Trying to Make It: The Enterprises, Gangs, and People of the American Drug Trade

Trying to Make It is a book by R. V. Gundur that explores the drug trade in the US, focusing on three key sites: Paso del Norte, Phoenix, and Chicago. It highlights the similarities and differences between the three areas and shows that the people involved in the drug trade are ordinary people just trying to make it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Trying to Make It is R. V. Gundur's captivating journey from the US-Mexico border to the heart of America, exploring the intricate world of the drug trade and the individuals involved. The book takes readers on a journey from the Paso del Norte area, encompassing the sister cities of Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, to Phoenix, known for its association with the drug trade through kidnappings, and finally to Chicago, a city criticized for its gangs and violence. Gundur delves into the similarities and differences within the American drug trade across these three sites, shedding light on how they relate to current narratives surrounding the drug trade in the US.

At each stop, the reader is transported to the city's historical and contemporary contexts, immersing themselves in the world of drug trade. Gundur introduces readers to a diverse range of individuals, including drug retailers, street and prison gang members, wholesalers, and law enforcement personnel, who play pivotal roles in the illicit enterprise. Through a comprehensive and comparative analysis of these three key sites, the stories in Trying to Make It offer a profound insight into the complex workings of illicit drug operations.

What sets this book apart is Gundur's approach, which seeks to humanize the individuals involved in the drug trade. Rather than demonizing them as a uniform, widespread threat or an endless array of bogeymen and women, Gundur presents them as ordinary people, living ordinary lives, just trying to make it. The book challenges the prevailing narratives that often portray drug traders as ruthless criminals, emphasizing their humanity and the complex factors that led them to participate in the trade.

Through their stories, Gundur highlights the struggles and hardships faced by these individuals, including poverty, social exclusion, and the allure of quick money. He sheds light on the complex web of relationships and alliances that exist within the drug trade, emphasizing the role of social networks and cultural norms in shaping the behavior of drug traders. Gundur also explores the impact of the drug trade on communities, highlighting the devastating effects it has on families, neighborhoods, and society as a whole.

In conclusion, Trying to Make It is a thought-provoking and empathetic exploration of the world of the drug trade. R. V. Gundur's journey takes readers on a journey from the border to the heartland, from prisons to streets, in search of the true story of the drug trade and the people who participate in it. Through a combination of macro- and microlevel vantage points and comparative analysis, the book offers a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the illicit drug industry. By humanizing the individuals involved and challenging prevailing narratives, Gundur provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the drug trade and its impact on society.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501764479