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Two Badges: The Lives of Mona Ruiz
The author describes how she went from a gang member, married to an abusive husband, and on welfare to becoming a member of the Santa Ana police force.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
30 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 12, 2011
the book i just finished reading was "Two Badges" and i really did like this book it tells most of my life on lines. Im not one to say how i feel or explain what im feeling but here Dona made it seem as if i was her. She had a crazy life that went by so fast and with me my story starts off the same . As a youngster i grew up fighting for respect & to defend my family . Soon i come to see my family brakes over things me and my sister decide to do . Living in California can make you and brake you if you let it . Dont fight for fame and just leave, Fight for honer and pride in who u want to be and stand by it .
May 12, 2012
Two Badges by Mona Ruiz explores the dichotomy between the world of a gang member and police officer through first person. There is an abundant use of tone words of varying difficulty utilized as Mona relates her story. The simplicity of talking about being a gang member of a police officer is completely obliterated as she talks about being a part of both worlds at the same time. Fighting for legitimacy and respect from fellow gang members at parties only to put on a police uniform the next day and head off to the station. The concept triggers a mire of conundrums the reader knows will present itself on any page.
Additionally, there are a number of themes explored within this novel. Any teacher interested in covering; love, family, responsibility, friendship, community, perspective, honor, and trust will find abundant material here. The story itself is told primarily utilizing formal English conventions. There are a number of places where Spanish is utilized in conversations adding to its authenticity while making sure it does not overwhelm non-speakers.
This book happened to be sitting on the shelf of my reading room collecting dust until a student selected it as the group read last week. Now, it’s all the kids in the classroom are talking about. I have read a number of gang related books and I honestly was sick of the topic. While Two Badges deals with the same topic, it also does something far more remarkable; it explores the world of a police officer.
A lot of my students (some with good reason) hate and fear the police. They never really considered the human being behind the shield. Many of the discussions which have been prompted by Mona's story has challenged my students to research the police or speak to the ones stationed in our building. In terms of literature that affects the reader, I am hard pressed to think of any other title which has caused such an immediate and obvious mental shift in my students.
Additionally, there are a number of themes explored within this novel. Any teacher interested in covering; love, family, responsibility, friendship, community, perspective, honor, and trust will find abundant material here. The story itself is told primarily utilizing formal English conventions. There are a number of places where Spanish is utilized in conversations adding to its authenticity while making sure it does not overwhelm non-speakers.
This book happened to be sitting on the shelf of my reading room collecting dust until a student selected it as the group read last week. Now, it’s all the kids in the classroom are talking about. I have read a number of gang related books and I honestly was sick of the topic. While Two Badges deals with the same topic, it also does something far more remarkable; it explores the world of a police officer.
A lot of my students (some with good reason) hate and fear the police. They never really considered the human being behind the shield. Many of the discussions which have been prompted by Mona's story has challenged my students to research the police or speak to the ones stationed in our building. In terms of literature that affects the reader, I am hard pressed to think of any other title which has caused such an immediate and obvious mental shift in my students.
March 7, 2011
The story Two Badges is based on a true tragic story. Ramond Sandoval, who is Romonas father, was raised in Santa Ana where all the gansters would always cause trouble. Ramond was the second child in his family. When he had his second kid he named her Ramona Sandoval, just like him. He gave her his name because he thought she'd be the most responsible one in the family just like he was. When Ramona would spend time with her father, her father always taught her how to always stay away from the gangbangers. Her father was a religious man. He told mona(Ramona) that the police was like the gods soldiers protecting the world. Mona wanted to become a police because she thought she'd make her father happy but not only that she'd be one of gods soldiers. When she went on highschool she began to get in many fights and loved the feeling of people hitting her and her hitting back. Mona becomes a chola. She starts joining the party scene. Ramona meets a guy there and they get married. They start having children but then abusement begins happening.
When I read this story I cried in several parts because its not fair how children get to see parents fighting and children get tramatized. This story has so much meaning. This is one of my favorite books because this book gave some teenagers advice on situations like Ramona, Sandoval, Ruiz.
I recommend this book to anyone who has problems with there boyfriends or abusement.
When I read this story I cried in several parts because its not fair how children get to see parents fighting and children get tramatized. This story has so much meaning. This is one of my favorite books because this book gave some teenagers advice on situations like Ramona, Sandoval, Ruiz.
I recommend this book to anyone who has problems with there boyfriends or abusement.
September 25, 2018
Mona Ruiz was born into a large family, child of two hard working parents who wanted the best for their children. Unfortunately, she was also born into a neighborhood in Santa Ana that was slowly descending into gang territory as she reached the dangerous age of adolescence. Though her parents had drilled into their children the dangers of gangs, and the truth of right and wrong, they couldn't stop the influences that surrounded them. Mona entered the gang life at a young age. She also dabbled with a career in law enforcement at a young age, getting her first job with the police force while still in high school. Two futures were possible for young Mona; which one she chose was up to her. In this gripping autobiography Mona shares her challenges and her opportunities, and acknowledges the mistakes she made that derailed her life.
This was an honest and heartfelt look at the author's life. It's a cautionary tale for young people who are facing decisions that can affect the rest of their lives. It's also a hopeful tale, one that shows how a person can change their lot in life even after they've gotten off to a bad start. I thought her thoughts were well-organized and found her story inspiring.
This was an honest and heartfelt look at the author's life. It's a cautionary tale for young people who are facing decisions that can affect the rest of their lives. It's also a hopeful tale, one that shows how a person can change their lot in life even after they've gotten off to a bad start. I thought her thoughts were well-organized and found her story inspiring.
July 26, 2025
10/10
as someone who is local to orange county , the story of mona ruiz is something that really caught my attention. the way her words would capture my attention & truly leave you reading and getting an idea of how her mind would work. it is truly amazing .
as someone who is local to orange county , the story of mona ruiz is something that really caught my attention. the way her words would capture my attention & truly leave you reading and getting an idea of how her mind would work. it is truly amazing .
June 7, 2017
Very well written. A true story that reads like a novel. Takes place in the 1980s but still valid today.
March 5, 2019
Great book....I do recommend to everyone...
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September 2, 2019I really enjoyed this book as did my students. Mona had a crazy life and I believe we can learn much from her life.
November 18, 2022
What Ruiz lacks in writing skills, she more than makes up for in heart. I'm considering teaching this memoir.
November 14, 2011
What attracted me to this book was basically what it said in the cover “The Lives of Mona Ruiz”. That surprised me because I assumed it was a story about an ordinary undercover cop, but it wasn’t just that. Also the book was recommended to me by one of my teachers.
Mona Ruiz grew up in the city of Santa Ana, California in the 1970s and 1980s. Mona grew up around gangs and violence. Her father always told her to stay of the gang life, but around Santa Ana it was nearly impossible. Ruiz spent most of her young years affiliated with the gangs and married to an abusive husband. Mona soon figured out that enough was enough, she stepped away from the gangs and left her husband, and began a new life, the life her father wanted and something she loved, to be a cop.
Mona Ruiz and her book inspired me to stay of the gang life, how she describes how she was with her friends and at the keg parties seemed fun but then come the consequences, the drive-bys, and your friends dying at arm distance from you. It’s scary, but it also motivated me to pursue my dream of being a cop also.
Mona Ruiz grew up in the city of Santa Ana, California in the 1970s and 1980s. Mona grew up around gangs and violence. Her father always told her to stay of the gang life, but around Santa Ana it was nearly impossible. Ruiz spent most of her young years affiliated with the gangs and married to an abusive husband. Mona soon figured out that enough was enough, she stepped away from the gangs and left her husband, and began a new life, the life her father wanted and something she loved, to be a cop.
Mona Ruiz and her book inspired me to stay of the gang life, how she describes how she was with her friends and at the keg parties seemed fun but then come the consequences, the drive-bys, and your friends dying at arm distance from you. It’s scary, but it also motivated me to pursue my dream of being a cop also.
May 31, 2012
This is a Non-fiction book, I really enjoyed reading it. This book can reflect on todays world how many young girls are struggling in life and it also you can learn from the authors mistakes. Well this book is basically about a girl named Mona Ruiz, she grew up in the city of Santa Ana in the 1980s. Mona grew up in a poor neighborhood where you see violence and gangs. As a young child she was in a gang and her father told her to get out of it and had taught her to do good in life and become a police officer. To become a police it meant alot for her father he said it was like gods soldiers. For Mona it was very hard for her to get out of the gangs. Mona went to a party where she met a guy and later years got married to him and he became very abusive. She then got pregnant, Mona wasnt happy the way she was living her life. It is a really great book to read i want to recommend it to anyone who likes to read drama and suspense.
May 23, 2012
I am reading this novel with my high school students. While we have not finished it yet, the students (including me) are really enjoying this novel. I find it is something that my students can relate to and feel connected to in ways that inspire and make them want to be something better than they are.
June 20, 2012
Ruiz does an excellent job of not skirting the dirty details of life in a gang and the struggles to leave her gang "family" behind. Shunning the requisite happy ending readers expect, Ruiz reminds us that life is fluid and that life experiences - good and bad - shape who we have become only at this moment. "Two Badges" is perfectly set up to invite a sequel to Mona's inaugural novel.
March 10, 2012
This book is difficult to put down. Ruiz gives an honest memoir from a gang member to a cop. You will live through her struggles and failures. She is an inspiration because she NEVER gives up on her dreams. She is determined and strong. It is a must read.
April 17, 2016
This book was too close to home literally. I teared up on many of her family problems because I could relate so much to them. it was so inspiring to read about Mona's triumphs although I didn't understand her decision to be with Frank from the get go. overall loved it so much!
January 31, 2010
The author used to attend the school I teach at, became a gang member, and then became a cop. A riveting read. I can see why my students like it so much.
April 10, 2011
I think the plot was very believable and very inspiring. This was a intersting book and I enjoyed it even thoug it was a homework assignment I would read it again.
November 7, 2013
This was a choice for Woodland Reads. Mona Ruiz came to Woodland in October 2013. A fascinating life.
March 6, 2014
i read this book recently and i thought it was very good.i thought it was good because there was a lot of action. my favorite part was when they jumped people.
July 26, 2007
I really enjoyed this book.
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May 20, 2011Read it to my students. They love it for the swear words. I hated it for its endlessness.
February 20, 2014
this book is a very good book
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September 21, 2018I liked the story because it kind of motivated me to not look at the bad side of everything. I'm constantly ignoring the good in front of me because I'm caught up in the past, this story helped me realize that being stubborn won't get me anywhere.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews