Chapter 4: Marking Territory

      ·         “Mary knew her younger son was no innocent.  In addition to the knife fight when he was younger, Wes had been arrested a few years back after being caught stealing a car.” (Page 71)

This quote illustrates the theme of poor life choices because it shows the Wes had chosen a path of violence and dishonesty, even as a young boy.

      ·         “She reached again for the first Nike box and opened it.  Inside were pills, marijuana, half an ounce of powdered cocaine, and half a dozen dials of ‘ready rock,’ or crack cocaine…She didn't even bother looking in the second box; she already knew all she needed to know.  Both of her sons were drug dealers.” (Page 73)

This quote reflects poor life choices because it shows how Wes had decided to enter the drug game himself, despite his family’s discouragement. 

      ·         “Of course, all of that didn't matter to my mother.  All she knew was that I could effortlessly recite hip-hop lyrics while struggling with my English class.” (Page 76)

This quote illuminates author Wes’ poor life choices because it shows that Wes was fully capable of learning and memorization, but that he simply chose not to try in school.

      ·         “Not only was her brother older and bigger but he had a rep as one not to be played with.  But I just stood there in my B-boy stance, empowered by strains of ‘The Bridge Is Over’ running through my head, until I felt like the message had gotten across.” (Page 79)

This quote shows poor life choices because it describes author Wes’ tough ego, which could get him in trouble with bigger and stronger kids.  

      ·         “He looked at me with a sly smirk.  ‘You wanna tag?’  I couldn't say no.  First off, Shea was one of the most respected young hustlers in the neighborhood…Plus, I loved throwing my name up on a wall; it felt like splashing in the shallow end of the criminal pool.” (Page 80)

This passage shows author Wes’ poor life choices because it explains that Wes was willing to engage in criminal activity in order to please his friends and to seem cool.