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This is a raw and powerful memoir not only of one woman's
struggle to survive the streets but also of her ascent to
the top ranks of the new mafia, where the only people more
dangerous than rival gangs were members of her own. At age
five Sonia Rodriguez's stepfather began to abuse her; at 10
she was molested by her uncle and beaten by her mother when
she told on him; and by 13 her home had become a hangout for
the Latin Kings and Queens who were friends with her older
sister.
Threatened by rival gang members at school, Sonia turned
away from her education and extracurricular activities in
favor of a world of drugs and violence. The Latin Kings, one
of the largest and most notorious street gangs in America,
became her refuge, but its violence cost her friends, freedom,
self-respect, and nearly her life. As a Latin Queen, she experienced
the exhilarating highs and unbelievable lows of gang life.
From being shot at by her own gang and kicked out at age 18
with an infant daughter to rejoining the gang and distinguishing
herself as a leader, her legacy as Lady Q was cemented both
for her willingness to commit violence and for her role as
a drug mule. For the first time, a woman's perspective on
gang life is presented.
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