62 pages • 2 hours read
Ghettoside
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Book Brief
384
Book • Nonfiction
Los Angeles, California • 2000s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Ghettoside by Jill Leovy follows the investigation of the murder of Bryant Tennelle, the son of Los Angeles homicide detective Wally Tennelle, during the late 2000s and examines black-on-black violence in South Central Los Angeles to highlight systemic issues and the failure of the legal system in addressing violent crime in the black community, reinforcing the need for a strong, swift response to reduce such crime. The book contains graphic descriptions of violence and discussions on systemic racism.
Informative
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
21,918 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ghettoside by Jill Leovy offers a compelling investigation into the murder of a young black man in Los Angeles, reflecting broader systemic issues in the criminal justice system. Praised for its meticulous reporting and humanizing narrative, some critics found it overwhelmingly focused on specific cases, potentially narrowing its wider applicability. Its sociological insight and empathetic storytelling are widely appreciated.
Who Should Read Ghettoside?
Readers who appreciate the intersection of social issues, true crime, and investigative journalism will be captivated by Jill Leovy’s Ghettoside. Similar to fans of The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, they will value the in-depth analysis and storytelling.
21,918 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Book • Nonfiction
Los Angeles, California • 2000s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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