Book description
"A searing account of gang violence and its consequences...Macedo's grim story, expertly documented by Katz, cries for a documentary series to follow his fortunes as, after years in prison, he strives for redemption. A masterful work of true crime--and, to be sure, true punishment."--Kirkus Reviews (Starred review)Baby-faced teen Giovanni Macedo is desperate to find belonging in one of LA's most predatory gangs, the Columbia Lil Cycos--so desperate that he agrees to kill an undocumented Mexican street vendor. The vendor, Francisco Clemente, had been refusing to give in to the gang's shakedown demands. But Giovanni botches the hit, accidentally killing a newborn instead. The overlords who rule the Lil Cycos from a Supermax prison 1,000 miles away must be placated and Giovanni is lured across the border where, in turn, the gang botches his killing. And so, incredibly, Giovanni rises from the dead, determined to both seek redemption for his unforgivable crime and take down the gang who drove him to do it. With The Rent Collectors, Jesse Katz has built a teeth clenching and breathless narrative that explicates the difficult and proud lives of undocumented black market workers who are being extorted by the gangs and fined by the city of LA--in other words, exploited by two sets of rent collectors.
About the Author
Jesse Katz is a former Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles magazine writer whose honors include the James Beard Foundation's M. F. K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award, PEN Center USA's Literary Journalism Award, a National Magazine Award nomination, and two shared Pulitzer Prizes. His writing has appeared in the anthologies Best American Magazine Writing, Best American Crime Writing, and Best American Sports Writing. As a volunteer with InsideOUT Writers, he has mentored incarcerated teenagers at Central Juvenile Hall and the former California Youth Authority. His first book, The Opposite Field, was set in LA's immigrant suburbs.
ManMaker
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Stealth
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Chicago Blackout
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Eerie
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Friday Fox
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Rink Ruler
ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. The auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that enhances my listening journey. I appreciate it!
Subzero Taffy
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. Say goodbye to monotony β this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. π±π ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session.
InsightInkwell
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Houston Rocket
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Lincoln Rider
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Bleach
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Thunder Tank
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
McDreamy
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. π§ββοΈ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks β mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. π§ββοΈπ§ Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π
Lucky Aurora
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment.
Demo Zero
ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. π Turning my phone into a portal of stories β this app's ease of use is remarkable! π±π« I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Cinder Coffee
This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules β it's like time travel through stories. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual growth and personal enjoyment. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
ThoughtTracer
The sound quality is outstanding β it's like having a movie theater in my ears! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. This app's compatibility with different file types means that my entire audiobook collection is at my fingertips. This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can 'read' while I work! This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule.
Tin Fox
Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. ππ§ Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Soda Delirium
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Poptart AK47
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience