterious CIA Chief of Counterintelligence, James J. Angleton. Harry Truman once remarked that the only truth is the history we do not yet know. Truer words have never been spoken. For the real story on the crusade of Joseph McCarthy, this is it.

ISBN-10: 1400081068
ISBN-13: 978-1400081066

Retired Dallas Police Chief Jesse Curry reveals his personal JFK Assassination File-Jesse Curry

On May 3, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In JFKLeave a comment

71osgnowlrl Chief Curry had been in the lead car of the motorcade making him a crucial eye-witness to the events in Dealey Plaza. He gave his testimony before the Warren Commission on April 15, 1964. This limited collector’s edition of Curry’s book reveals the beliefs of the former chief and sheds slight on several interesting parts of the crime that have never been fully explained. Curry is frank and to the point making it clear that the book is not intended to support the Warren Commission’s conclusions or any other conclusions that have been made about the crime. He further states that it is up to each person to make up their mind on what they think really happened on that day. Provided in the book are miscellaneous pieces of evidence such as documentation taken off of Oswald, homicide reports and statements of officers of the force regarding the custody of Oswald and the alleged relationship between Jack Ruby and the Dallas Police.

In the years that have passed since the release of Curry’s book, a staggering amount of information has come to light regarding the events of that day. And what we know now conflicts with some of the statements in Curry’s book. But whether Curry was unaware of these facts or misstated certain facts is knowledge he took with him to the grave. In fairness, the book was never intended to be a smoking gun about the crime but rather the recollections of the top office in the Dallas Police at the time. With that being said, I think it’s a good read and unquestionably relevant to the growing amount of literature regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

ASIN: B0006CZR8M

Sleep My Little Dead: The True Story of the Zodiac Killer-Kieran Crowley

On May 3, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In New York CityLeave a comment

When Heriberto “Eddie” Seda was apprehended on June 18, 1996, the residents of East New York, Brooklyn and the detectives tasked with finding him breathed a sigh of relief. For six years Seda terrorized East New York and the City of New York in a murderous rampage intended to mimic the infamous Zodiac Killer that terrorized California in the 1960s. When Seda was arrested, I was 16 years old and lived several blocks from the 75th Precinct, which was tasked with patrolling the neighborhood that had become recognized as one of the worst parts of Brooklyn. The shootings became the topic of discussions among my father, friends and classmates in school. We had been warned by our parents to be vigilant and report anything we saw or heard that was out of the ordinary. Kieran Crowley, a former reporter for the NY Post, was assigned to cover the story and spent hours in East New York interviewing witness and countless more hours reviewing documents and articles. He has put together the only account of one of the most heinous killing sprees to terrorize New York City.

The book was written in 1997, roughly a year after Seda’s capture. And at the time it was published, Seda was still waiting trial. Since then he has been tried, convicted and is currently incarcerated at Great Meadow Correctional Center in Comstock, New York. He will not be eligible for parole until 2081 and will never again roam the streets of Brooklyn.. For the younger generation of East New York, Seda’s name is unknown but to the older generation, his name conjures up memories of a dangerous time in East New York to which they never hope to return. Crowley’s investigative report is the definitive account of the crimes and Seda’s life and the wave of terror he inflicted. The dysfunction and mental instability and degrading relationship between Seda, his mother and sister are covered in detail providing the necessary back story to the infamous crime spree that gripped a neighborhood. Many years have passed since East New York was paralyzed with fear but Seda’s reign of crime remains with us reminding us of the many horrors that once plagued New York City.

ISBN-10: 0312963394
ISBN-13: 978-0312963392

Double Cross: The Explosive Inside Story of the Mobster Who Controlled America-Sam Giancana,Chuck Giancana and Bettina Giancana

On May 1, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In Organized CrimeLeave a comment

June 19, 1975-Former boss of the Chicago mafia, Sam “Mooney” Giancana is shot and killed in the basement kitchen of his home in Oak Park, IL. Giancana had been extradited from Cuernavaca, Mexico and was scheduled to give testimony to the newly formed Church Committee. Some have speculated that his murder was to silence the old mafioso in the fear that he might reveal an unknown number of secrets about the American mafia and its relationship with the Unites Government. His death shocks the nation and raises many more questions about the events in Cuba, Chicago and Dallas, Texas. For several decades, he ruled Chicago with an iron fist and was privy to nearly every major event to occur in the Windy City.

‘Double Cross’ is the inside story of Giancana’s life by his younger brother, the late Chuck Giancana, Sam’s nephew also named Sam and Bettina Giancana, a published author and recognized expert in the field of organized crime. The book is written like a novel but it is far from fiction and this story of the mobster who controlled America is one of the most revealing books I have ever read and helps to reader to understand just how powerful the mafia had become in the United States. Years before the RICO act was designed and used by prosecutors to break the backbone of organized crime, the mafia controlled nearly every aspect of American society. And among these power players was none other than Sam Giancana, whose reach stretched from all corners of the country, countries abroad and even to the oval office. The son of Italian immigrants learned the tricks of the trade through the hard knocks of life on the gritty streets of Chicago which at the time, was the city known to be a haven for organized crime featuring such characters as Hymie Weiss, Al Capone, George “Bugs” Moran and Dion O’Banion to name a few. And his stint in Joliet prison served to toughen his character making a more hardened and remorseless gangster. His brother Chuck, at his brother’s side for most of their lives, recalls their discussion about the events of the day and the secret world of the Syndicate. And as we listen to Chuck while he tells us what he remembers, we begin to see a very dark portrait of a dangerous, power-hungry, merciless and intelligent person fully entrenched in the underworld where he would remain for the rest of his life.

When John F. Kennedy’s election campaign began to pick up steam, it became evident that some states would need more attention than others. An Irish-Catholic had never been elected President and many of the toughest states were Protestant strongholds. One more than one occasion, it has been alleged that Joe Kennedy bought the election for his son. We do know that Richard Nixon’s campaign wanted a recount, but their efforts were nipped in the bud by officials in Illinois. If Chuck’s words ring true and other sources are to be believed, then this book’s revelations about more campaign secrets will serve to undercut all that we thought we knew about past elections. Those familiar with the Kenned family and the history of Joe Kennedy’s wealthy empire will be fully aware of the bootlegging of illegal liquor that helped him amass such a staggering fortune. But what is often unknown, are the deep connections to the Chicago mob all leading directly to Giancana.

After Kennedy took office and made his younger brother Robert Attorney General, a war was unleashed on the American mafia. It was a war that Giancana called nothing short of a double cross and the number of victims would be staggering and include the late Marilyn Monroe. The truth about Dallas is still completely unknown but after reading this book, you might find yourself with more answers than questions and view the crime in a completely different light.

ISBN-10: 1510711244
ISBN-13: 978-1510711242

The Human Stain-Philip Roth

On April 27, 2016December 6, 2018 By Genyc79In fictionLeave a comment

A very dear friend in Buenos Aires recommended this book to me and although she knows I’m more of a non-fiction person, she felt that I would enjoy reading it. She has incredible foresight and as it turns out, I did enjoy the book and present my thoughts on it. Race is still a very tough subject here in the United States. Stemming from out dark history with the slave trade, Civil War, Jim Crow and violent racial conflicts, the past of this nation is often regrettable but at the same time unforgettable. The children of today are born into a much different country and while discrimination still exist, society has progressed a great deal since the era of segregation. But the stain of bias based on skin color continues to sting when applied and in this novel by Philip Roth, we see a sad and tragic story of the inner turmoil that plagued many African-Americans looking for a better quality of life in a time where almost everything worked against them.

We are introduced to the story of Coleman Silk, a dean at the fictional Athena College, who has found himself at the center of controversy over an alleged racial comment made towards to absent students. Relinquishing his title and removing himself from public life after the fallout, Silk becomes a recluse but decides to seek out an acquaintance, Nathan Zuckerman, to have his side of the story recorded. The retired dean has lost his way after the death of his wife Iris and having to leave the institution he loved and helped transform into the place it is today. Find solace in the arms of a woman almost 40 years his junior and still legally married, he finds a small amount of peace in a life that isn’t the same. But Coleman has bigger secret that almost no one close to him, outside of his family knows. And one that if it got out, could possibly change the way almost everyone he’s eve known will view him. And his secret, coupled with his family background, is the crucial part of the book for it explains the surrounding parts of Coleman’s life story. We love him, we may hate him and even despise him, but Coleman, no matter how jaded or shameful he may have been at times, leaves a battered soul who has done much in his life, both good and bad. But his past deeds and actions, are not enough to condemn him eternally and him we also see a part of ourselves.

ASIN: B008YSTFHO

The Brother: The Untold Story of the Rosenberg Case-Sam Roberts

On April 24, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

June 19, 1953- Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are executed at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York. The couple had been convicted in espionage based on the testimony of Ethel’s younger brother, David Greenglass. The execution is the first time a woman is punished by death since the civil war era. The Rosenberg case has been the subject of intent debate for over 60 years with supporters and critics sticking to their respective positions. Because all of the major figures from that case and era deceased, the full truth about what really happened may never be known. However, Sam Roberts has put together this incredible book about the Rosenberg and Greenglass families and the connections to the NKGB, the Soviet intelligence apparatus. It is primarily the story of David Greenglass and his relationship with Julius Rosenberg, who in turn had forged connections with other important scientist and blue-collar individuals also passing along military secrets to the Soviet Union.

One of the biggest questions about the case is how could David and Ruth testify in the manner in which they did, knowing it could send Julius and Ethel to the electric chair? By meticulously researching the history of both families, the official transcripts from the courts and even interviewing David himself, we are able to get a more complete picture of how their mission collapsed and why David and Ruth gave the statements they did. Their actions force us to examine our relationships with siblings and even ask ourselves if we could give testimony that would mean death for our brother or sister. The trial and conviction of Julius and Ethel allows us to travel back and time to the McCarthy era when almost anyone who displayed either left-wing tendencies or empathy towards the Soviet Union, was branded as a communist. The communist paranoia and hunt for moles, destroyed countless lives and careers and nearly crippled the Central Intelligence Agency before director William Colby in 1974, moved to remove the Chief of Counterintelligence, James J. Angleton.

The Rosenberg case will forever remain a critical part of American history and cause many of us to ask whether they deserved death and just how honest were David and Ruth in their statements. And had the defense known about the many inconsistencies in both David and Ruth’s account, would Julius and Ethel had been spared? Some may argue that at this point in time, it no longer matters and for today’s generation, the Rosenbergs are nothing more than relics in a mostly forgotten time in American history. But for students of history and believers in patriotism and democracy, this book is an invaluable insight into one of the biggest cases of the 20th century.

ISBN-10: 1476747385
ISBN-13: 978-1476747385

Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy- Jim Marrs

On April 19, 2016December 10, 2018 By Genyc79In JFK5 Comments

The murder of John F. Kennedy continues to haunt the United States. Although more than fifty years have passed since that tragic day in Dallas, the investigation into his murder continues and researchers have not given up hope in finding out the truth surrounding the events in Dealey Plaza. Allen Dulles once remarked that people don’t read and that most Americans would never read the Warren Commission’s report. Painfully true, the former director of the CIA’s statement reflects a troubling fact about the investigation in the murder of our 35th President, that many Americans did not read and have not read the commission’s report and accept the story of the lone nut. However, doubters and critics have increased in number throughout the years and many people have spoken out in regards to the crime of the century. The assassination has resulted in hundreds of thousands of pages of documents, dozens of books, articles, websites and documentaries. But the question that is always asked, is where to start?

To say that the murder of John F. Kennedy was a crime on a massive scale is an understatement. To understand just what happened on that day in November, 1963, it is necessary to comprehend the entire crime from start to finish. Jim Marrs, a former journalist and resident of Dallas at the time of the murder, has given to us what is the definitive book on the assassination and investigation that followed. And to this day it has stood the test of time as a masterpiece of investigative journalism. Not only was it a New York Times bestseller but it also served as the basis for Oliver Stone’s ‘JFK’.

But what really happened on November 22, 1963? The government’s position on the crime seemed simple enough at first; a former Marine who embrace communism that fired three shots with a bolt-action rifle killing the President and wounding Governor John Connally. But when one digs deeper into the crime and reads through this encyclopedic account of what was really happening in Dallas and Washington, a dark and uglier truth begins to emerge that shows the government in a completely different light. One thing I’d like to point out is that as exceptional as this book is, it is not exactly a smoking gun, no book on the crime is. And as Marrs points out towards in the end of the book, it’s more likely that we’ll never know how pulled the triggers in Dealey Plaza that day. We may also never know who really shot JFK and J.D. Tippitt and what Jack Ruby’s true role was in the plot. And many questions about Oswald’s life and mysterious periods of unexplained travel domestic and abroad will never be answered fully. Almost all of the major figures in the book are now deceased. However, what you will find in this book, is why he was murdered and who was most likely responsible and profited from Kennedy’s death.

For some of us who consider ourselves patriots of the highest order, it may be tempting to dismiss Marrs as another crack pot conspiracy theorist. But I assure you that as you make your way though this book, many disturbing truths will come to light that will force you to question everything you thought you knew about the crime. The amount of research that went into this book is staggering and at first glance overwhelming. But as you make it through the book, your knowledge of the crime will expand exponentially and by the end of it, I believe you will have a clearer picture of what was really happening in the United States on November 22, 1963. Some people may read this book and feel that Oswald is still the lone trigger man. But others will begin to think and ask if the murders of John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald and J.D. Tippitt were random acts of violence or murders connected in a web of deceit that resulted in one of the worst crimes in the history of this nation.

ISBN-10: 0465031803
ISBN-13: 978-0465031801