The Young and Violent

Gober Gonzalves is the leader of a teenage gang known as the ’Kings of the Earth.’ This week he is planning to rumble over a girl he no longer cares for. Red Eyes de Jarro is a member of the gang, as is Tea Bag Perrez. Red Eyes writes song lyrics and dreams of a better life. Tea Bag shoots heroin and just dreams. They are Gober’s lieutenants, ready to follow him anywhere. Flat Head Pontiac is the leader of a rival gang called the Jungles. Flat Head has a dream as well, a dream of glory. He’s the one who has forced the rumble on Gober, giving him no choice - you don’t punk out when someone makes a pass at your girl, whether you care about her or not. She’s yours. Everyone understands that. If only Gober could make Dolores, the girl he really loves, understand as well. If only they could walk away from it - if only it were that easy.

Vin Parker is a pen name for Marijane Meaker, who has also written books under the names Mary James, Ann Aldrich, and M.E. Kerr. She is credited for creating the lesbian pulp fiction drama, but she also writes mystery, crime, nonfiction, and young adult fiction. She is the author of numerous books, including Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!, If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?, Deliver Us from Evie?, and Slap Your Sides.