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Social Science Hispanic American Studies

Lady Q

The Rise and Fall of a Latin Queen

by (author) Reymundo Sanchez & Sonia Rodriguez

Publisher
Chicago Review Press
Initial publish date
Jul 2008
Category
Hispanic American Studies, Criminals & Outlaws
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781569764480
    Publish Date
    Jul 2008
    List Price
    $16.99
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781556527227
    Publish Date
    Jul 2008
    List Price
    $27.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781569762851
    Publish Date
    Jul 2010
    List Price
    $18.95

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Description

This is a raw and powerful memoir not only of one woman’s struggle to survive the streets but also of her ascent to the top ranks of the new mafia, where the only people more dangerous than rival gangs were members of her own. At age five Sonia Rodriguez’s stepfather began to abuse her; at 10 she was molested by her uncle and beaten by her mother when she told on him; and by 13 her home had become a hangout for the Latin Kings and Queens who were friends with her older sister. Threatened by rival gang members at school, Sonia turned away from her education and extracurricular activities in favor of a world of drugs and violence. The Latin Kings, one of the largest and most notorious street gangs in America, became her refuge, but its violence cost her friends, freedom, self-respect, and nearly her life. As a Latin Queen, she experienced the exhilarating highs and unbelievable lows of gang life. From being shot at by her own gang and kicked out at age 18 with an infant daughter to rejoining the gang and distinguishing herself as a leader, her legacy as Lady Q was cemented both for her willingness to commit violence and for her role as a drug mule. For the first time, a woman’s perspective on gang life is presented.

About the authors

Reymundo Sanchez's profile page

Sonia Rodriguez has been the Principal Dancer with The National Ballet of Canada since 2000. Her husband, Kurt Browning, is a four-time world champion figure skater. Kurt is also the author of A is for Axel: An Ice Skating Alphabet. They live in Toronto, Ontario.

Sonia Rodriguez's profile page

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