This is the best book I read in its category.In books based on gang life,drugs and violence this one was the best one,I have read some good ones like Scorpians and The outsiders both of these books were from the east cost.I think what I liked more about this book Always Running is that he talked a little bit about everything.He talked about how was boxing at one point he also mentioned he was protesting and how his family came to the u.s.I think the other books needed a little bit of that,talking about other things rather then just the topic itself.I also liked the fact that it was a perspective from an athur who is from L.A so he used other words and differnt slang. The auther Luis J.Rodriguez took his ablity to write to the next level he realy showcased his ablity to express himself in phrase like"One night we kissed and kissed,then found ourselves unable to stop.Until then,we did nothing more than fondle and linger in easy talk,but something snapped between us;this unseen barrier which often kept us at a distance,despite being so close there,appeared to break." As far as this book relateing to me I think it mighta little a aint mexican anything but I can relate,I see where he is coming from.Before I would get into trouble like him I even got arested before like him.But just like him I changed for the better.This book is a definite must read I recommend it alot.