39 pages • 1 hour read
Down These Mean Streets
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Book Brief
352
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New York City • 1940s-1960s
1967
Adult
18+ years
820L
Super Short Summary
Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas is a 1967 memoir that chronicles Piri's journey from late childhood to young adulthood in New York City, detailing his struggles with identity, poverty, and racism. Piri, the eldest son of Puerto Rican immigrants, faces constant challenges, including getting in fights, engaging in criminal activities, dealing with substance use, and ultimately spending time in prison. The book includes sensitive topics such as racism, substance use, and violence.
Gritty
Challenging
Melancholic
Emotional
Dark
Reviews & Readership
5,380 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas is celebrated for its raw and authentic depiction of racial and social struggles. Reviewers praise the memoir's powerful narrative and emotional depth, but some criticize its graphic content and bleak tone. Overall, it's recognized as a poignant, thought-provoking work that offers a compelling insight into urban life and identity. Thomas, Piri. Down These Mean Streets.
Who Should Read Down These Mean Streets?
A reader who would enjoy Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas likely appreciates raw, poignant autobiographies centered on overcoming adversity. Fans of The Autobiography of Malcolm X or Manchild in the Promised Land will find Thomas's gritty exploration of identity, street life, and resilience compelling.
5,380 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New York City • 1940s-1960s
1967
Adult
18+ years
820L
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