Pimp
* WARNING: THERE IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DRUGS, CURSING, AND SEXUAL CONTENT ON PRETTY MUCH EVERY PAGE OF THIS NOVEL *
I had heard about this book while watching Dave Chappell’s stand up comedy special The Bird Revelation. I thought it would be interesting to see what the biography of a successful pimp would look like. Let me tell you, it was an eye opener. This novel follows Iceberg Slim’s life from infancy to adulthood and every fucked up situation in between. There is a lifetime of street hustling in this book that is raw and jaw-dropping.
I’m not even sure how to address this book. I’ve had little moments where I’ve thought of jokes I could throw in, but I honestly feel so uncomfortable doing so…because this lifestyle is so real for so many, and it’s just too violent and severe to make passing jokes about. The pages were filled with people of these professions (pimps, whores, and drug dealers) doing what they thought was making a living and surviving the streets. What made this book so interesting to me was the psychology of the pimp, and how they would have to be quite smart at picking already broken women to target and flip into the life of whoring. Slim’s life was still inspiring, as he ends up married and living a “square life” with his family.
If you like biographies, psychology, or Politics/Social Sciences, I would recommend this book for you. It is NOT a pretty read, but I think it’s important to acknowledge and understand the lives that aren’t shiny and easy to digest. This book would also be great as a book club book where people could discuss the black history and social influences of the time.
Malia's Pizza Rating
Food Truck Pizza. Served to you on the streets.