THE ORGANIZATION by T. Freeman, Jr.
May 26, 2008 by Daniel
Five miles from Philadelphia across the Delaware River in Southern New Jersey lies the city of Camden. During the second World War Dominican immigrants came to Camden by the thousands to work as replacement workers at Campbell Soup. By the 1970’s Camden saw a dramatic decline in population and industry. The one time industrial center slowly turned into a drug infested war zone. the city’s political structure was tainted with corruption in every aspect from the board of education to the police. This lead to the city being named the poorest in America, the most dangerous in America, and the per capita murder capital. The Organization was the city’s most powerful drug ring with connections that reached as high as the mayor. The main character Simon Gonzalez Jr. “Gato” is the grandson of a Dominican immigrant and a career hustler who has to manage a family and a drug ring at a young age, all while trying to stay alive in America’s grimmest city. Simon finds out that sometimes loyalty comes at a high price, that price is your life. More than just a book about drugs and guns, The Organization is a tale of how greed, power and corruption turned a working class city into a near third world country.
Find more street lit by Thomas Freeman, Jr.
Already read this book? Was it good or bad? Share your thoughts and do a review for Street Fiction. Tell us what you think of this book or author in the Comments section. Thanks
The Organization by T. Freeman Jr takes place in the 70s when Camden, New Jersey saw a drastic decline in population and industry workers. This tale intertwines Dominicans and African Americans in a fight to see who is the most popular in the drug game.
The Organization was the city’s most powerful drug ring that touched the lowest of the low to the Mayor of the city. This no-holds-bar story told the tale of how urban youngsters made their money, fighting street wars and trying to stay out of jail. This graphically descriptive account will hold your attention from the beginning to the end, anticipating the grueling outcome.
Meet Simon “Gato” Gonzales Jr.; he is the newest kid on the set, and trying to make a name for himself without having to fall back on his grandfather’s fame. Simon goes through life’s biggest struggles at an early age from being abandoned by his mom to falling under the street pressures to sell drugs. Simon takes us through the streets of New Jersey through his eyes and you will not believe what you see.
With drugs being a cut throat industry, we bear witness to the grimy street ways of fellow hustlers’ trying to make a name for themselves and keeping their corner intact. This book is filled with shady characters, devious cops, gold-digging women and murderous men who will stop at nothing to take over the drug game.
I recommend this book to readers of street lit. I loved it and anticipate Mr. Freeman’s next book.
Reviewed by: Cheryl Hayes
APOOO BookClub