Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets by David Simon Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets
Book Review: an absolute masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the most engrossing books I've ever read, more exciting and interesting than most novels. Also greatly enhances one's understanding of the fantastic TV series that grew out of this book. (I read the book after becoming a fan of the show). At the same time, it is somewhat depressing to have many illusions about the criminal justice system shattered. Specifically, it is scary to be told just how erraticaly juries can behave, and to learn how few murderers are actually caught and brought to justice.Book Review: Even better second time around
Summary: 5 Stars
I furst stumbled across this book in 1996 while studying film at college. I was a fan of the TV series and had just finished reading Clockers by Richard Price and thought it might be a worthy successor. What I read was perhaps the most astounding piece of literature I had ever picked up. Unlike many police procedurals the writing never wandered into a stale environment of form numbers and procedures and instead was a revelation at how tedious and tumultuous just a normal day can be. Crimes are interwoven into a cross section of Baltimore society with such skill and craftmanship that sometimes its almost too painful to witness the events that permeate the narrative. The skill of the writing and the sheer power of the subject matter combine until it is only with great reluctance that you manage to put the book down. I could go on for ever at how a little girls death rips through the entire homicide unit that in the hands of a lesser author would have been a book unto itself. But exisitng on the periphery of the main investigations are myriad vignettes into the hearts and minds that are equally as compelling. The use of ellipsis in the writing is magical and draws you further into the world of the detectives and their work but reading you find yourself witnessing the harrowing state of mind of a community wrenched apart by crime. Simons talent lies in how he manages to plug into the veins of this community while suggesting the problems are far from regional. Reading it for the second time a month ago made a great book even better. read it or it is sadly your loss. Check out The Corner as well.Book Review: A superb combination of fiction and socialogical fact
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a fan of the TV series didn't prepare me for the delights this book had to offer. The "story" good as it is , is secondary to the insight offered to a detectives life on the job. Couple this with a very fine prose and delicious wit, its one of the most rewarding reads I have had. I very much hope Mr Simon writes anothe book.Book Review: Awesome
Summary: 5 Stars
There are books that you keep returning to to read again and again. For me this is one of them. A thoroughly rewarding read whether you saw the TV show or not. It surprised me that this was essentially non fiction and delighted me in the excellent characters portrayed and the linking story lines that hold it all together. A fascinating read.Book Review: I couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
Quite literally, this is one of the best booksI have ever read. The characters are perfectly realised and the blend of drama and edcucational information about the legal system is perfectly balanced. If you enjoy any sort of police dramas, book or TV, then you need to read this book. It's definitive.