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In Deep: How I Survived Gangs, Heroin, and Prison to Become a Chicago Violence Interrupter
Before Angalia Bianca became one of Chicago’s foremost authorities on violence interruption and prevention and before she received international recognition and was honored by the City of Chicago, she was a criminal, a master manipulator, a brilliant con artist. Bianca spent twelve years in prison for forgery, embezzlement, drug dealing, and theft. But now she has gone far beyond the expectations for recovery to a life of service fueled by an unrelenting determination to make a difference.
Bianca was once a gang member; now she puts her life on the line to interrupt gang violence. For thirty-six years she was a heroin addict; now she mentors people in recovery. She was homeless; now she appears as an invited guest, speaking across the country and around the world. Bianca crawled out of the deepest hole imaginable; now through her work with CeaseFire/Cure Violence she climbs back down to change lives.
In Deep is a blunt, honest look at Bianca’s life. Her mind-blowing stories take readers deep into a life of grit and gang violence that seems inescapable. Her story is at once fascinating, terrifying, and ultimately full of hope. Readers will be inspired by Bianca’s climb out of the depths of depravity, and by her commitment to those facing the worst that the city of Chicago has to offer.
Bianca was once a gang member; now she puts her life on the line to interrupt gang violence. For thirty-six years she was a heroin addict; now she mentors people in recovery. She was homeless; now she appears as an invited guest, speaking across the country and around the world. Bianca crawled out of the deepest hole imaginable; now through her work with CeaseFire/Cure Violence she climbs back down to change lives.
In Deep is a blunt, honest look at Bianca’s life. Her mind-blowing stories take readers deep into a life of grit and gang violence that seems inescapable. Her story is at once fascinating, terrifying, and ultimately full of hope. Readers will be inspired by Bianca’s climb out of the depths of depravity, and by her commitment to those facing the worst that the city of Chicago has to offer.
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First published October 2, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 5, 2023
Angalia Bianca’s life was consumed by a horrendous drug addiction, criminal activity, and having to survive Chicago’s meanest streets. She found solace in the game, and embodied everything that it’s about, including hardcore gang membership. She’s been around one of many blocks, and as you see in her book cover, it shows. “In deep” is a well-written, brutally honest look at Bianca’s life as a criminal, a drug addict, and how she overcame both by becoming a“violence interrupter.”
Bianca comes across as entitled, self-centered, and remorseless, which makes her an unlikeable character. Most authors who write memoirs like this recognize how damaging their mistakes were, but Bianca does not. Not once in her memoir did she own her past, or take accountability for it. Her tales of drug use, debauchery, and street life are told with pride and longing, as if she misses it all. She never reflects on the hurt she caused her five kids or the family members who raised them. Bianca’s rock bottom was her being reduced to sleeping behind a garbage can, and by giving cops oral sex by force AND of habit. It was only then that she recognized that her high-flying times, her scheming, and her actions reduced her to gutter trash.
I have to wonder how truthful “In deep” is. Bianca says she was a hardcore gang member, yet her role is relegated to dope dealing and minor street hustles. She’s not “in the gang” as she’s more or a drug mule for a gang. She says she was “cleaned up,” and sharply dressed when she was dealing, shoplifting, or hustling, but if you look at her mugshots she looks like a drug-ravished junkie. No gang is going to trust a dope fiend looking like that to put in work, because it’s bad for business. My gut tells me she was more of a drug-addicted criminal than she was a hardcore gang member.
It’s not a terrible book, it’s just not as deep as it claims to be.
Bianca comes across as entitled, self-centered, and remorseless, which makes her an unlikeable character. Most authors who write memoirs like this recognize how damaging their mistakes were, but Bianca does not. Not once in her memoir did she own her past, or take accountability for it. Her tales of drug use, debauchery, and street life are told with pride and longing, as if she misses it all. She never reflects on the hurt she caused her five kids or the family members who raised them. Bianca’s rock bottom was her being reduced to sleeping behind a garbage can, and by giving cops oral sex by force AND of habit. It was only then that she recognized that her high-flying times, her scheming, and her actions reduced her to gutter trash.
I have to wonder how truthful “In deep” is. Bianca says she was a hardcore gang member, yet her role is relegated to dope dealing and minor street hustles. She’s not “in the gang” as she’s more or a drug mule for a gang. She says she was “cleaned up,” and sharply dressed when she was dealing, shoplifting, or hustling, but if you look at her mugshots she looks like a drug-ravished junkie. No gang is going to trust a dope fiend looking like that to put in work, because it’s bad for business. My gut tells me she was more of a drug-addicted criminal than she was a hardcore gang member.
It’s not a terrible book, it’s just not as deep as it claims to be.
April 26, 2021
Bianca has good stories—like getting involved with and going on tour with Keith Moon and The Who and hanging out with Iggy Pop. Then there are all her stories about drugs and doing crimes to support her habit and lust for excitement. It’s almost like she lived two (at least) lives—one before she became clean and one after, when she began her career as a violence interrupter. Bianca has lived one hell of a life and she tells her story well.
January 24, 2019
This is an amazing tale of Bianca who survived gangs, drugs and prison and now is a Chicago violence interrupter. She is brutally honest and sometimes this book is hard to read because of all the things Bianca got involved in. She also scammed and robbed people to support her drug habit. She came to speak at our library which made the story that much more real. As a Chicago person now I understand more the complexity of the street and prison problem here. I am thankful for her current work to stop the violence in our city as that in itself takes a lot of bravery. I am glad I read it.
June 10, 2024
Het was oprecht super interessant en gaaf boek tot de laatste paar hoofdstukken. Deze bitch heeft 40 jaar lang mensen opgelicht, in gangs gezeten, mensen in elkaar geslagen, een oude demente man tien duizenden euros afgepakt en nog veel meer. In plaats van in de laatste hoofdstukken waar ze nuchter wordt hier spijt van te hebben gaan de laatste hoofdstukken alleen maar over hoe geweldig het werk is wat ze doet voor se jongeren ban de straat (die ze alle 40 jaar ervoor aan de heroïne verslaafd heeft gemaakt) en gaat het alleen maar over de hoeveelheid prijzen ze heeft gekregen voor haar geweldige werk om violence on the street tegen te gaan. Geen enkele keer zegt ze spijt te hebben, geen enkele keer. Ze praat alleen maar over hoe geweldig ze is zodra ze clean is. Narcistische trut heb iig een beetje spijt voor de hoeveelheid fucking levens die je geruineerd hebt ook al was het tijdens je verslaving. Zoals o.a de 4 kids die je verslaafd aan hero op de wereld hebt gezet. Narcistische muts.
Ben boos
Ben boos
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2019
Loved it! What a story.
October 12, 2018
Street smarts, the uncanny ability to survive horrible situations, the determination to overcome drug addiction and ultimately turn her life around will keep you turning the pages of Bianca’s amazing and powerful story. Your tears of sorrow will become tears of joy. You can feel the heart, soul and love that went into the writing of this story. Linda Beckstrom, great job! I could not put this book down. You will not be disappointed, and when you are finished reading it, you will just say WOW! Love, love, love this inspirational memoir. An amazing read!
July 6, 2023
Angalia Bianca’s life was consumed by a horrendous drug addiction, criminal activity, and having to survive Chicago’s meanest streets. She found solace in the game, and embodied everything that it’s about, including hardcore gang membership. She’s been around one of many blocks, and as you see in her book cover, it shows. “In deep” is a well-written, brutally honest look at Bianca’s life as a criminal, a drug addict, and how she overcame both by becoming a“violence interrupter.”
Bianca comes across as entitled, self-centered, and remorseless, which makes her an unlikeable character. Most authors who write memoirs like this recognize how damaging their mistakes were, but Bianca does not. Not once in her memoir did she own her past, or take accountability for it. Her tales of drug use, debauchery, and street life are told with pride and longing, as if she misses it all. She never reflects on the hurt she caused her five kids or the family members who raised them. Bianca’s rock bottom was her being reduced to sleeping behind a garbage can, and by giving cops oral sex by force AND of habit. It was only then that she recognized that her high-flying times, her scheming, and her actions reduced her to gutter trash.
I have to wonder how truthful “In deep” is. Bianca says she was a hardcore gang member, yet her role is relegated to dope dealing and minor street hustles. She’s not “in the gang” as she’s more or a drug mule for a gang. She says she was “cleaned up,” and sharply dressed when she was dealing, shoplifting, or hustling, but if you look at her mugshots she looks like a drug-ravished junkie. No gang is going to trust a dope fiend looking like that to put in work, because it’s bad for business. My gut tells me she was more of a drug-addicted criminal than she was a hardcore gang member.
It’s not a terrible book, it’s just not as deep as it claims to be.
Bianca comes across as entitled, self-centered, and remorseless, which makes her an unlikeable character. Most authors who write memoirs like this recognize how damaging their mistakes were, but Bianca does not. Not once in her memoir did she own her past, or take accountability for it. Her tales of drug use, debauchery, and street life are told with pride and longing, as if she misses it all. She never reflects on the hurt she caused her five kids or the family members who raised them. Bianca’s rock bottom was her being reduced to sleeping behind a garbage can, and by giving cops oral sex by force AND of habit. It was only then that she recognized that her high-flying times, her scheming, and her actions reduced her to gutter trash.
I have to wonder how truthful “In deep” is. Bianca says she was a hardcore gang member, yet her role is relegated to dope dealing and minor street hustles. She’s not “in the gang” as she’s more or a drug mule for a gang. She says she was “cleaned up,” and sharply dressed when she was dealing, shoplifting, or hustling, but if you look at her mugshots she looks like a drug-ravished junkie. No gang is going to trust a dope fiend looking like that to put in work, because it’s bad for business. My gut tells me she was more of a drug-addicted criminal than she was a hardcore gang member.
It’s not a terrible book, it’s just not as deep as it claims to be.
May 28, 2022
I have to honestly admit; not only do I NOT routinely write, but even less so, publish, a book review; be it good, fair, or awful. But in this case, I actually felt a sense of urgency, and wanting to write it. The book is called 'In Deep-How I Survived Gangs, Heroin, and Prison to Become a Chicago Violence Interrupter' by Angalia Bianca with Linda Beckstrom. Before I start, I have to warn you that this book is tough to read, and is not for the faint of heart. It gets down to the nitty gritty side of crime, and ugly drug use. Bianca takes us through her life; starting at just 9 years of age, to get high. Learning at a young age also, how to become a master manipulator(along with her high intelligence, and high energy level), which would aid her many scams, tricks, and scores, throughout her criminal life. But all the time, going into the prison system, getting out, and going back in. Until that fateful day, which I will not reveal. But I will say, it thankfully gave us "the Angalia Bianca", who we all know today. Actually it's Angalia Bianca,PHd., thank you, very much. I absolutely loved this book! It's no wonder that Chicago Writers Association awarded this book, BOOK OF THE YEAR, AWARD WINNER, 2019. It's well deserved. Bianca holds nothing back, in her writing, photos, and hard honesty. This is the kind of inspirational, motivational, and strengthening story, that needs to not JUST get out there, but HEARD, as well. #AngaliaBianca
June 13, 2021
I love stories about people completely turning their lives around. This is one of those stories. Bianca started as a problem child but was spoiled - so much so that her family's ongoing support, especially financial, only helped to fuel her self-destruction. I started out being amused by the trouble she got herself into as a tween and into her twenties. As she got deeper and deeper into trouble, I was rivetted by the story of her insane life, watching her become a heroin addict, a prostitute, an incredible scam artist, and part of a motorcycle gang and other drug gangs, seeing people around her die in horrible and sometimes mysterious ways. But when she kept having kids who were born with heroin in their systems, abandoning them, and then scamming an elderly man with dementia out of a lot of money, I lost all respect for her. It took her many years after that to finally come to a point in her life where she realized she had to turn things around - and incredibly, she did, by becoming a violence interrupter. That's when she had me back on her side. This book is quite a roller coaster ride for the reader, but a good one at that.
December 14, 2018
Bianca first started getting high when she was 9 years old. She continued on deeper and deeper into the drug culture until she finally turned her life around at age 53. This book is a raw, unflinching look at the life she led, stealing, getting high, and prostituting. She did a lot of time in jail but always returned to the street life she loved until her father died while she was in prison. She finally realized if she continued with this life, no one would care when she died. She vowed to God she would turn her life around. When she got out of prison that is exactly what she did becoming a violence interrupter. She works in the mean streets of Chicago and speaks in schools, prisons and the media about who to stop violence. She eventually reunited with her 5 children and was welcomed back by her family members. I don't know who Bianca survived all the situations she found herself in over the years and how she was able to turn herself around. This really is a testament to human determination and how someone can totally turn her/his life around even later in life.
November 26, 2018
You want to read this book. And you don't want to read this book. But once you start, you will not be able to put it down. I knew Bianca in middle school and early high school in Oak Park, and I am stunned by what I learned as I read her book. This no-holds-barred narration of her memoirs of life in gangs, as a heroin addict, and prison, will shake you to your soul and also amaze you. It's rough, it's real, and it's a window into a side of life that most of us only know as numbers in a news report. The way her life has turned around after so many years of the roughest lifestyle imaginable, is amazing. You need to read it. Your teens need to read it (even though some parents may think it is too raw for a teenager to read). Bianca's life is now committed to preventing others from living the life that she lived. I'm still kind of on "stun" after turning the last page. This book will stay with me for a while.
April 20, 2019
It took me a bit to get absorbed into Bianca's life. She goes from a privileged and spoiled child that over the course of her adult life has mind blowing ups and downs. She's lucky she isn't dead. This also goes to show that money is relative. Initially I would read a few pages here and there and wonder if I should return the book to the library. By the end there was so much heart shining, I cried. I love memoirs showing personal growth, which is what she has in spades by the end. Her slow build of reconnecting with family is where I choked up the most.
This world needs more beautiful souls trying to do good in the world. I appreciate her shift in focus and the good she is doing her community.
I think I appreciate this book more because before reading it I had picked up Beth Macy's Dopesick, which gave me a better view of the opioid crisis, barriers to staying clean, and how harsh of a reaction the body has to detoxing.
Library read. Beautiful soul.
This world needs more beautiful souls trying to do good in the world. I appreciate her shift in focus and the good she is doing her community.
I think I appreciate this book more because before reading it I had picked up Beth Macy's Dopesick, which gave me a better view of the opioid crisis, barriers to staying clean, and how harsh of a reaction the body has to detoxing.
Library read. Beautiful soul.
July 22, 2026
As someone who's spent years untangling my own web of addictions, I relate to the relentless chase to escape ourselves. But what struck me most about In Deep wasn't just Angalia Bianca's recovery - it was what she chose to do with it. So many of us fight our way out simply hoping to survive. Bianca survived, then turned around and walked straight back into the fire to pull others out. Her transformation from heroin addiction, gang life, prison, and homelessness into one of Chicago's most respected violence interrupters is nothing short of extraordinary. In Deep is gritty and deeply human, but its greatest message is that recovery isn't just about getting sober - it's about discovering a purpose bigger than yourself. Bianca reminds us that our darkest chapters don't disqualify us from changing the world; sometimes they're exactly what prepares us to do it.
Cyn Posner
Author 'It's Messy in Here' - story about surviving cross-addictions.
Cyn Posner
Author 'It's Messy in Here' - story about surviving cross-addictions.
September 1, 2019
Angalia Bianca was a heroin addict for 36 years. After her mother left when she was 5 years old, her father and grandmother raised her, spoiling her and bailing her out from one situation after another. When she was 9 years old she got drunk and popped pills for the first time. From then, until she decided to finally get clean at the age of 53, her life was a maze of drugs, theft, scams including forgery and embezzlement, gangs and drug dealing, and prostitution. Since then, she has become a member of violence prevention group Cure Violence and slowly mended her relationships with the family who had given up on her. Watching friends and associates during those 36 years OD, get murdered, or die on the streets, she is amazed she lived to tell her story.
March 5, 2026
I read Angalia's memoir knowing she would be an unlikeable person. Everything revolved around her and her wants. Stealing from people to score her next hit was her goal. She was in so deep I could not find any redeeming qualities about her. I have no tolerance for people who do drugs, but every step of the way, I was rooting for her to finally kick her habit. I thought for sure when she had her first child she would quit-but, no. Second child-no. Every child after that-no. Boot camp-no.
Each time I was disappointed. I wanted her to succeed.
I was glad the loss of something finally rocked her to her core and she quit. With time, I am glad she was able to reconnect with her children and grandchildren. So much lost in between.
Each time I was disappointed. I wanted her to succeed.
I was glad the loss of something finally rocked her to her core and she quit. With time, I am glad she was able to reconnect with her children and grandchildren. So much lost in between.
November 7, 2018
The life of Anglica Bianca is a deep look into addiction and gang behavior For those like myself that had no real picture of what an addict and gang members it was eye opening and shocking. It is weird to read about a character who isn’t likable yet keeps my attention. How she turns her determination and skill into helping others is the lesson of the book. The book left me thinking and analyzing. I think it would be a great book club book. So much to discuss.
I hope there will be a sequel which dives into her work now at Cure Violence. I didn’t give it 5 stars because I would have liked more insight into how those who supported her and gave up on her were thinking. Maybe the sequel!
I hope there will be a sequel which dives into her work now at Cure Violence. I didn’t give it 5 stars because I would have liked more insight into how those who supported her and gave up on her were thinking. Maybe the sequel!
December 29, 2018
Being close with one of Angalia’s half-brothers, I was quite nervous to read this tell-all autobiography involving his family. To be honest, I read this book defensively at first... looking for fault in the writing or for moments when I could point out untrue or fabricated stories, etc. However when all is said and done this was one of the most compelling autobiographies I’ve ever read. So compelling that I canceled my Friday night plans to finish reading it all in one sitting. For all of the difficulties that she caused to the family, I admire Angalia’s vibrant and candid storytelling style and the way her co-writer Linda Beckstrom polished the stories into a suspenseful format.
August 22, 2019
"I did what I had done many times and began shoving the cash into my vagina...I started spitting on the money, somehow managing to get it all inside me...Peaches had to wear latex gloves smeared with Vaseline to get all the cash out of me."
I mean, if that quote doesn't want to make you dive right into this wild ride I don't know what will.
Bianca is seriously one crazy b*tch.
Tbh, I'm really surprised this book doesn't have more reviews! And trust me, there are not any slow spots so you could easily read this in a day.
I mean, if that quote doesn't want to make you dive right into this wild ride I don't know what will.
Bianca is seriously one crazy b*tch.
Tbh, I'm really surprised this book doesn't have more reviews! And trust me, there are not any slow spots so you could easily read this in a day.
December 29, 2019
Wow.
Any teen who asks “why can’t I” or complains about rules should read this. Any adult who wonders at who the people peddling at stoplights are should read this. Anyone who thinks they understand the criminal justice system should read this. Basically, if you are part of a community, you should read this.
We grow by truly seeing those who are different. Angalia Bianca is truly different. This was not the easiest book of 2019, but it was my favorite.
Any teen who asks “why can’t I” or complains about rules should read this. Any adult who wonders at who the people peddling at stoplights are should read this. Anyone who thinks they understand the criminal justice system should read this. Basically, if you are part of a community, you should read this.
We grow by truly seeing those who are different. Angalia Bianca is truly different. This was not the easiest book of 2019, but it was my favorite.
September 23, 2019
This was a can't put it down kind of book. Angalia Bianca (Bianca) tells her story of addiction, crime, prostitution, jail, and how she finally decided to change her life for the better. She is now a violence interrupter in Chicago and nationally recognized.
The story is tough to read but feels very real and empowering.
Excellent!
The story is tough to read but feels very real and empowering.
Excellent!
August 2, 2020
This book was so interesting and really learnt a lot from it but I did find her to be incredibly arrogant. He is honest about her addiction and selfish actions but repeatedly feels the need to comment on how intelligent and stunning she is. I also find it hard to believe how she single handily attempted to save a boys life.
January 31, 2022
What an inspirational and riveting read! I couldn't put this book down. The unmitigated honesty of the author, her refusal to sugarcoat the dark parts of her life, make her story completely convincing. The trajectory her life took serves as a cautionary tale--it CAN happen to you--and motivation for being all that you can be, for yourself and for the good of others. Highly recommend.
October 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, but it was frustrating that it took Bianca so long to change. It’s a shame she put herself through so much before she turned her life around. I’m glad she did and I loved the ending, though I would have liked to hear more details about the positive chapters of her new life.
May 23, 2019
Scenes will not be forgotten. Trying to like, understand or show compassion for Angalia is difficult. But, that's what addiction does.
Chicago and Oak Park Street scenes hit home . I know these places and people trying to make a difference.
Chicago and Oak Park Street scenes hit home . I know these places and people trying to make a difference.
February 19, 2021
This book will have you feeling a million different emotions. I couldn’t put it down. It will break your heart and mend it— perhaps restore your hope in humanity while coming to terms with the harrowing realities of gang violence and drug abuse on the streets of Chicago.
March 28, 2019
An amazing and eye opening story. She grew up in Oak Park, was in Dwight when Jane Houk was there. And, now is an interruptor for Cure Violence.
January 25, 2020
Oh my god. I inhaled this (audio)book. Bianca's story is so captivating. I cried, laughed and at times couldn't believe my ears of what she went through. Highly, highly recommending!
December 23, 2020
Eye opening and inspiration
I started poking into the violence in Chicago and came across this book. Such an amazing read and I'm passing it along.
I started poking into the violence in Chicago and came across this book. Such an amazing read and I'm passing it along.
Read
February 16, 2022Absolutely riveting and so, so inspiring. I so appreciate Angelia’s honesty and rawness here. This is the story of addiction that everyone needs to hear.
November 2, 2025
This book was truly inspirational! 2nd chances
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews