
Skinhead: A Life Unchosen
3.89
1,111 ratings·8 reviews
A brutal and honest memoir from inside the skinhead subculture. This isn't a story of Nazis or politics, but a raw look at how youthful energy gets twisted by propaganda and media manipulation. Be warned: this is a true story, filled with harsh language, British slang, and opinions that might shock...
- Pages
- 193
- Format
- Kindle Edition
- Published
- 2014-12-18
- Publisher
- Spike Pitt
Genres
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Rating & Review
What do you think?
Community Reviews
8 reviews3.9
1,111 ratings
5
45%
4
30%
3
15%
2
7%
1
3%
F
Fetch·5 years ago
An entertaining, if somewhat repetitive, autobiography of a second-generation British Skinhead. Spike Pitt's *Skinhead: A Life Unchosen* offers a raw and unflinching look into a subculture often misunderstood. If you're looking for gritty British memoirs or true crime book reviews, this is a worthwhile read, though be prepared for some familiar territory if you're well-versed in skinhead history.
Steve Parcell·8 years ago
I've never been a skinhead myself, but the culture has always fascinated me. I actually know a few people who were skinheads back in the day, though they sometimes seem a bit distant knowing I'm a Mod at heart.Spike really digs deep and gives you a look at the movement from every angle. It's very much a warts-and-all portrayal – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and I found it really engaging. I hope you weren't one of those Skins who chased me through Lilywhites on Oxford Street around 1980, th...
D
David·8 years ago
It felt like reading the same story on repeat: drink, fight, the cops show up, and Spike either goes to jail, gets off scot-free, or manages to escape. I was really hoping for something more from *Skinhead: A Life Unchosen* other than just a string of fight recounts. I almost gave up on it a few times because it was so repetitive, but I kept pushing, hoping for some kind of payoff, and was ultimately left feeling disappointed. If you're looking for insightful book reviews, this might not be the ...
Bernie Morris·9 years ago
A voice that needs to be heard. Spike Pitt's *Skinhead: A Life Unchosen* is the truth about a long-established British subculture that has been much misinterpreted, misunderstood, and maligned. Well worth a read if you're looking for honest social commentary and a truly unique perspective on modern Britain. Highly recommend this book for anyone interested in British subcultures.
Paul Laters·9 years ago
I really enjoyed reading "Skinhead: A Life Unchosen" by Spike Pitt, and a lot of it resonated with my own early memories. I remember the rise of the punks during my school years, and the clashes between the punks and the skinheads. It's great to read a book that doesn't try to be something it's not, and I found "Skinhead: A Life Unchosen" both entertaining and enjoyable. Definitely a recommended read for anyone interested in honest, gritty memoirs.
Jesamine James·11 years ago
My review's already up. Apparently, there's a conflict of accounts, but I only ever had one. Here's what I wrote: This book, "Skinhead: A Life Unchosen" by Spike Pitt, is a lesson in Skinhead culture, told through memoir-style stories that'll have you smiling and wincing at the same time. It's a fantastic balance of humor and harsh reality, and the clever ending left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling I totally wasn't expecting. Definitely one of the most interesting books I've read lately. Spike Pit...
TI
This isn't my account·11 years ago
A real lesson in Skinhead culture told through memoir-style tales that will have you smiling and wincing in equal measure. *Skinhead: A Life Unchosen* by Spike Pitt strikes a perfect balance between humor and harsh reality, and the clever ending left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling I wasn't expecting. This story is written with unflinching honesty and absolutely no regrets.I highly recommend this read, both for those who lived through that era and for today's teenage audience, who might actually l...
Bernie Morris·11 years ago
A voice that needs to be heard. *Skinhead: A Life Unchosen* is the truth about a long-established British subculture that has been much misinterpreted, misunderstood, and maligned. Spike Pitt's story is well worth a read. A must-read for anyone interested in British social history or compelling biographical accounts. This book review highly recommends it!