62 pages 2 hours read

Jill Leovy

Ghettoside

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2015

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Ghettoside by Jill Leovy follows the investigation of the murder of Bryant Tennelle, the son of Los Angeles homicide detective Wally Tennelle, during the late 2000s and examines black-on-black violence in South Central Los Angeles to highlight systemic issues and the failure of the legal system in addressing violent crime in the black community, reinforcing the need for a strong, swift response to reduce such crime. The book contains graphic descriptions of violence and discussions on systemic racism.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Ghettoside by Jill Leovy offers a compelling investigation into the murder of a young black man in Los Angeles, reflecting broader systemic issues in the criminal justice system. Praised for its meticulous reporting and humanizing narrative, some critics found it overwhelmingly focused on specific cases, potentially narrowing its wider applicability. Its sociological insight and empathetic storytelling are widely appreciated.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ghettoside?

Readers who appreciate the intersection of social issues, true crime, and investigative journalism will be captivated by Jill Leovy’s Ghettoside. Similar to fans of The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, they will value the in-depth analysis and storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Journalism