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🙏🏼💪🏼💪🏼🙏🏼