It Calls You Back: An Odyssey through Love, Addiction, Revolutions, and Healing

by Luis J. Rodríguez

Luis Rodriguez, author of the award-winning and bestselling classic memoir Always Running , chronicles his harrowing journey from a drugged-out gang member to one of the most revered figures in Chicano literature.

Hundreds of thousands of readers came to know Luis J. Rodriguez through his fearless classic, Always Running , which chronicled his early life as a young Chicano gang member surviving the dangerous streets of East Los Angeles. The long-awaited follow-up, It Calls You Back is the equally harrowing story of Rodriguez starting over, at age eighteen, after leaving gang life—the only life he really knew.

The book opens with Rodriguez’s final stint in jail as a teenager and follows his struggle to kick heroin, renounce his former life, and search for meaningful work. He describes with heartbreaking honesty his challenges as a father, and his difficulty leaving his rages and addictions completely behind. Even as he breaks with “la vida loca” and begins to discover success as a writer and an activist, Rodriguez finds that his past—the crimes, the drugs, the things he’d seen and done—has a way of calling him back.

When his oldest son is sent to prison for attempted murder, Rodriguez is forced to confront his shortcomings as a father, and to acknowledge how and why his own history is repeating itself, right before his eyes.

Deeply insightful and beautifully written, It Calls You Back is an odyssey through love, addiction, revolutions, and healing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2011

About the author

Luis J. Rodríguez (b. 1954) is a poet, journalist, memoirist, and author of children’s books, short stories, and novels. His documentation of urban and Mexican immigrant life has made him one of the most prominent Chicano literary voices in the United States. Born in El Paso, Texas, to Mexican immigrant parents, Rodríguez grew up in Los Angeles, where in his teen years he joined a gang, lived on the streets, and became addicted to heroin. In his twenties, after turning his back on gang violence and drugs, Rodríguez began his career as a journalist and then award-winning poet, writing such books as the memoir Always Running (1993), and the poetry collections The Concrete River (1991), Poems Across the Pavement (1989), and Trochemoche (1998). He has also written the short story collection The Republic of East L.A. (2002). Rodríguez maintains an arts center, bookstore, and poetry press in L.A., where he continues writing and working to mediate gang violence.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't do it. I read half of this and put it down for good, and I will probably never return to give Mr. Rodriguez a third try. I read Always Running, because it's one of those books that you should read if you care about youth, and violence, and what is going on in the city, all things I care about profoundly, and all things I was in the midst of until relatively recently. His writing craft is OK, I don't think it's exemplary or unique, but he can produce a reasonably gripping narrative. My problem was, and sadly still is, the portrayal of women in these books. Mr. Rodriguez STILL, even through the lens of maturity, seems to cast himself as a victim, but women raised in the same circumstance? Well, they are "emotional children", "manipulators", liars, cheats, whores, and all the rest.... He never says things like: "our marriage failed because we were both emotionally immature", he always frames himself as a passive product of his environment, while women seem to exist to deliberately and aggressively make his life worse. I know we are all journeying, and maybe he hasn't reached the place in his journey where he can see women as people, but I couldn't get past it.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest and some parts are more difficult than others to read, and the second half is definitely richer than the first. Rodríguez tells a lot about negotiating his identity as a Latino born and living in the US but visiting Mexico and Central America--always feeling like somewhat of an outsider-- and later finding his roots as a part native person, finding that spirituality, and learning how to be a father which helps him stay clean. He is very honest and admits his faults throughout. His relationships with women are not always ideal but he looks back on many of them with genuine respect and acknowledges his mistakes, and contextualizes them in terms of his own family history as well as bigger societal problems and stereotypes- but doesn't use these as excuses for his behavior. The most redemptive/ valuable parts for me where that he addresses the institutions and social structures that keep people who have been incarcerated from moving on & is very articulate about critiquing the prison system in general. There are some especially good bits about how contradictory and challenging it is to care for a family member who is incarcerated, to try to be there but also help them learn from their mistakes and grow, and how hard it is to do that effectively when the prison system is so unjust to begin with. Overall, he commits his life to anti-violence/gang activism and mentoring young people which is definitely redeeming and I did learn a lot about Chicano activist movements throughout the book.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It Calls You Back is a self indulgent memoir that rambles through sexual encounters and personal discovery, interspersed with insufficient descriptions of important union work and journalism. All of this is topped off by the author's obvious realization that he has neglected his son, who has become the kind of thug that Rodriguez' work sought to rehabilitate. This fact is sadly ironic, especially with every accolade mentioned and each name dropped. I've heard Always Running is good, but I doubt I'll ever read it after my experience with this one.

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book !!!!

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book It Calls You Back has a lot to teach us as Raza Educators. Using the analysis offered in the text, we can make sense of our situation Raza families go through. More importantly, Luis J. Rodriguez demonstrates that we can't and shouldn't ever give up on people and we must find new and creative ways to help each other heal.

[M27873 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book "It Calls You Back", by Luis Rodriguez. The author talks about his life as a young gang member in Los Angeles. His experiences on the streets his involvement in gangs, his drug use and the violence he participated in and witnessed. The main conflict of in the story is Luis’ trying to escape what he calls: "La Vida Loca", the crazy life of a gang-member. The reader sees him develop into an educated person and getting off drugs. The driving question in the book is will Luis be able to leave his old life. Overall, I liked the story "It Calls You Back" because the main character, Luis, experiences horrible things and is able to overcome these hardships. I wondered what motivated him to be in the places he was, when things went bad. I was concerned about the choices he made in life. The book deals primarily with gang life and talks a lot about drugs, sex, the use of profanity, and violence, and may offend some readers. The main character, Luis is a violent gang member who is addicted to drugs and some readers may think it is too much. Finally, Luis has to deal with enemies and money issues. I especially appreciated this book because it had many experiences to learn about . Even more than that, I loved the he never gave up on whatever he believed in, good or bad he never gave up. He faced his obstacles head on, and I thought that was impressive. Every time I read this book, it makes me remember my uncles and my brother my eyes become watery; but my mind is peaceful.

[James Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was preety good. it didn't really fit my humanitarian topic well but i ended up finding other things that were important to me in the book.
if i had to choose a book all over again this one would be top 3 for sure. it was a great read and gave great insight into what life in the streets is really like instead of the watered down version we see in the media. it portrayed the hardships of everyday life and showed me some of the difficulties i might face as an adult. over all one of my top 5 favorite non fiction books of all time.

the story follows a man named luis rodriguez and his life starting in the gang ridden streets of L.A. in his early years he was a gangster and drug addict. but he turns his life around and becomes a writer, poet, father and community organizer. he helps many people on his journey and learns many important lessons along the way.

[Jenny Song · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sure the work he has done is commendable, but he elicited zero empathy from me in this book, which by my reading makes him out to be an asshole, a misogynist and a failed father. Everything that happens is either not his fault OR he melodramatically blames himself in a surface level way. For a memoir, I don’t read very much introspection, and for a writer, he certainly tells and doesn’t show much. I got very tired of reading the adjectives he uses for the women in his life, like either childish or immature (if he is criticizing them) or having a beautiful body (even for his non romantic partners).

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is one of a man's struggle to get out of the life of gangs, drugs, addictions and the difficulties with relationships he had as a result.

The family dynamics was important in this book as well and showed the pain of finding out your father is not the man you thought he was. Multiple relationships with women (and marriages) come in to play as well and why they didn't work very well.

How does one man move from the gangs on the streets of L.A. to prison to a life of becoming an author? This man's story is one that will show you how that happens...or not.

[Raphael De · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because it can relate to many people around the world, people who were part of a gang, doing drugs, and just isn't doing well in life and they take that problem and change they change for the better because they don't want to live that kind of life style anymore. This book is a non-fiction book because it a biography of Luis J. Rodriguez. Luis J. Rodriguez is a character in this story because hes the main character since this book is about him and he wants to start a new life and do better. Another reason why Luis wants to start over because he's a father and his oldest son has been booked to jail for attempted murder. Luis also has a younger child, and he wants to set a good example for his kid so that he wouldn't end up like Luis. The main conflict of the story is man vs. world. Since he was part of a gang people and the police officer always have there eyes on him because of his past, and he wants to change that and show them that he changed and is a better person. A meaningful quote that I've discovered is on page 4 and Luis said, "That's where your wrong, homegrown," I said. " I made it m business. I'm tired of the police, the racism, the unjust treatment. I took my stand so here I am". Its meaningful to me because this is happening in our world and it's a huge problem. We have a problem with the police brutality using unnecessary force on people for no reason and it may be because of their skin color. There is still forms of racism in the world as well, African-Americans and Mexicans are discriminated because of their color and hoe people see them. Luis is fed up with all of it so he stands up for himself and for the other people. I would recommend this book to others because it has a true meaning and has a message that is trying to be shown. Not all gangsters stay gangsters, Luis was part of a gang a realized that he didn't want to live in that life style, killing people, doing drugs, and just not caring about the world. He was tried of it and decided to change. People can change no matter what they've been through.

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Luis Rodriguez. More detailed in nature than I would have expected after reading the first autobiography. I found this book to be insightful, full of information, inspiring, and intriguing. Rodriguez discusses his own life and struggles; from his gang life to his educational life, is parenting life and different relationships, as well as, his addictions to his sobriety. He discusses how his own choices effect those around him and how he had to use that knowledge to help his own children overcome.

[Yvette arreola · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good read !!

I choose four star bc this book is amazing. I can relate to it, there is no bs it is given to you the way it was, and it talks a lot about the life of a chicano and not just writing about it but actually being a voice for the people and super active in the communities. Which blows my mind how dedicated Luis J Rodriquez is to make a difference despite his own battles.

[hime · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t do autobiographical/memoir sorta books. This was something I was assigned in class. But I gotta say, good for this man on getting his life together, on doing something worthwhile with it. Though the way he spoke about women, the way he behaved in his personal life, was off-putting for me, at least there’s some honestly to it? No sugarcoating? Still, a little difficult for me to accept. This book was alright and interesting enough.

[David Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rodriguez is honest about his failings, which seem to be legion: gangs, machismo, broken relationships, a wandering eye, absent parenthood, anger, drink, drugs and more. It's to his credit that he gradually pulled himself out of all that, and he has a lot of sharp observations along the way, but that doesn't mean 400 pages doesn't get tedious. Also, for virtually every woman in his life, he describes her skin (frequently, "smooth").

[Rafael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was conflicted about this one. The first memoir, Always Running, left me sympathizing with the author. But here he just reveals how he has a habit of blaming the women in his life. It felt like a story about his sexual conquests. Several times I was just annoyed at his inability to take responsibility without subtly blaming his partners. Has he learned nothing? 2.5/5

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A former East LA gang member and heroin addict leaves LA County Jail determined to live a different life, one that invests in his people/community. This autobiographical book journeys through love and loss, having children, and highlights of a career that include being a world traveling writer.

[Jacob Gonzales · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not a perfect book, but it is unique in its style, storytelling, and unashamed honesty.

I completely understand someone reading this book and being put off by how easily the author recalls his life. He is very upfront about his shortcomings (individually, as a husband and father), and also his destructive choices (drugs, gang violence, abuse, neglect, addiction, etc). I find this blunt approach, refreshing and admirable.

Again, not a perfect book by any means, but a refreshing autobiography/memoir.

[Jonilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very long winded and mentioned a lot of people and place names that might be unknown to you if you’re unfamiliar with Chicago or LA. That’s why I only gave 3 stars; otherwise I enjoyed listening (audiobook).

[Laura Hargreaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read

A GREAT BOOK READ in a week couldn't put it down
Had to know how it ended
Glad I took the time

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong writing highlights the writers story. With out knowing the book was a memoir I would beg for a version written by his son.

[Max Hanawalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read. It gets more interesting towards the end.

[Alexandria Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great perspective of what it was like growing up in East Los Angeles. The author highlights a different perspective of gang life and what can lead a person to that life.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cultural LA Life story from a chicano perspective! Great read.

[Always Been Dime]

Classic

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book about a former gang member and his life after he left the gang. There is a previous book about his earlier life before, during and shortly after leaving the gang. I listened to this on audio and it does seem a bit too long, but there was a lot of things that needed to be covered. Occasionally, things seemed to be discussed out of order and this often confused me for a bit. I'm very glad they used a Hispanic narrator, since it added to the authenticity.

[Arnoldo Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snap Review
It Calls You Back: An Odyssey through Love, Addiction, Revolutions and Healing by Luis J. Rodriguez. A Touchstone Book published by Simon & Schuster, October 2011.

Luis J. Rodgriguez memoir it Calls You Back is exceptional story telling. Few books, far too few, are published telling the ordinary stories of the working class, survivors of the underclass, the underdogs, who too often prey on each other. Following his initial memoir "Always Running," about his youth as a gang member in Los Angeles, Rodriguez picks up his story as he is leaving L.A. County Jail being taunted by sheriffs that he will be back. And he returns and returns a different man, a changed man, at times trapped by his own upbringing and his own work that separates him from his loved ones, as an activist and organizer addressing the same problems and issues he faced as a young man in the hood.

In "It Calls You Back" the reader is dragged through a series of promising love relationships and entanglements, as he describes them, where Rodriguez unabashedly shares his failures and hopes. Rodriguez makes strides as he goes through a series of jobs, relationships, and stints in political movements. He suffers setbacks every step along the way, pulling himself back through drinking, bad decisions in relationships with women and turns around. Rodriguez's redeems himself because what always calls him back is becoming the father he needed and attending to his family.

"It Calls You Back" is the story of a working class Chicano/Mexicano who through hook and crook succeeds, at great personal cost, to become a national figure in the peacemaking movement among gangs and youth. Subtitled "An odyssey through love, addictions revolutions, and healing," the book focuses more on his loves and addictions, the revolutions being of a personal nature and the healing a political and cultural community-based breakthrough.

[Ken Mitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Rodriguez's first memoir, ALWAYS RUNNING, which covers very similar territory. Prefer that book to this one. Repetitive often but still worth reading.

[Amanda Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me some time to finish this, but that's not the fault of the author. Picking up, in a manner of speaking, where his previous memoir (Always Running: La Vida Loca Gang Life in LA) left off, Rodriguez struggles to adjust to life without his homeboys, being a good father and husband, turning to alcohol to fill the absence of drugs in his life, all the while trying to find a job and keep writing. Eventually he succeeds, becoming a journalist, traveling to Central America to see first hand the deception the PRI uses to rig elections in a Mexican state, coming face to face with an American rocket that ended up in the hands of the Honduran government, and being hassled by customs officials when he re-enters the country.

I wish I'd taken the time to re-read Always Running, though, before I started in on this. I highly recommend you start at the beginning of the story-because in It Calls You Back, we get to see the middle of it.

[Halle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Experiencing, much less moving beyond a gang and drug / alcohol filled existence is something most of us thankfully will never experience. Something most of us would never be able to live through. Luis did, not as a saint, but as a human being with faults, doubts, setbacks and mistakes, but yet still striving towards a better self. This being said, I found myself skipping a lot of passages in this work that added nothing to the depth of the story / struggle other than a listing of "whose who" with whom Luis had rubbed elbows, or who had been a part of organizations to which Luis now belongs. It is as if a part of Luis is saying "well I know so-and-so so I must be all right" -still reaching out for acceptance.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so great. Rodriguez's life as an activist and father and recovering gangster/alcoholic and poet. I liked it so much better than La Vida Loca because he is mature and talks about the women in his life with respect and acknowledgement of his part in the problems he had with his wives. It's sad to see his own life reflected in that of his son, but it's also very heartening to read how he supported his son as best he could and tried to fix his mistakes. I could not put the book down and really learned a lot about Chicano/Chicana activism and the unionization of manufacturing industry in the 80s.