Nuestra Familia - A Broken Paradigm: John "Boxer" Mendoza's Personal Journey into a World of Deception, Betrayal and Redemption

This book on the prison gang, Nuestra Familia is very in depth and gives a firsthand true account of one man's life in the gang. And John Boxer Mendoza wasn't some minor player, he was right up there under the top generals in the gang, working for them and implementing Nuestra Family policy. Mendoza doesn't pull any punches in his book and tells it exactly how it is and how he sees it. I imagine the powers that be in that gang is not happy with his portrayal of the gang and I am sure they have green lighted him but hopefully he can live out his life in peace. He did want he felt he needed to do and unless you were in his position I don't think you can criticize him. Everything is great when the going is good but when it gets rough a lot of dudes jump ship but Mendoza rode with his crew for 20 years and then they turned on him like so many criminal organizations and prison gangs do. In the end it's like a pack of piranhas and if you show blood they will eat you up too and Mendoza shows and describes that world perfectly. He breaks everything down for the reader and this is the most fascinating and authentic tales about one of the big four California prison gangs to date. If you are into these type of true crime reads then definitely read this, it is a must. Sometimes it bogs down with all the politics and all the comings and goings of the crew members but other than that it is a great read and I highly recommend it. One of the best books on a prison gang out today and Mendoza is a very good writer and weaves his tale with authority and skill. I would like to interview him about his book and time in the NF for gorillaconvict.com so John if you read this hit me up. Seth Ferranti, author of Rayful Edmond: Washington DC's Most Notorious Drug Lord and The Supreme Team: The Birth of Crack and Hip-Hop, Prince's Reign of Terror and the Supreme/50 Cent Beef Exposed

John...What you did was both bold and courageous and I truly believe that your book is going to save lives. I run a Christian prison ministry that focuses on Level IV inmates in California state prisons, with special focus on the Pelican Bay SHU. We don't get involved in inmate politics, but you would not believe how many inmates tell us on their own initiative that they want to get out but don't have the courage. Then after they Debrief they second guess themselves and go through major agony. (Until they get sent to a THU and then a mainline; then they think it was the best decision they have ever made). Your book has caused a major buzz among the Level IV "former" gang member inmates on the so-called "In-Active Retirement Yards." (There is no such thing anymore. They have new gangs, stabbings, and months long Lock Downs). Inmates in SHUs obviously can't receive your book. But believe it or not, inmates on Inactive Yards are able to receive/read your book. I just sent one in to be passed around. Some inmates have asked me, "I heard Boxer wrote the book but didn't drop out." I reply, "You have to read the book to find out." Because I was in suspense the entire book wondering myself. I agree with what Savior wrote above: The top 3 books on the subject are 1) The Black Hand by Rene Enriquez 2) The Rise & Fall of La Nuestra Familia by Robert Gratton and 3) Your book. Gratton's book is out of print, so a used copy is currently selling for $500 on Amazon. (It was going for $1,000 on Amazon and $1,500 on Barnes & Noble, so the price has gone down). I'm trying to contact Know Gangs to see if they are going to print again. P.S. I got to Chapter 2 of your book before I realized that you are the father of one of my closest friend's child. (Purposely being vague). She kept telling me that you are writing a book, but she knows so little about the lifestyle I ignored her. (She would say things like "#####'s dad was over all of northern California" and I would be like "It doesn't even work that way. Name a city.") Like most people, I know several people in your book. You shed light on a lot of situations I've always wondered about. In closing John, I want to say that I pray that you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior. It is very clear that you have a calling on your life. You can get involved in ministry and God will continue using you to reach others. (Try Victory Outreach church victoryoutreach.org. Most people come from the drug, gang, prison lifestyle). Don't waste time and let this opportunity pass you by!! You are probably the most wanted and need to come under God's protection. I pray that every Christian that reads this will pray for your safety.

John meticulously painted a picture of the reality of life within the NF. From its humble beginnings to its current state, John takes you on a wild 20 year ride through his time within the organization. This story is a grim reminder of the ugly truth our youths are not exposed to, until it is simply too late.

Good: really like how detailed this book can be, kind of reminds me of those old school mobster movies. Even though you read some negative reviews and they explain how the truth is embellished, I think it gives a great inside into the world of the NF. Bad: THIS IS NOT A BAD REVIEW! Things I didn’t like, and I didn’t see much of a need for was how some of the information was repeated multiple times or how it sounded like ol’ boy was trying to justify why he did what he did(I just kept thinking, dude I get it). But great book all in all

Kept me hooked from beginning to end no doubt we'll write. Better than that crazy la emme book I read in the nineties with all the killings

This is closest you will ever get to understanding the mentality of a gangbangers life in a street/prison gang. "Boxer" is articulate, cunning, caring, ruthless and determined. You will take a journey very few outside of California will ever see. From the gang-infested streets of N. CALI to the military structured, vicious, racially segregated prison yards. I can't recommend this book enough. If this was made into a Netflix or HBO series it would be better than The Sopranos or The Wire. This is a true story of a wasted life and redemption. You won't be able to put this book down. Congratulations to Boxer for sharing his life for us to witness.

Great book. Good insight of NF organized structure.they really used boxer in a bad way and according to him it's being done to a lot of young people across northern Cali.

The story flowed fairly well. The author spent a lot of time with names and nick names of the people involved, but this started to get real old as the story progressed. The author appeared to have an open thesaurus while he was writing and the big words he was using didn't fit with what was being said. Had trouble accepting his mourning for his family when he had caused so much heartache for other families. Good story though.

Too many names. Prolly need to fill the spaces of the pages. Rene boxer enriquer book is way more enjoyable to read then this. Also blood in the fields was a way better read as well