3 1/2 stars. Interesting story of a boy who spent his youth in the worst ghetto in Chicago. This gives you an inside look into life in the poor section of town and the mindset of people who live lives of crime. His mother's friend taught him the trade of counterfeiting and we follow his trail as he pursues his profession of faking the new bills with all of their anti-counterfeiting features. Makes you wonder what he could have accomplished if he had worked as hard at honest work. Warning: expect "street language". This was a fascinating book about a guy that grows up in an environment that was simply awful and how he eventually goes on to become one of the best counterfeiters in the United States. Seems his only real advantage was that he was smart. In every other way; parents, where he lived, friends, and schooling, he got a raw deal.After growing up as nothing more than a petty criminal he learns the basics about counterfeiting from his mother's boyfriend and learns just enough to get him hooked.The book details some of the techniques and processes he used in order to become so good at making money and how he was able to not get caught for so long. It was also interesting to read about the kinds of people that buy counterfeit money and what they use it for. While the whole book was pretty interesting I must say the end was a real page turner. I could see where it was going to end up but I just couldn't wait to get there. If you like great books about bad people then this is the book for you...
[Audiobook:] Interesting insights into counterfeiting and criminal life style.
—Wolfie
Beautifully written, meticulously researched, vivid and captivating.
—krshelor
Snarky and subversive. Had me holding my cash up to the light.
—socalswimpanda
Entertaining read of the most counter-fitting job in America!
—phoenix_slp
