2nd Edition: Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead
2nd Edition
Frank Meeink & Jody M. Roy, Ph.D & Elizabeth Wurtzel & Jody M. Roy & Ph.D
Book Description
THE INSPIRATION FOR THE FILM AMERICAN HISTORY X, STARRING EDWARD NORTON
The raw telling of one man’s descent into America’s Nazi underground and his ultimate triumph over hatred and addiction
“Required reading for anyone who wants to understand the origin of race hatred in these United States of America.” —Jerry Stahl, author of Permanent Midnight
Frank’s violent childhood in South Philadelphia primed him to hate. He made easy prey for a small group of skinhead gang recruiters led by his older cousin. At fourteen, he shaved his head. By sixteen, Frank was one of the most notorious skinhead gang leaders on the East Coast. By eighteen, he was doing hard time in an Illinois prison.
Behind bars, Frank began to question his hatred, thanks in large part to his Black teammates on a prison football league. Shortly after being paroled, Frank defected from the white supremacy movement. The Oklahoma City bombing inspired him to try to stop the hatred he once had felt. He began speaking on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League and appeared on MTV and other national networks in his efforts to stop the hate.
The story of Frank Meeink’s downfall and redemption has the power to open hearts and change lives. This edition of the acclaimed memoir includes a preface by the author, nine new chapters, an updated epilogue, and resource guides for substance abuse recovery and countering racism.
Praise For This Book
"Frank Meeink’s story is so brutal, so visceral, so unflinching, and in the end, so soul-wrenchingly, specifically American, that it should from this moment on be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the origin of race hatred in these United States of America. Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead stands out as more than a great memoir. It is testament to a great heart, to a man willing to own up to his own violent past and, ultimately, shine a light of hope on this sick, pigment-fixated, demented nation we inhabit. The writing is phenomenal and Meeink’s tale will keep you riveted. In the end, like all true testaments, what the author has to offer is hard-earned, down-to-the-bone hope. I loved this book." —Jerry Stahl, author of Permanent Midnight"The book’s lasting impression is of the brutality of Meeink’s earlier incarnation, and one wonders if those drawn to white supremacy and hatred could take any lessons from it before their beliefs come to harm others."—Caleb Powell, The Rumpus
"In this profound memoir . . . a brutal tour of modern American racism at its worst, a case study of traumatized youth and drug addiction, and a stark reminder of the human capacity for redemption, Meeink and Roy’s account is a shocking but ultimately reaffirming read." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Frank Meeink’s book is a candid and captivating story of upbeat transformation of a raw racist into a courageous citizen which has much to teach all of us. Don’t miss it!" —Cornel West, Professor, African American Studies, Princeton University
"As a white man to stand in solidarity with folks of color in the struggle against racism, I am heartened by Frank Meeink’s story. His narrative confirms that we as white folks have a choice when it comes to how we wish to live in this skin. We can remain silent, or even collaborate with the subordination of peoples of color, or we can become allies in the fight for justice. Meeink has made his choice. May we all have the courage and fortitude to do the same. Nothing less than the fate of our nation depends on it." —Tim Wise, author of White Like Me
"A raw telling of his descent into America’s Nazi underground and his ultimate triumph over drugs and hatred. A violent childhood in South Philadelphia primed him to hate. By age 16 he had become one of the most notorious skinhead gang leaders on the East Coast and by 18 was doing hard time. The story of Meeink’s downfall and redemption has the power to open hearts and change lives." —Prairie Lights Books & Cafe
