Always Running

Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez,  talks about his life in East L.A. Where gang warfare, drugs, and murder was the way of life. But Luis saw a way out by education, knowledge , and wisdom. Soon after he escapes the violence and depression of the gang life and creates a new way of life. Luis now tells his own story to his son, who he delicates his book too, to let him know the experience and destruction of being a gang member.
This book was assigned for summer reading for 8th grade but, I read it during 7th grade for my independent reading. Always Running change my perspective of living the life of the la vida loca. Change my interest in music, activities, and to gain more knowledge from elders who went through the la vida loca. I was a mindless, not open minded teen who all teens think they are all invincible. But after reading this book and seeing what the life later would soon be. Made me realize, I can do better and be an achiever. And not end up dead, get a girl pregnant at such a young age, or in prison. Now, I see old friends who hadn't change and still doing in their lives.