A Product of my Environment is my true life story written in memory of my son. It represents an emotional journey in a London far removed from the glitz and glamour the world sees. From a boy living for the moment in the belly of broken Britain, to a man determined to defy the odds.This book exposes the reality of urban youth growing up in London's inner city. These youths are forced to find their own way within society, often leading to the inevitable temptations of crime.
I'm so glad I had the time to read this book in between studying. A Product of My environment definitely rings true to the content of this book. It's a very open and honest book with a lot to read and think about. It really brought me back to my younger days and although I knew guys like Chris and his friends I never quite knew the full story. I'm really pleased he wrote this book because honestly there's things from this book that I can make sure my little girl when growing up knows what to look out for when she's at that stage of her life when meeting guys.... ..i didn't have that kind of head start.
Parts of the book had me laughing out loud and some parts cringe. I love that it was written in a way using street slang as it made the book more real but also really played with my imagining, sometimes I felt like I was there seeing everything that was going on. I think what we can learn from this book is that although we may have been brought up in certain ways, we do still have choices and choices have consequences. Really looking forward to part 2...... well done Chris!
I am a bit older than the author, but he somehow managed to tell a story that I and many men of my age could totally relate to. This book was by no means a complex read, which is exactly why I could not put it down. This story hits you with one mans truth, pain, joy and much more, but Inbetween all of that it actually made me laugh.
I was hooked from the get go, and actually finished it within two days! It is an interesting read, in fact a real 'urban street life' education. Chris' story of the dangers, trials and tribulations that he had to overcome is told with humour, honesty, and openness. This is what makes it a great read. I'm looking forward to part two!
Gripping and heartfelt, I was glued from the start. The author manages to convey his personal story in a very honest way, whilst giving you a real glimpse of his life back in the day and the realities faced by many young black men of his generation, coming up in London.
Reading this book gave me great admiration for Chris who decided to give his audience an insight into the harsh reality of growing up in urban areas situated around London. An autobiography it may be but also a mirror reflection for most in the black community and for that, I am so grateful to Chris for taking the opportunity to tell ‘our’ story in its rawest form.“A Product of my Environment” part one, provided many themes; education, family structure, crime, lust and DREAMS. However, to rate this book a one/two star is implausible and is a disservice to each of whom at some point in their early stages in life who has experienced certain aspects associated with Chris’s memoir. I will wait with great anticipation for part two! Chris, well done.
Really enjoyed this book ! Looking forward to part 2 wish this book could be adapted for young youths to read in school and young offenders could be a inspiration to make changes !
I highly recommend, definitely a must read. I couldn't stop reading, read it all in an afternoon. Lots of drama and excitement. I will be buying part two when it becomes available.
A humble, brave account from a child to a man's relationship with the world which, was his immediate environment. Truthful, honest and somewhat blunt account of life as he knew it. Young Chris had to find his way through life using his subconscious yet spontaneous actions to deal with the concious reality. A good read for parents highlighting the possibilities that their young persons they are raising could be facing when they leave their homes for the big world. Written from a male perspective but young females could definitely affiliate with also. A must educational read.
