War of the Bloods in My Veins: A Street Soldier's March Toward Redemption

His mother's absence made him utterly miserable. The age of nine can be a critical one for a young boy. It's make or break time and for Dashuan, who already felt like no one could or would ever love him, it was break time. Dashuan, later dubbed "Jiwe," was ready to join the real world, the world of the violent, the world of the Bloods . . . a world that would fully embrace him as a brother. It was love at first sight and for many young men like Jiwe, it was until death do us part . . . literally The chrome Saturday night special with black electrical tape around the handle felt smooth in his ten-year-old hand, yet if he could harness his fear with a bit of electrical tape Jiwe might have gone for it. Soul and Q-Tip urged him on as he emptied the gun. Bodies of the Crips began to litter the ground. Later that night, as Dashuan "Jiwe" Morris related in his stunning memoir, WAR OF THE BLOODS IN MY VEINS: A Street Soldier's March Toward Redemption, something snapped in him. "The confusion of regret and acceptance gives me a throbbing headache. In time, I realize this night marks my first recorded separation from self." Jiwe was growing up, growing up hard. By the end of the fourth grade his best friend, eleven-year-old Tray, was killed in a drive-by shooting. Blood is thicker than water and Jiwe would go on to avenge this death and any other slight a thousand times over. It was war. Jiwe was a full-fledged Blood gangbanger. Nobody could call him a pussy or even dare to, but the lifestyle took its toll. Lives were torn apart by his fists, his gun and his anger and he knew it. His chances of getting a college education and a chance a berth in the NFL became nil once that gun and anger reared its ugly head on campus. Bloods weren't welcome in Delaware or much of anywhere else for that matter. "There are the moments when I am reminded that I'm trapped in a living nightmare." It was one he might never escape from and he knew that too. Perhaps there was redemption for Jiwe somewhere. "What are you doing? You hurting her?," he anxiously questioned the doctor. A little baby girl was entering the world and no one would ever, ever hurt her. It was baby Da-Shana, Dashuan "Jiwe" Morris now had a chance with the birth of his own child. It was his time to redeem himself. Could he, can he? I was heavily drawn into this book emotionally, empathetic for Jiwe's life circumstances and also for the people who were impacted by his lifestyle. Although unspoken, I feel that by writing this book Jiwe was trying to make amends with the world, while continuing to embrace his peers. Gangbanging is a lifestyle that is chosen for many simply by fate. Few would choose to live in fear every day of their young life, nor embrace the accompanying depression and suicidal ideation that often comes with it. I loved the feel of the book, the writing and its message. Kudos to Jiwe who poured his heart out to tell us his story . . . let's hope he

I couldn't put this book down, it took two days to read,only because i had to be torn away from it to go to work. The first chapter was a little confusing but once you realize its a dream, the rest of the book is an easy read. It was eyeopening and inspirational. It gives hope that you can make a way out for yourself. That your past doesnt have to be your future. I will defintley pass this book along. AGAIN A MUST READ!

I've been so inspired by this book. I have daughters and sons and for someone to reveal his lifestory with the hope of inspiring and motivating others is very admirable. I commend Jiwe in all that he has done by putting this book or shall I say "DIARY" out there for others to gain from. The book was very well written. It was soooooo hard to put down. I was almost mad that I had to work and that my lunch wasn't long enough.

I was had to be the first person at my job to get this book. I have close relatives that are so called gang members. I wanted to find out for someone's point of view WHY. This book is a definite wake up call to all in gangs that you can get out if you choose to. Not that its easy. But maybe adults or teens should buy this book for a son, nephew ,neice or daughter so they can see what really GOES DOWN. The videos and movies are not real. This book is real.mTake heed. Buy the book.

If you are looking for a book that tells it like it is - or at least like it was during the days when the street gang known as the Bloods (or Piru in some cases where there is a deep west coast connection) were becoming more and more popular on the East Coast, this is the book to read. I have years of experience on the fringe of this hidden society as a youth worker in Metro NY and Metro Newark areas. I can tell you that the author is telling the truth from the source. He was on the inside and tell details that you will not read anywhere else. I'm actually surprised to see some details as the law could possibly still prosecute... But that is another story. He goes after it all and gives you a real, hardcore look inside the destructive lifestyle of a Bloods gang member with both East and West Coast ties. Whether you work in law enforcement, as a youth counselor, as a teacher, as a concerned parent or just as a curious member of society, this is the current "go to" book for information on understanding the mind set of these gang members. Highly recommended by this reader. As an aside, I met the author the other night at an event and those flocking to his side were present and formerly involved Blood gang members - many of which are seeking to change their lives for the better. He may still have enough experiences to write another book so hang on and keep this guy on your radar screen.