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Title: True Red
Authors: Isaac, Bruno & Haami, Bradford
Genre: Non Fiction: New Zealand
Pages: 166
Year: 2007
Language: English
Description: This book explores the gang life of ex-Mongrel Mob Gang Leader Tuhoe 'Bruno' Isaac and what it really took for him to leave that environment and find a new life. In the Mongrel Mob for 17 years, Isaac was constantly living for the bash, beer and prison but the possibility of dying in a pool of blood eventually saw him search for another way of life. NZ Interest

Comments from Groups:

Intense, enlightening and almost unbelieveable [being] aware of this subculture that operates within (or should we say - outside) our society. Auckland 094

Although this is not an eay read, quite a lively discussion was had and we all thought we had good insight into gang culture. Wanganui 002

This book took us all out of our comfort zone. Some members appreciated the insight into life within gang culture. As much of the book was set in our area, it generated a lot of discussion. Pukekoe 001

Great book to discuss. Strong opinions on lots of issues. Lower Hutt 007

Categories: Non-fiction NZ, Biography, Māori, Blind Low Vision library

Reviews

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By: QUEEN 006 2022-06-01 15:36:00
4.5 
There was a very animated discussion as a result of the story of Tuhoe Isaac, his working to totally change his life, and also the issues regarding gangs and their current situation in NZ society. A very thought provoking book, and we thought the co writer Haami helped by providing clear dispassionate prose and views. Very shocked by the details of gang life.

By: TEPUK 007 2019-07-29 13:11:42
4 
Lively discussion! A "worthwhile" read for us all.

By: CHCH 303 2019-07-29 13:09:05
3 
Book created good discussion, despite not being a great read.

By: CHCH 137 2019-07-29 13:07:09
4 
Thought provoking. Worth reading, but given 'Bruno's' initial start in life, we still don't understand how he could become so debased. Not sure how he can still revere some of his 'old mates' either!

By: PALMN 001 2019-07-29 13:04:50
3.5 
Interesting discussion with widely differing views. Not a pleasant read!

By: ARIA 001 2019-07-29 13:03:36
4 
We found the book "interesting" - giving a frank account of life in a gang.

By: TEKAPO 001 2019-07-29 13:02:54
4 
Everyone read the book, and all but one person thought it a worthwhile read. Stimulated good and broad discussion. Thank you.

By: FEILD 003 2019-07-29 13:01:18
4 
Mixed reviews - those who did not know much about gang life learnt a lot. Most enjoyed the first half of the story, and not so much the religious half of the story. They felt he was not convincing with his asking for forgiveness to rid his conscience of the crimes he committed during his gang life.

By: DUNED 063 2019-07-29 12:52:53
4 
Mixed reaction. Some people found it interesting, one person refused to read it. Discussion centred around gangs and the futility of doing anything about them. People commented on the detached style of writing.

 
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