Two Badges: The Lives of Mona Ruiz

Mona Ruiz was born into a large family, child of two hard working parents who wanted the best for their children. Unfortunately, she was also born into a neighborhood in Santa Ana that was slowly descending into gang territory as she reached the dangerous age of adolescence. Though her parents had drilled into their children the dangers of gangs, and the truth of right and wrong, they couldn't stop the influences that surrounded them. Mona entered the gang life at a young age. She also dabbled with a career in law enforcement at a young age, getting her first job with the police force while still in high school. Two futures were possible for young Mona; which one she chose was up to her. In this gripping autobiography Mona shares her challenges and her opportunities, and acknowledges the mistakes she made that derailed her life. This was an honest and heartfelt look at the author's life. It's a cautionary tale for young people who are facing decisions that can affect the rest of their lives. It's also a hopeful tale, one that shows how a person can change their lot in life even after they've gotten off to a bad start. I thought her thoughts were well-organized and found her story inspiring.

This book was required when I took one of my college classes. After reading it I knew why. The book offers an inside look into the life of a young woman, hispanic and in a gang. She struggles with many obstacles and in the end pulls herself through. The book is not only inspirational but it is also a demonstration of triumph in spite of obstacles! I give it Five stars and hope that more people can get to reading this book. Maybe instead of requiring it as a college course they should offer it in Junior high's and High Schools. This is the kind of book that should be read.

I am an English teacher at Santa Ana Valley High School, in Santa Ana, CA. Ms Ruiz spoke at Valley several years ago. Her presentation was as memorable as her book, "Two Badges." I bought three copies the day of her presentation, I have since bought ten more. My students love the book. Young men and young women, alike. They relate, and it is such a strong story with a postive, true life ending. Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on your view) these books do not make it back to my room after being checked out. I am down to three copies. In a way I am happy, in that I know the books are in contiuous use, they are getting passed around to friends. Cool. It is just that I can not afford to buy a bunch more books for my kids this fall.

I had to read this book for a class, I never thought i'd enjoy it. I couldn't put it down. This book is one of the best books i've ever read. I'm glad a chicana can overcome so much. A+ for mona!

As a young adult in Santa Ana,California, I could totally relate to most of the things Mona Ruiz wrote in her book. I loved it because just by reading it she made me feel close to her and made me realize even more that there is a way out of that lifestyle,I'm almost there. I was never in a gang like her but I associate with that way of living. I hope she writes more books because I would buy them. I like that she writes about the way the gang life is, it's all true, but there is also more that is behind the lifestyle. Hopefully you will read and enjoy it.

This book is one of the best books that I have ever read. I recommend anybody to read this book, especially the girls out there that are struggling through life and are involved in the gangs. This is a very touching story and Mona tells it like it is, the way that most teenagers out there may not see it until after they may read this book. This book didn't just open my eyes more to whats out there it made me believe more in myself and know that I can do anything and never to give up Like Mona I grew up in Santa Ana and I've been through a lot. Now that I've read her book made me realize that I can even write my own book and I know that I can do it. Hopefully it can help kids see how hard life is out there in the gangs and think twice about what they may be doing out there right now. I know that a book can't change a human being but hopefully it can help them see life different. The way it really is.