I was enthralled with the book. The "story' itself was not foreign to me. I must say the writing was brilliant. So well written. I advocate that universities would be wise to review this book and offer it in sociology and criminal justice classes. Great book to purchase and read. Ten out of ten.

Kevin seem destine for an early death and he cheated it. But it didn’t stop Death from chasing him. Death figured if he can’t get Kevin he would take the closest person to his heart. This book is an extremely sad yet life changing story. Kevin conquered Death’s stronghold on his life but not unscathed.

From beginning to end, each chapter draws you in with detailed stories that only gets better as the pages turn. I hope the success of this book inspires Mr. Chiles to consider producing a film behind it as well. For now, it'll make a great addition to my book collection. Thanks for the literature!

The best book I have read in years.

Great read, if you grew up in this era it touches home, if not it will bring you into a dark World of everyday life in one of the toughest cities in the world by the Godfather of sorts.

Thank you Kevin Chiles for opening up and expressing yourself from a former dealer’s perspective. I remember walking past your store, but never would have imagined the man or the life behind it. My dad worked alongside Nikki Barnes in the 70’s, so reading your story took me back to the days of that lifestyle. So happy to see at least one made it out and lived to tell the story of what went on in the crack era!

I know the word, "real" gets thrown round loosely these days, but this is REAL! An authenticity that is and should be respected. Thank you for sharing your journey.

I haven’t been this excited to continue reading a book in a long time. From chapter one, I feel as if I’m apart of this story and can visualize the excitement within the lines of patrons waiting to get into the Rooftop. It must of been one hell of a ride! Can’t wait to finish the read. Hopefully a movie will follow!

In a day and age where so many play the game without rules, although we are not glorifying the actions, I can respect someone who played it the right way. This was a great read. Kevin is a stand up individual who deserves to take this to the next level. The story is insane from 2000 keys a month, to the unfathomable murder of his Mother. The incarceration of his whole family to get him to flip, and to stand tall through all of that is BIG SCREEN material. On top of taking his time like a MAN, to come home and stay positive and free is to be commended. All and all the Crack Era is a necessary education, that all those who want to be involved in the game should read. 2 thumbs up!!!!!

Very clear view of NYC and how a man goes through life’s adventures all to be taught great lessons to pass on to the next in making sure the past is not repeated-also shows how strength to wake up the next day is more than enough to get you over trials and tribulations in life that will lead you to being and productive and successful man in society the right way. Excellence!

There are many stories out there about the street life but many of them are by people who don't have first hand accounts or they are not trustworthy. The Crack Era gives us a glimpse of the Man, the Myth, and the Legend known as Kevin Chiles directly from his words. Great book if you're really interested in how the game should be played.

The author painted an excellent picture of life in NY during one of black America’s most tragically golden times. It also showed how whole generations of black men were taken forever from our communities and families. Hats off to the aurthor for sharing his life with us!

Having grown up in & around New York and Virginia throughout the crack era - it was about time that we were given a proper documentary piece of literature, told from an inside perspective & without Hollywood glamorization. One of my favorite books in recent memory, and already a classic - its ability to take me back to the days that still live so vividly in my mind speak to the quality of it storytelling. The quality speaks thru the work! Big praise due to Kevin and everybody over at DDM for what they’re doing!

I’m halfway in it the way he articulated the action in era is like paid in full on steroids. The man character is needed to the sub culture called the streets. I thrive off the old school cats laying out the tutelage that was passed down, this shit is fire cop you some of this action.

More than satisfied with the stories and the details behind it.mr. Chiles did an amazing job and left nothing left unturned and gave examples and great details🙏🏼💪🏼💪🏼🙏🏼

KC, you brought back so many memories. Only those that were there know “The Crack Era’s” True Authenticity! I continue to salute you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️General.

Good morning,
I read only a few chapters at work and I couldn’t put it down. Having grown up during this time on Strong Island, I am very familiar with everything it’s about. Always interested to get the real, unfiltered version of those hard times. Long time coming, and a story from someone who lived it. Can’t wait to finish it!!

The complete picture was painted. The stories definitely took me back that lifestyle that a lot of us was a part of.
Your words about my brother was warming and reinvigorating towards his memory. One of the moments that excited me was the fact you went to the same school my oldest daughter went to and now teaches at .. over all this was a excellent book thank you for sharing your life with the word KC. I can smell a movie to follow

This is a great book that accurately paints pictures of The Bronx and Harlem in the 80’s. I’m only on chapter 5 but I would already recommend this book to anyone that wants a deeper understanding the pros and many cons of the street life.

It’s truly inspiring to hear about a redemption story from an era I grew up in fisrt hand. There are not too many people on earth who could admit their wrongs, accept personal responsibility and set the stage for others to do something different. -Peace

This book is a piece of history, everybody whether involved or not was affected by the cocaine and crack epidemic. Culture, law, and family. The ripples are still felt today. For so many years we have been told a different narrative of this story from New York. Finally the truth...

Been wanting to learn more about this era of NY for the longest time. Having a first hand account from Kevin keeps it really interesting and gives insights youd never find otherwise

This book is a BESTSELLER! It is more than just a cautionary Bronx tale, the "Crack Era" is a gold mine of teachable moments and an insightful historical treatise on a period of time (in the 80's) that many would agree, was almost as impactful on our society as the Civil Rights era. Kevin Chiles gives us the rare perspective of a transformational leader baptized by the fire of his own personal experiences within the confines of the "Game". In my opinion, this book would be well received in the realm of academia/education.

This book is what the culture need and it's a more in depth story from the funk flex interview. The best story told so vividly every time I read this book I can see everything I'm reading. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Great job Mr. Chiles

It took awhile to receive my book because I am overseas, that could not be avoided. I started it last night and can hardly put it down. It’s definitely a page turner, thought provoking and very well done. It’s taking me back to old Harlem, the place I grew up. The mention of some places, people, slange we used, some scenes we can never forget... definitely taking me down memory lane. I was a little younger but I remember these times clearly. Thanks for sharing your story with the world, I’m sure it needed to be told! I’m not done yet but I know I will be very soon. BRAVO!!
Ti auguro molto successo!

Coming from the same walk of life as kevin the book was very relatable I really respect him as a man and the things he stood for while going through his situation not many have stood tall in the same situation. I have a friend currently locked up and I was going to reach out and see if I can get him featured in an issue some day in the future. Overall on the book I give it 5 stars nothing but respect to kev