After reading GANGSTA LEAN by Rochan Morgan, the lyrics to the song "Soldier" by Destiny's Child came to mind: "If his status ain't hood I ain't checkin' for him, betta be street if he lookin at me, I need a soldier that ain't scared to stand up for me." It's the story of a young boy at the turning point in his life, and he needs to decide what type of soldier he wants to be.

Allen Richards, affectionately known as Pooney, is a fifteen year old student who has a life full of opportunity ahead of him. He is a star athlete on the football team and not too shabby academically. His father is currently incarcerated, and he lives with his mom, Regina, and his younger sister, Sheila. Regina is busy working the night shift, and her two children are home alone free to do as they please. Pooney's best friend, Tony, persuades him to join Deuce-Nine Crips, a local gang. Pooney joins and immediately loves his newfound family.

He becomes a baller as soon as he is jumped into the gang and has money, women, a nice car and gains much respect from the other members. After a while Pooney's gang activities begin to interfere with his education, but this doesn't stop him from continuing to gang bang. After several incidents, Pooney realizes gang life isn't for him, not to mention one of the highest ranking gang members is showing an interest in Sheila, Pooney's little sister. Pooney has a decision to make: does he continue to be a soldier in the gang? After all, when you join you are in for life and getting out won't be easy. Or will he be another type of soldier and do the right thing by getting out, no matter how hard it will be, and focus on school, football and normal teenage activities?

Rochan Morgan's debut novel, GANGSTA LEAN, is a compelling and heart-wrenching story of self-discovery. Pooney is a young man who loves his mom and sister dearly and doesn't want to do anything to hurt them. It is his heart and sensitivity that draws me to him. He just gets caught up in gang life and ultimately realizes there is more to life than gang banging. What I enjoyed most was that the characters were very well developed and loveable. Anyone would be able to relate to the Richards family. If you are looking for a touching story of a young man coming to grips with who he is, then GANGSTA LEAN is the book for you.

Reviewed by Eraina B. Tinnin
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers