T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. [Hardcover]

Gangsterism Continues in this gripping "partially" fictional account of Sanyika's experiences post Monster. Having read some of the inferior works which were inspired by the commercial success of "Monster" the autobiography, it was refreshing to see the talent and originality which earned Sanyika critical acclaim back on display. T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. is no less dramatic as life in the hood provides enough drama filled moments for a hundred books.

Love, loyalty, deceit, anguish, pain, hope, disappointment and confusion are as much the focus as the assortment of crooked cops, gang rivals and assortment of characters from ETG. The main character is LaPeace an older more focused version of the infamous Monster. The reference being to the state of living the author has been forced into as he struggles to escape his notorious past. La being Swahili for No coupled with peace.

The author also deals openly with the pain of a failed marriage making little effort to conceal the identity of his ex-wife Tamu from LaPeace's unfaithful mate Tammy. He talk's about his concern for his children and his search and desire to find true love. Of course his loyalty to his hood remain a central focus and we are introduced to a new generation of homies from ETG. Crazy De, Diamond, Sidewinder, Tray-Stone, Tray-Ball, Mad Bone and Lil Spike are mentioned in passing as a reminder of the reverence and esteem in which they are held by the author. Tiny and Sista Monster, Lil, Baby, Tiny Stag, Sista Sodi, Sekou and a variety of new personas round out the cast.

One of the most interesting portions of the book is the authors explanation of the shooting of Tupac Shakur. That alone is worth the price of the title as Sanyika draws on past interviews and conversations with accused triggerman Orlando Anderson and former Death row records head Suge Knight to formulate an interesting narrative. No love is shown for Suge Knight who appears as Deathrow Records Chief Simon Knowles nor is there any love for an unidentified character known as Bingo though there is more than enough bio information provided on Bingo to identify him to those in the know. There is also a detailed explanation of his involvement with the Spear and Shield collective and his identification with the Shakur tribe.

The author proves once again he is one of the best at painting word pictures and including the reader in the events of which he writes. If you enjoyed Monster, then you'll undoubtably enjoyed T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E.

Featured characters are
LaPeace Shakur - Sanyika Shakur
Askari Shakur - Tupac Shakur
Simon Knowles-Suge Knight
Tammy Shakur - Tamu Shakur
Baby Lane - Orlando Anderson
John Sweeny - LAPD
Jesse Mendoza - LAPD
Tashima -

If you've read "Monster" then this is a must have to add to that collection.
From a street and sophisticated look at the life in South Central Los Angeles, here is the best-selling Author's debut "novel" to set the stage of what may become a series of real-to-life talez of a young black male.

The Protagonist is introduced as "LaPeace" which stands for "no-peace" his life intertwines with people of different classes.
His loves interests,the code of the street,shootouts and tradagies plagues Lapeaces life as he tries to get hold of it.
The author exposes the grime of the street,the consequences of being a snitch and everyday life of an a "ghetto star" (O.G)
Some familiar characters from His autobiography resurface making this a fictional look at the authors "real" life.
The Setting is in South Central around the mid-90s, the height of many artists career including Tupac Shakur known in the book as "Askari". Remember that fateful night in Vegas when this beautiful artist was cowardly cutdown? Lapeace happens to be there on the night and sheds light from his recollection of events of that moment - the shooting of "Askari" (Tupac) in '96.
Most of the plot centers on (3) things - Love,Loyalty and Friendship.
Of course there is heart-pumping moments throughout the book (The Crenshaw Massacre) mixed with his erotic encounters - the author endeavors to merge fantasy and reality as close as he can, and does so efficiently.
A Thrill of a adventures from Lapeaces' childhood to manhood.
Homicide,Thugs,Cops,Women,Money,Fame,family and the Homies.... Lapeace is on Mission.
Much Love from New Zealand

I enjoyed the book, but it was too much of shooting and killing and dirty cops.. I know this stuff really happens in life but I just got tired of reading the book. It was a good read, but a lot of details that I just didnt care to know about.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 8 reviews  3.5 out of 5 stars