Random Family

The cover of 'Random Family' claims the book to a tale of 'love, drugs, trouble, and coming of age in the Bronx.' Inside, LeBlanc lives up to the challenge of touching upon all these issues, and does so in a way that makes each point relatable to the readers.

Jessica, Coco, Mercedes, Boy George, and Cesar live fast and dangerous lives in the south Bronx. The boys begin dealing drugs at a young age and the girls drop out of school to care of their children, often before ever reaching high school.

As the events of their lives unfold before the readers' eyes, the characters transform from rough teens whose struggles are near unbelievable to people merely trying to live their lives in the only way they know how.

LeBlanc followed her subjects, and their parents, friends, lovers, and children, for eleven years in order to come to a complete understanding of their thoughts and actions. Because of this time and dedication, she is able to offer a truly insightful and eye-opening tale of a part of the world that would not otherwise receive attention.

The book perhaps does not offer a happy-ending, but the lessons and information it provides are equally as rewarding.