Harsh yet realistic

Not everyone who reads Always Running will have an understanding of the complexities of gang life and Chicano culture. Many young people, however, will relate in some way to many of the issues that Luis Rodriguez addresses: identity, violence, drug use, police harassment, dysfunctional families, sex, teen parenthood, challenging authority, inadequate education, oppression, etc… What is especially notable about this book is that while addressing these issues in a harsh yet realistic way Rodriguez also provides important and empowering information about the Chicano movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s which brought about many important social changes.