56 pages • 1 hour read
Geoffrey CanadaFist, Stick, Knife, Gun: A Personal History of Violence
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1995A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Fist Stick Knife Gun by Geoffrey Canada is a 1995 memoir about his upbringing in the South Bronx from age four to young adulthood, showcasing the progression of violence he faced. Beginning with his father's departure and the theft of his brother's jacket, the memoir details his education in the codes of street survival, his encounters with escalating violence, and his eventual move to a small college in Maine.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Geoffrey Canada's Fist Stick Knife Gun offers a powerful memoir on urban violence and youth. Critics praise its raw, compelling narrative and insightful social commentary. However, some find the storytelling occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's acclaimed for its honest portrayal of systemic issues impacting marginalized communities.
Who Should Read Fist Stick Knife Gun?
Readers who would enjoy Fist Stick Knife Gun by Geoffrey Canada are likely interested in social justice, youth empowerment, and urban studies. Fans of Alex Kotlowitz's There Are No Children Here or Wes Moore's The Other Wes Moore will find Canada’s memoir thought-provoking, with its firsthand look at violence and resilience in inner-city America.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1020L