Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante

Release Date: August 20, 2013
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
A fast-paced, gripping memoir, Buck: A Memoir shows us the life of M.K. Asante as he knew it. Growing up on the streets of Philadelphia, he struggled to break free from the box in which his actions and society had put him. The young Malo faces adversity head on with determination and gusto but often finds himself on the wrong side of the deal.

Events push Malo and his loved ones to the breaking point and drive him to make the decision whether to accept the place society holds for him or to become his own man, free of mind and spirit. As he begins to put his plan into action, the results come in waves for both him and those around him.

Review:
I am so glad that I won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway. It's real, honest, brutal and at the same time, it's heart-warming and endearing. This memoir was much more than just a retelling of M.K. Asante's formative years. It read like an action-packed, urban thriller with the unnerving reality that it held the truth of his life between the lines.

From the very start, the reader is sucked into his world. The reader is given everything they need to feel the experiences alongside Malo and his family, the good and the bad. With its honest portrayal of the people in the neighborhood, one can almost see the words come to life. This allows the reader to become invested in the person's outcome within the book.

As I mentioned before, the memoir reads like a frantic, action-packed thriller in parts because of the things the author experienced. There were some truly authentic and touching moments that slowed the story and delved into the deeper meanings behind some of his actions, thoughts or worries. I think the author did a wonderful job of relaying his world and laying bare his own faults and flaws instead of making himself to be something he wasn't. Very refreshing to see that he doesn't run away from the mistakes he made.

Overall, I have to say that I could not put this book down once I began reading. Each free moment I had was spent reading this book. Very open, honest and a great read for those who want to know more about cultures or people outside their own. If you're looking for all the above and more, I would definitely pick up this book.

Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante is now available at several retailers in Kindle, hardback and audio-book editions. It can be purchased from Amazon.com by clicking the link below.
Buck: A Memoir by M.K. Asante