This book is a presentation of all of the figures and events of the greatest era in boxing history. The first chapter compares the seventies to all of the other eras. Written by Joe Ryan this book is jammed with boxing stats, win loss records, and the author's forceful opinion about 1970's boxing and it's greatness. This book reads like an opinionated encyclopedia mixed with an agenda laden opinion. It tries to list criteria to support the authors claim about the 1970's line by line. While the decade may, have been the greatest in history this book is a tough read. It's direct informative style combined with it's constant underlying opinion makes it tough to get excited about diving in to. I'm not a picture snob but in a book like this pictures featuring the great athletes of the time are essential in drawing in a reader, and in case you guessed it not one picture aside of the cover. This book while informative is way too long it contains 12 chapters and is too dry in content to support that length. It could have and should have been condensed into a book half the size just highlighting the greatness of the sport and it's most masterful era in the 1970's. If you love boxing or long books with straight boxing info and not much of else this book is for you. For me while I appreciate the passion for the author's premise it's not for me.

This was an exceptional read. Never would I have imagined a book dealing with heroin would have crime, addiction, and even humor all in the same book. This book has several contributing authors all telling their own unique tale involving heroin. As tragic as the stigma of heroin use is in society, I really appreciated the humorous tone set by the contributions of Lydia Lunch, and Michael Albo. Don't be scared by the title this isn't a book for people in recovery or an attempt to scare you straight. This is a book for anyone and everyone. The idea to use several contributors is refreshing and a great change of pace from traditional story telling. I really liked reading it and plan to read the other books in the Akashic Press drug series.

Wylde-Serenity is the debut literary effort by Jonathan Faia..A completely unique effort in the style of Ginsberg and Kerouac with a modern dark twist.. Some efforts beautiful and passionate, while others grow torturous and sadistic.. A truly great inaugural effort and long overdue.. Some efforts dating back to the early 1990's finally put to paper. Dan Williams of Poetryhunter.com says,"A truly great collection. Nothing but feeling and passion on every page." Sarah Venegas of the Academy of American Poets said,"It's hard to believe this work is a debut. It's too passionate, raw thought provoking. An excellent read." poets.org Nicholas Simpson member of Poetrynation.org said,"I was honored to be one of the first to read this book. I love the writing style and the vivid images this book forces you to imagine.. Unbelievable." Shil Patel member of Poetry.com says, "This effort was so impacting...The dark is so dark the passionate and romance is blinding and radiant. A perfect rollercoaster ride forcing the reader to deal with their own demons, and loves.. I love this effort and have read it three times since it's arrival..."