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The Words of Friends and Visitors to Piri's Website
Add your comments here...

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dear dear piri,

i read your book "down these mean streets" when i was twelve.i cried at the end.it was a very well written book and i understand completly what you went through when you were young. i am very picky when it comes to my reading and your book was by far the best i've read.i really wanted to meet you and ask you how the hell did you make it?!you are very strong and i give you props for that.i dont think that ill survive living in the ghetto.wish me luck cuz i still have a long time to live.hopefully...
kiri <babykeetiekat170@cs.com>
Dyckman, New York NY 10040

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My name is Edmund Marco and it's a pleasure to sign your guest book. I work for an advertising agency in London. Our agency represents direct marketing companies that are involved in the marketing of products as seen on TV in England. Most of the infomercial products come from the U.S. but then again we export our talents as well. My brother has appeared in infomercials in the U.S. advertising various products. I think it's hilarious that English people respond so well to American products while Americans tend to respond well to sales people who have an English accent! none.
Edmund
London, Kent England

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Hola,
I am just curious as to what is going on in Piri's life these days...email me if anyone knows
adelante siempre!
Mirelsie Velazquez <mirelsie@yahoo.com>
Champaign Illinois

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Venue

Back to back venues.
My pure heaven
No more self pity
No more grueling, cruel little jokes.
Servitude for six more years.
Are they endurance and edgy, campy wench
in the doorway of antiquity.

Colleen McLeod
Colleen McLeod <kolina@comcast.net>
13675 hannan rd., Romulus MI. 48174

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"Down These Mean Streets" is a fantastic book! It truely changed my life.
Bob <bobdostevsky@bluesky.org>
3567 Mandell Avenue, Los Baños California 92463

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Hello! I read some of your page and found your guestbook. I figured I would sign it.. http://www.americanmortgageloans.net.
Jody
Tampa, CA USA

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I have always been a fan of your work. In fact, Down These Mean
Streets was one of the first real books I ever read at the age
of eleven. It let me know that others were going through what I
went through.
Chris Smith <infinitewords@yahoo.com>
114-86 228 Street, Cambria heights NY, 11411

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¡¡Hola!! Soy una estudiante de la Universidad de Puerto Rico y he tenido el privilegio de leer su trabajo "Down These Mean Streets". Quiero felicitarle ya que es una obra que no esconde nada y habla de una realidad que a casi nadie le gusta hablar. Le felicito por sus logros y éxitos. ¡¡Pa' lante!!
Vivian del Hoyo <v_delhoyo@upr.edu>

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Mr. Thomas, I am an English teacher at I.S. 195 on 133st and Broadway in New York City. I am writing to let you know that I think your story is not only an engaging piece of written work, but also a story that conveys a deeper meaning about the conflict between friendship and competition.

I was fascinated by the internal conflict felt by both Antonio and Felix; I found their respective resolutions both believable and touching.

Thanks for such a great story.

Mr. Scheck

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Dear Piri,
How are You and How are doing well, my aim of sending you this e-mail is just to tell you that my class is reading one of your novels called Down The Mean Streets which is obviously by you. This novel is interesting and is written with alot of details and understood what your thesis is. MACTH SCHOOL
Ehi.A.Owens <dagoat57@hotmail.com>
30 Hammond st, Boston MA 02i20

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In schoool we stared reading Down the Mean streets.I really enjoy reading your book.I understand where you are coming from about being black and our siocety. The way I see it is it our society that we live in makes us feel this way about our self being black. Society makes you think white can make it.................
Dorothy Manuel
Hype Park, Boston 02136

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Dear Piri,

I am a student at Match and we are reading your book i do like your book because it is very interesting to me i am very sorry for all the things you went threw but i think that even if you are dark you should've kept your portorican pride b/c that's what you are no matter what color you are i am a spanish person like you so keep your pride which im doing thanks.
Melissa Santiago <banath2@hotmail.com>
Dor,Ma 02124

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My name is Alejandra and My school and I are reading Down These Mean Streets. I think this book is very good. I personally enjoy the Spanish that is spoken in it. Finally in school I can read a book where Hispanic culture is influenced by it. I think Down These Mean streets is the best book we'll read this year. I think you (Piri Thomas) had a rough life while growing up. But it's good that you overcame your obstacles and made it to where you are. I enjoy reading asbout your life. Thank you for giving the public a chance to know who you are and what you went through in your life.
Sincerely
Alejandra

Alejandra Mendoza
Boston 02124

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After reading the book,Down These Mean Streets,I think it's such a good book. I would recommend this book to anyone I know because I think other people that read this would like it also. Some people maybe be able to relate to this also.For the teenagers who read this,I bet that they would want to keep on reading since it deals with a boy who is also a teenage.Many of his problems that he have are similar to others in the real life.I can sort of relate to his problems.So i hope that who ever reads this,they would like it also and encourage others to read it.
Linda
Boston, MA

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During readind your book down these mean streets it was very... how I would say interesting... Many problems in your life I can tell... Atleast it got to a good start that got me addictive to reading your book. I didn't want any boring book with a good life in it I wanted to read about someone life that have a alot of trouble in it since that is kind of describing me. Well my life right now is pretty perfect but reading yours was kind of sad. I didn't really like parts of life when you be stealing and messing with girls life by pleasuring them and leave them. You know in your past you could've just stick to one girl so your life would then wouldn't really be all that complicated. In your past reputation don't really mean anything so you don't have to be down with drugs and all just to fit in with the crowd. But I know that you learn all your lessons today.
Zyna
Boston,MA

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Julian and I think your book is really great and we are wondering if you have a book after 7 long times that is still related to down these mean streets. thank you for reading our note



sincerely
julian henderson and frank depina
frank depina and julian henderson <frizzilus @yahoo.com>
roxbury, boston ma 02119

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Dear Piri,
I'm reading your book right now and it's the best book I read in awhile. It has a lot of swears but it's very interesting. I'm in sort of a rush right now because wwere leaving school early, but I love your book. I'm from the Match school in Brookline.
jennifer baker

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I think this a great story, will there be a sequal? I hope so because I enjoyed the first one. I like the website, is there any others??
Ashley Sloan and Hessiel Polanco

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Dear Reader

Thalia

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I think this is a great book, will their be a sequal
Ashley Sloan and Hessiel Polanco

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RIGHT NOW I AM READING DOWN THIS MEAN STREETS AND WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ABOUT THE BOOK SO FAR IS THAT IS , ALL TEENAGES CAN READ AND LEARN FROM IT AND ALSO RELATE TO THE CONFILCTS THAT OCCURED IN THE BOOK.
BENJAMIN IDADA <LILBEN2K02118>
ROXBURY , BOSTON MA 02118

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my opinion is its a good novel and it shows the real things people go through while they live in the ghetto of harlem or any ghetto.
margaret <margaret_bgc@hotmail.com>
7 comm. ct. apt#13, brighton 02135

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This is very nice. Keep up the good work. The book was very interesting. I enjoy every minute of the book. So Peace Out.
Have a nice day!
Fehry and Mike

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well i have read " Down These Mean Streets". The book was very good. It seemed real because i know some of my friends experience what Piri is going through. Also how the streets are not your friend is another thing that i learned. The streets just use you.
DeDe <Caramelicous14@aol.com>
NONEYABIZZ!,

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Dear Piri, I really enjoyed
Carlos Ollivera
Phila , Pa U.S

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I liked the book it was raelly good. On the web-site where are the pictures of your brothers and sisters. Ooh and your some close friends ex Brew, Carlito, TRINA, and Dulcien.
Charles Davis
117 east Albanus street, Philadelphia PA, 19120

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Dear Piri Thomas,
I thought that your short story "Amigo Brothers" was an ok story.
I personally thought that it was kind of too long. A lot of my classmates thoght that the ending was really stupid. They all wanted to know who won the fight. I was like,the whole theme of the story is based on the ending. The ending is perfect because if you did not have an ending like that than you would just be telling a boring story with no point. I think that the only thing that you could have done to make the story better was to make it less dragged out.

-VIRGINIA
virginia

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I really liked your story 'Amigo Brothers'
Unlike other kids, I really don't think that you should make a movie out of that story. It is obvious that the book is good but how can you be sure that the movie is going to be good huh?
Well anyways, I really enjoyed your story except that I sensed what was going to happen at the end. Well Mr.Thomas, I hope you keep writing more good stories and I hope I get to read them.
Dae Hwan Kim

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I really liked your story 'Amigo Brothers'
Unlike other kids, I really don't think that you should make a movie out of that story. It is obvious that the book is good but how can you be sure that the movie is going to be good huh?
Well anyways, I really enjoyed your story except that I sensed what was going to happen at the end. Well Mr.Thomas, I hope you keep writing more good stories and I hope I get to read them.
Dae Hwan Kim

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Dear Mr. Piri Thomas,
I thought one of your short stories "Amigo Brothers," was a suspenseful and suprising story. When I came to the part where Antonio and Feliex had found out they had to compete each other in a boxing match, I thought the story was predictable. I thought they were going to get mad at each other, and one person would win the match. You surprise me with a shocking ending. I really first, wanted to find out who won, but than as I keep reading, it was very well put together. You really mix the ending very well by having them both walk out together. The moral of the story I think was very important. Friendship is more important than winning. Keep up the good stories!
Cynthia
Annandale Va

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Dear Mr. Piri Thomas,
I read one of your short stories "Amigo Brothers" was a suspenseful and suprising story. When i came to the part where Antonio and Feliex had found out they had to compete each other in a boxing match, i thought the story was predictable. I
Cynthia
Annandale Va

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I read your short story, "Amigo Brothers," and I think the story was very descriptive and that you put a lot of great word choice into it. I think you have sent out a great message to those who read this story by telling them that friendship is more important than winning. I think it was great how you can expand such a short event such as the fight and extend it to be longer than it seems. The part of the story that I especially enjoyed was when Antonio and Felix walked out together arm in arm after they fought, without wanting to know who won. I enjoyed that part because it was the part when you told the whole moral of the story. Well, I think you are a great author, and that you should keep on writing.
Anna

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My friends, and I read your story "The Amigo Brothers" in our
literature book the other day. It was really good. You had a
very questionable ending though. All of us wanted to know who
won the fight. I know that it doesn't really matter who won,
it is just that we were waiting for you to name the winner, and
then u didn't name him. It was a real thriller. Your story just
explains life, and how friends are more important then winning.
Your conclusion is so true. Friends are more important then
winning. You are a really good writer. I am sure all of your
other storys are good too. Keep it up!
Molly
Annandale 22003

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In my English Class we read Piri's short story "Amigo Brothers". I for one thought the story was excellence. The way Piri chose his words, and the poetry like movement of the story absolutely intriqued me. However, the big fight scene stirred up a bit of controversy in my class. Most people felt that the fight needed the champion announced. I didn't, I thought that since Piri didn't announce the champion that he was really trying to get the moral of the story across. That friendship is more important then any championship, or any game.
Kelsey
Annandale VA

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I would like to give you my personal reaction on the story you wrote by the name of "Amigo Brothers". First off the story was very interesting to me. It also filled all of the writing traits that one's story should have. It really had a good theme to it. You know that frienship is better than winning. I think that is an important theme considering alot of people can connect to it, and relate to it. I guess in away it was important that in the end you didn't tell who the winner was. Even though I myself really wanted to know who the winner really was. I guess because then people who read it would then begin to pick sides of who they wanted to win or who they hought might win, and then they would totally miss the whole point of the story and or theme.
Kennay

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I read your story about Amigo Brothers it was good.I also liked it when you used some spanish words in the story.
mudabir qureshi

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I really liked your short story "Amigo Brothers." I'm really glad you chose to write both point of wiews. Otherwise it would be pretty boring. I think you chose the best way to end your story. I wasn't expecting it to turn out that way
Rose
Va, 22151

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Dear Mr.Thomas,

I read your story the "Amigo Brothers".It was a great story. Your story was one of the best stories I ever read in all the Literature books. I would love to meat you because your a great story writer. Your story made me feal like i was in the crowd watching the fight. I hope I will find somemore of your stories to enjoy.

Sincerley,
Jason Sinnawi
Jason

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Dear Mr.Thomas,

I read your story the "Amigo Brothers".It was a great story. Your story was one of the best stories I ever read in all the Literature books. I would love to meat you because your a great story writer. Your story made me feal like i was in the crowd watching the fight. I hope I will find somemore of your stories to enjoy.

Sincerley,
Jason Sinnawi
Jason

---

Dear Mr.Thomas,

I read your story the "Amigo Brothers".It was a great story. Your story was one of the best stories I ever read in all the Literature books. I would love to meat you because your a great story writer. Your story made me feal like i was in the crowd watching the fight. I hope I will find somemore of your stories to enjoy.

Sincerley,
Jason Sinnawi
Jason

---

Dear Mister Thomas,

I have read your short story "Amigo Brothers" in my English class. I must say you write great stories. The words and phrases you choose are very descriptive and vivid. The story creates images in my mind of what is happening, especially at the fight. "Amigo Brothers" has a very interesting and unanticipated ending. Although it is a fitting end for such a story. When friends compete against each other, it is right to not care about who wins. Although, as you said in the story, it does not mean you should not try your best. Just the opposite, in fact. Your stories are great, I will enjoy reading them.

Yang


Yang

---

In my English class we read the story "Amigo Brothers." The story was great! You wrote the story i na way that it seemed that one of my friends wrote it. I mean, you write how kids talk today. I could easily understand what you were saying. It was entertaining to read. I hope you continue writting stories like this.
Sincerely,
Sarah~*
Sarah
springfield

---

Dear Mr. Thomas,
In my English class we read your short story "Amigo Brothers". I thought the story was good. To me it was about friends still together no matter what. I realy like the ending. It told the readers that wining dosen't matter, but friendship dose. I know exactly how they felt. I'm on a swim team and I have to compete agianst my friends all the time. I hope you keep on writting.
Sarah
springfield

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Dear Author,
it was a pleasure to read your story, Amigo Brothers. The part which had really interested me was when the two amigos actually fight. If I could find any more of your short stories, I would have a great time reading them. In my opinion, you write wonderful stories. I am sure that all of your works are amazing and full of exicting and wonderful ideas. I hope that I get a chance to fill my mind with your great writing masterpieces.
Sharmila

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Dear, Piri Thomas

I really liked the short story you wrote "Amigo Brothers".First off, part of the reason I like the story is the whole ghetto boxing theme, and second I just like boxing too.I also like the point you were making which is that friendship is more impotant than being number one.I can't really relate to ever having to compete with a friend, but I know if I did have to compete, I wouldn't let it tear our friendship apart.I know I would like to have a ending to the competition with my friend like the Amigo Brothers did.
Jimmy
springfield

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I thought your story "Amigo Brothers" was one of the best short stories I have ever read. It sort of reminds me of when I compete against my friends. The details in the story made me feel like I was really there and I had a pretty good picture in my head. He gave a feroscoius punch and he threw left jabs. Really good details. Your story was really cool and the ending was unexpected. That would have been exactly done if I had to box against any of my friends. Stories about friends are the best, that and boxing and the amazing details are why I like this story. Bottom line, this is an awesome story about friends that have to fight each other. I look forward to reading another one of your stories. I know they will be good.
Frank
Annandale 22003

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Dear Mr.Piri Thomas,
I thought your story "Amigo Brothers" was very well written. I liked the suprise ending because I thought Antonio and Felix were going to stop fighting and not try their hardest or they would fight their hardest and they wouldn't be friends afterwards, but making them fight their hardest and still be friends afterwards, was a really good idea.
I liked the way that there was a lot of showing and not telling, because I could see everything that was going on clearly, in my mind. I thought that having Felix and Antonio split up was a good idea because if they hadn't split up they probably would've fought with each other and probably wouldn't ever be friends again. Over all I think it taught a very good lesson that I think everybody should learn.

Sincerely,
Kate M.
Kate

---

Dear Mr. Thomas,

When I read your story "Amigo Brothers" in class, it made me think of the time I was running for S.C.A President against my best friend. We both really wanted to win, but we wouldn't let the election come between us. I really like how you portrayed what Antonio and Felix did to handle fact that they had to fight. Each of them had a different way of coping, but they were still best friends. I also loved all of the descriptive words. The blow-by-blow coverage of the match was amazing. I want to be able to write like that someday.
Dana

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Dear, Piri Thomas


Jimmy
springfield

---

Dear, Piri Thomas


Jimmy
springfield

---

I thought your story "Amigo Brothers" was very facinating. I liked the way you explained exactly how each boy was feeling, instead of just explaining how Felix was just feeling, or how Antonio was just feeling. I really enjoyed reading your story because you wrote the truth. That is what made me want to keep reading. You didn't just make one of them the winner to get the story over with, you through in something that shows true friendship.If I ever have to face my friend,I know now that friendship is more important then winning. And without friends, who will encourage you to try your best?
Stephanie
Annandale

---

I thought your story "Amigo Brothers" was very facinating. I liked the way you explained exactly how each boy was feeling, instead of just explaining how Felix was just feeling, or how Antonio was just feeling. I really enjoyed reading your story because you wrote the truth. That is what made me want to keep reading. You didn't just make one of them the winner to get the story over with, you through in something that shows true friendship.If I ever have to face my friend,I know now that friendship is more important then winning. And without friends, who will encourage you to try your best?
Stephanie
Annandale

---

I thought that "Amigo Brothers" was a very touching story. I liked the way to described the fighting scene. It was so clear that i could see everything that was going on. I found that fighting against your friend is pretty tough though and even if you don't fight it could interuput your freindship, you can end up wondering who would be better. But if your really good friends like Felix and Antonio. Over all I thought that your story was really nicely written and shows the importance of friendship.
Grl <swtkrngurl@hotmail.com>
VA

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I read the Story "Amigo Brothers". It was very interesting and also intense. It made me think of the relationship I have with my sister. When we fight, which is not very often for sisters, we almost always end up walking away hand in hand. We may get very ferocious in the midst of our fight but we all ways come out happily. Maybe we should be the Amigo Sisters! The only problem is that we are sisters and we don’t box. The ending made me happy because friendship should always come first.
Emily
Anandale VA

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I read the Story "Amigo Brothers". It was very interesting and also intense. It made me think of the relationship I have with my sister. When we fight, which is not very often for sisters, we almost always end up walking away hand in hand. We may get very ferocious in the midst of our fight but we all ways come out happily. Maybe we should be the Amigo Sisters! The only problem is that we are sisters and we don’t box. The ending made me happy because friendship always comes first.
Emily
Annandale VA

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Dear Mr Piri Thomas, 12/6/01
Hi my name is Jessica i'm from Annandale va. In english class we read your story "Amigo brothers" I thought it was really good. Ihave a couple of qustion for you here they go. Is the reason you wrought the story because you or someone you know has been in that position? And who won the fight? i think that felex did but your probly the only one who knows who won. Well i have to go now so good bye

Sincerly,
Jessica of Annandale va
Jessica
Annandale va 22003

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Dear Mr. Thomas


Thomas
Springfield

---

Mr. Thomas,
Your short story"Amigo Brother's" was outstanding aand I would love to read other stories just like it. I really liked the end because you wrote it so nobody knows the outcome of who really won. I am glad you did it that way since they both could decided that being number one wasn't better than having a great pal. Butif they did just keep fightiing it probally would of ended up a death match. If I had to go and fight my sister in a match the same thing would happened to use. Of course I would have never gone on because she is my sister and I could never turn on her. In English we had to write an entry on having to go against a friend, of cousre I picked to stay friends with that person instead of having just a game of soccer come in our way.
Beth
Annandale VA

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I just read one of your stories. The story is called the Amigo Brothers. I really liked how you used word choices. I thought that friendship is better then being number one. I also liked how you didn't tell the end but you made us infer. I liked the ending way it was. How did you get the ideas for the story? I also liked how you describe the characters in this story.
Donna
Annandale Va, 22003

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I thought that "Amigo Brothers" was an awesome story. I can definately relate to it. I have had to compete against my freind in soccer, basketball, and swimming. The end was cool how they were still freinds and you didnt find out how who won the match because it didnt matter. Listening to it on the tape made it even better. I got hooked in the story right away.
mike
falls church

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I think "Amigo Brothers" was a great story. It showed how friendship is more important than winning. I've had experiences like that. Listening to you on tape made the story more exciting. But I have only one question. Who won the match?
Overall it was a great story!
Greg
Annandale VA

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I think that your stories are great! Just the other day in my english class i read the "Amigo Brothers." I thought it was excellent. You used terms that many of us kids could understand. Also I couldn't personally feel the way they did, but i felt as if I were one of the amigo brothers. The texts was written very well. I have a thing for short stories and poems. I love to read and wirte them. So when I read this one, once i got home i read it again. I know this might seem very lame and is just like the rest of your millions of fans write.Most of them don't mean a thing they say. Mine though, is true, very true.
Nisreen
Anandale,

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Hi I am Gerald from VA Ijust anted to write to you on how great your story was on Amigo Brothers. It was really cool. It was interesting and really hooked me on to the story to keep on reading it. I thought your story was going to be boring but I was wrong. If you asked me how I would grade this on a scale on 1-10 I would have to say 10. I would also really reccomend this to other kids to read. Because you really learn a lesson. It shows you it really matter if you win or lose. All it matters is that you had fun and so your challenger. It was realy fun reading your short story. I got to go bye.

Sincerley,


Gerald
Annandale VA

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Hi I am Gerald from VA Ijust anted to write to you on how great your story was on Amigo Brothers. It was really cool. It was interesting and really hooked me on to the story to keep on reading it. I thought your story was going to be boring but I was wrong. If you asked me how I would grade this on a scale on 1-10 I would have to say 10. I would also really reccomend this to other kids to read. Because you really learn a lesson. It shows you it really matter if you win or lose. All it matters is that you had fun and so your challenger. It was realy fun reading your short story. I got to go bye.

Sincerley,


Gerald
Annandale VA

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I read your story called " Amigos Brothers" .In my english class.It was A nice story .But I wonder why didn't Mr.piri didn't say who was the winner at the end .I was really cirious .I really liked when you used spanish words in the stroy. Im latin and I really like reading storys that have mixed english with spanish.If I had to fight with my friend and I didn't won Id be so proud of them .Even if I wanted to win badly .Id would be mad inside, but being a good friend is much more inportant than being number one.
JOHANNA
johanna
annandale va

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I read your story called " Amigos Brothers" .It was A nice story .But I wonder why didn't Mr.piri didn't say who was the winner at the end I was relly cirious .I really liked when you used spanish words in the stroy. Im latin and I really like reading books that have mixed english with spanish.If I had to
fight with my friend and I didn't won Id be so proud of them .Even if i wanted to win badly .Id would be mad inside, but being a good friend is much more inportant than being number one.I hope I can find more of his poems I would like to read them.
johanna
annandale va

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I
johanna
annandale va

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Dear Mr. Thomas

Today in my class we read Amigo Brother. I think it was very well discriptive, I could see a movie playing in my mind. I like how you made the ending as frendship is better then being number 1. I enjoyed the short story very much and would like to read more. Thanks for your time.



Sincerely,
Marco
Marco
Annandale 22003

---

Mr Piri Thomas,
Hi my name is jessica i'm from Annandale va. We read your story "Amigo brothers" in english class. I thoght it was a good story. Is the reason why you wrote it because somthing similar like that happened to you or someonr you know?Who won the fight? I think it was Felex. I have to go bye.
Sincely,
Jessica of Annandale va
JESSICA
ANNANDALE VA22003

---

Mr Piri Thomas,
Hi my name is jessica i'm from Annandale va. We read your story "Amigo brothers" in english class. I thoght it was a good story. Is the reason why you wrote it because somthing similar like that happened to you or someonr you know?Who won the fight? I think it was Felex. I have to go bye.
Sincely,
Jessica of Annandale va
JESSICA
ANNANDALE VA22003

---

Mr Piri Thomas, 12/03/01
hi my name is Jessica i'm from Annadale va. we read your story "Amigo brothers". I thought the story was cool and at the same time true cuase friends have to compete against each other every day. Is the reason why you wrote that story because something similar like that happened to you or someone you know?Who won the fight? I think it was Felx. well i have to go now bye.
sincerly,
Jessica
jessica
annandale va 22003

---

Mr Piri Thomas, 12/03/01
hi my name is Jessica i'm from Annadale va. we read your story "Amigo brothers". I thought the story was cool and at the same time true cuase friends have to compete against each other every day. Is the reason why you wrote that story because something similar like that happened to you or someone you know?Who won the fight? I think it was Felx. well i have to go now bye.
sincerly,
Jessica
jessica
annandale va 22003

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I kinda like it. Thanks!
Cherrie Nelson <cnelson12@aimultimedia.com>
Tacoma, WA USA

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I met Piri Thomas in person at Oregon State University. He helped inspire me to start writing my own poetry. I have set up site called "Commonthinker.com"
Thomas Taylor <Taylor1112001@yahoo.com>
PO Box 2551, Corvallis OR 97330

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Its a cool web over here. Nice.
Elaine Parask <elainep@yahoo.com>
Edinburg, TX USA

---

I like this site. Keep it up!
Leanne Collins <l.collins@btinternet.com>
Oakville, ON Canada

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Great site!
Brent Hardy

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Great. Thanks!
Ilona <ilonas@home.com>
Buffalo, NY USA

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neat. i like the site.
garry <dgarry@petro-neat.com>
Toronto, ON Canada

---

Hello! I think your site is great!
Aika Miura <http://www.asian-pictures.net>
NY New York

---

Hello! I think your site is great!
Aika Miura <A_miura@idols.jp>
NY New York

---

Hello! I think your site is great!
Aika Miura <A_miura@idols.jp>
NY New York

---

Hi from Canada!
Mila Jackson <mila.max@sympatico.ca>
Toronto, ON Canada

---

I misspelled my email address on my last mail to you. Anyways, keep the site up!
Eldon Barclay <eldonba@mtaonline.net>
Collegedale, CA USA

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You will be hearing from me soon. Thanks Milton Lewis <kdl@fastransit.net>
Lake Charles, MI USA

---

Good web with cool info. Thanks.
Everd Linten <elin345@aol.com>
Henderson, KY USA

---

Good job! Thanks!
Gary Shafer <jdb183@radar.com>
Naches, NY USA

---

Great site!
Records Management
Mr. Supafish

---

C00L
Pokémon
Pokémon
http://www.poke2.com,

---

C00L
Pokémon
Fran

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love this site
tony <tonyfran@webtv.net>
San Clemente, CA USA

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I ENJOY POETRY A GREAT DEAL!
shaunda <spoon26@msn.com>

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I ENJOY POETRY A GREAT DEAL!
shaunda <spoon26@msn.com>

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I ENJOY POETRY A GREAT DEAL!
shaunda <spoon26@msn.com>

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9/20/01
Piri,
Yo te oie en persona en la Unerversidad de Berkley en San Francisco cuando estaba creo en elementry. Pero lo que no me olvido de es en lo impactante de la manera en que tus palabras just flowed y eran impactantes. Cuando me sienta trieste lea la estoria favorita que tu escribiste en tu libro down those mean streets. El de La moneda si recuerdo bien que asi se llamaba hoy esta noche I'll read it.
Tu fan,
Elsa
Elsa Doria <pdoria@juno.com>
Sacramento

---

Yo te oie en persona en la Unerversidad de Berkey en San Francisco cuendo estaba creo en elementry. Pero lo que no me olvido de es en lo impactante de la manera en que tus palabras just flowed y eran impactantes. Cuando me sienta trieste lea la estoria favorita que tu escribiste en tu libro down those mean streets. El de La moneda si recuerdo bien que asi se llamaba hoy esta noche I'll read it.
Tu fan,
Elsa
Elsa Doria <pdoria@juno.com>
Sacramento

---

Hi from france !
trance mp3
France

---

I first read "Down These Mean Streets" in 1985. After reading that I read everything I could by Piri Thomas. I had to go to the Boston College to find "Savior, Savior Hold My Hand" but, I found it. I am glad to see I can now just call up the Internet and get all the information I want on this author. He is one of my all time favorites.

Leila Sydney

Leila Sydney <lsydney23@aol.com>
3791 Jackson Blvd, Ft Lauderdale Fl 33312

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Liked the site. Thanks!
Felicia Boutin <tex2309@cfl.rr.com>
Toronto, ON Canada

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That was interesting. Thanks!
Andrew Jones <andrew@uoftmy.com>

---

That was interesting. Thanks!
andrew.j@uoftmy.com <Andrew Jones>

---

Dear Piri,

My name is luisa. I live in Paterson and I'm only 17 years old.For years you have been an inspiration to me. Your book was the first book I ever read and it inspired me a whole lot. I would love to meet you but I know there's no chance in that happening. But if you could just do me a favor and write me a letter to my home sharing your words of wisdom I would appreciate it. In one of your websites it says you came up with another book. Like a second part to Dowm these mean streets. I've been searching up and down for one and I can't find it. If there's any chance can you please tell me where I can find it.
Well sir it was nice to finally have a chance to write to you. I hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Your #1 Fan
LUISA
Luisa Zapata <ksp357sfirstlady@yahoo.com>
124 lafayette street, paterson N.J. 07501

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Hi Piri,
Great Website. You are el rey de la palabra & without you to light the path a lot of us would still be wandering around in the dark. You are the greatest!!! So glad you're in my life.
Afecto y Cariño,
Avotcja
Avotcja <AvotcjaWordpower@hotmail.com>
P.O. Box 422340, San Francisco CA 94142-2340

---

Mr. Thomas,

I read Down these Mean Streets, for the first time when I was about 14. I loved it. Since then I have read it three more times and last year I had the pleasure of reading 7 long times. Another great works of yours. You are trully an inspiration to the Puerto Rican Community worldwide. I have recommended your books to everyone I know, in fact now my 14 year old has also read Down These Mean Streets, I am now 33 and will encourage all my children to read your books.

God Bless,

Awilda
Awilda Montanez <awimontanez@hotmail.com>
2239 N. Spaulding Ave. , Chicago IL 60647

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Nice site...
clipart <glcdrgp@startreklane.com>
USA

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Really enjoyed the website. Thank You!
FREE STUFF
Rhonda Davis
NY NY

---

Dear Mr. Thomas,
I just finished reading 'Down These Mean Streets' and I've never enjoyed a book so much. As a Puerto Rican/Dominican half-breed and as a writer and a tan girl in a white state, it feels so good to be able to identify with someone. I too have been mistaken for being part black, I too have had my trouble with the law, and it is very discouraging at times. But your success after having been through so much more than me has inspired me to continue my writing and schooling and take my own shot at being a success. Thank you for writing such a real but inspiring story, I hope one day my poems and stories will have the same effect on people as yours had on me.


Lina Ramirez <lina.luna@verizon.net>
Pheland Ave, Springfield MA, 01109

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Dear Mr. Thomas or may i call you Piri?
I met you and your really cool wife on 7/18/01. I drove you to the airport.I had a great time,though short,with the both of you. I just got through reading your BIO and I plan to buy your book. I am already gripped. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you and that I'm looking forward to my poem,short story,essay ro whatever on the "Pimp Mobile". Just e-mail it to me. I'll be sure to let you know,that I enjoyed it. Bye.
Sarah Francillette <Chocalatefiends@aol.com>
24935 Whitman st., Hayward CA94544

---

abcdef
12345

---

I'm very glad for this virtual meeting again
after our reading for multimedia in my own town.
I hope you're good and susan too.
Now we can keep in touch for poetry and reflections.
Always puntoooo!


ciao alberto


alberto mori <mori alberto@libero.it>
via cadorna 11, crema (cr) italia

---

Piri came to George Mason two years ago and now I am leading a series on conversations on Latino literature in the US at Arlington (VA) Public Library. One of the books we have chosen is "Down These Mean..." I would like to explore the possibility of inviting him to be with us during the two days of the discussion. Anyone has his email or telephone?


Rei Berroa
Rei Berroa <rberroa@gmu.edu>

---

I read PIri Thomas' book and i was so impreased with his live and how he change it. I now want to know everything about him. I think since he was in thosse means streets he was different from his friens. He had this thoughts of becoming "alguien" he just did not know how to do it. I love he's life , he's work.
Emelling M <Emelli26@aol.com>
bronx , ny 1o463

---

I have read your three autobiographies, and as a Puerto Rican, I can relate very much to what you write about. The importance of haveing a family, being ut down by people, mostly whites, and just trying to get out of poverty. I think that you are truly a great writer and a hero to all Puerto Ricans and Latinos.


Con Mucho Pride:
Jonathan Velazquez Rivera
Jonathan Velazquez
26 N. West St. 2nd Floor, Allentown PA, 18104

---

HEY PIRI IT'S KIM AGAIN. I HAVE SOMTHING I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU. IT'S MY POEM:
"THE GUY I NEVER KNEW"
YOUR THE ONE MAMA SAID I
ALWAYS KNEW...YET I NEVER
KNEW. YOU SHOW ME LOVE...
YET YOU GIVE ME HEARTACHE.
YOUR THE ONE I ALWAYS KNEW
YES, YOUR THE ONE I ALWAYS
KNEW.
YOUR THE GUY I NEVER KNEW....


I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT. WRITE BACK.


PARA SIEMPRE, DOMINIBORICUA
KIMBERLY.
QUE VIVA LA PATRIA!
KIMBERLY NIVAR <DOMINIKIM@HOTMAIL.COM>
102-52B 43AVE, CORONA N.Y,11368

---

DEAR PIRI,
I JUST GOT FINISH READING YOUR BOOK DOEN THESE
MEAN STREETS IN MY ENGLISH CLASS AT M.C.H.S. AND I THOUGH
THAT I WOULD JUST WRITE YOU A LITTLE SOMETHING TO TELL
YOU WHAT I THINK OF YOUR BOOK SO HERE GOES SOMETHING.
PIRI WELL WHEN I WAS READING YOUR BOOK IN CLASS THERE
WERE ALOT OF TOPICS THAT CAME UP THAT I FOUND TO BE
VERY WAS CONFUSION,RACISM,UNDERSANDING AND MANY OTHER THINGS.
IN YOUR BOOK THERE WERE ALOT TIMES WHEN I COULD RELATE
TO WERE YOU WERE COMING FROM.THIS BOOK FOR ME SHOWED ME
ALOT ABOUT HOW HARD TIMES WERE IN YOUR TIME AND I
THINK THAT YOU FOR BEING THE TYPE OF WRITER THAT YOU
ARE. PIRI YOU HAVE REALLY CHANGED SOMETHING ABOUT HOW I
MAY LOOK AT LIFE AND THAT I CANNOT AND THAT I WILL
NOT JUDGE PEOPLE BE THERE COVER AND THAT THE BEST THING
TO DO IS TO GET TO KNOW PEOPLE CAUSE IF I WERE IN
YOUR PLACE I WOULD OF HAD GONE CRAZY. I WISH YOU THE
BEST OF LUCK IN EVERYTHING THAT YOU ARE DOING. WRITE
BACK AS SOON AS YOU CAN.




CHAMON <SHAYEMON@HOTMAIL.COM>
98-32 57TH AVE APT 6H, CORONA 11368 N.Y

---

Hi Piri,

In your book ''Down thes mean streets''in all your themes you
spoke about them alot, But when your mom passed you really didnt
express your feelings.I was just wondering how did you really feel.
I wanna know how you felt about your pops.When you found out the truth about him.
Wells Niece <Wells_niece@hotmail.com>
59-02 59th drive, Maspeth N.Y 11378

---

SORRY I GOT CUT OFF. SO, LIKE I WAS SAYING. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW YOUR OPINION. PLEASE I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU WRITE BACK TO ME.

COMING FROM EL BARRIO
DOMINIBORICUA 4-LA VIDA
KIM, PEACE!
KIMBERLY NIVAR <DOMINIKIM2001@HOTMAIL.COM>
102-52B 43AVE, CORONA N.Y,11368

---

DEAR MR.THOMAS,

I REALLY ENJOYED READING YOUR BOOK DOWN THESE MEAN STREETS.
YOUR WRITING IS VERY UNIQUE, I LIKE YOUR WRITING TECHNIQUES. I ALSO HAD THE
APPORTUNITY TO READ YOUR POETRY. I WRITE POETRY MYSELF AND I COULD UNDERSTAND
WHERE YOUR COMING FROM. ALTHOUGH I KNOW WERE YOUR COMING FROM, I STILL DON'T
UNDERSTAND WHY YOU COULD'NT TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND WHEN YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO?
I KNOW THE PAST IS ALL BEHIND US NOW AND THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO TO CHANGE IT.
BUT, WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE FUTURE. I WANT TO KNOW, WHAT DO YOU THINK WE
CAN DO TO CHANGE THE LIVES WE ARE LEADING TODAY?
KIMBERLY NIVAR <DOMINIKIM2001@HOTMAIL.COM >
102-52B 43 AVE, CORONA N.Y,11368

---

Dear Mr.Thomas,
Hello how are you doing?
Well I just finished reading your very educational and wonderful book by the name of " Down These Mean Streets".
Your book was so good you really did't try to suger coat anything you just cut to the chase and that's what made me fall in love with your book.
I would like to thank you for helping me realize that life is not just a little game and you can just do what ever the hell you want and get away with it.
In your story the part that I really connected with you when you would talk about your Ex-girlfriend Trinadad it just made me think about my first love and how he broke my heart.
Mr.Thomas a part in your story called "Wish it were you Trina" that chapter made me so angry that I just want to read your book anymore it was the part when you were sleeping with girl and got her pregnant but you said you did't love her you loved Trina
so why the hell did you sleep with her? You are so lucky you wasn't not going with me because I would have Slapped the day lights out of you then I would have dumped you.
Well I really don't have anything else to say but your book was terrific and you are like the father I never had and I love you Mr. Thomas thanks a whole bunch.I hope I hear from you soon.

Your #1 fan in the whole world,
Rondeshia Brooks
Rondeshia Brooks <Q-Twitabootie@BlackPlanet.com>
147-14 133av, New york City N.Y.-11436

---

Dear piri,
Como estas hermano.I am a thirteen year old colombian who once lived
in el barrio y que sabe lo que estas feeling.I reaaly liked your book
down these mean streets and I wish you can keep on writing.
So escribeme and let me get a free book .GRACIAS

Carlos simancas <capo5117@cs.com>
new york, ny USA

---

Hey Piri how you doing I'm a colombian kid who once lived in
El barrio but now live in queens I really like your book
down these mean streets because it tells the truth and I really aprecio
eso.
Carlos Simancas <capo5117@cs.com>
3035 84th street, new york Ny 11370

---

Dear Piri

Hi Piri I just got done reading your book down these mean streets
it was a very goog book i had to do a report for english. i would read it
again if i have the time.
Thank You for writing a good book
Danielle
Danielle Price
657 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn N.Y. 11222

---

I LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU DOING NOW? WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SICE YOU BEEN BACK FROM JAIL. AS I SEE YOU HAVE BEEN GOING AROUND THE USA TALK ABOUT YOU BOOK AND ALL THE THINKS YOU DID IN YOUR BOOK.

DURRELL DANTE DORSEY <DUNAGI@.COM >
190-11 QUENCER RD , ST.ALBANS NYC 11412

---

I LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU DOING NOW? WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SICE YOU BEEN BACK FROM JAIL. AS I SEE YOU HAVE BEEN GOING AROUND THE USA TALK ABOUT YOU BOOK AND ALL THE THINKS YOU DID IN YOUR BOOK.

DURRELL DANTE DORSEY <DUNAGI@.COM >
190-11 QUENCER RD , ST.ALBANS NYC 11412

---

Dear mr.piri thomas
I read your book Down these mean streets and I love it.
I would really apreciate if you could send another book that you wrote and I would like to thank you for being the only author that tells the
truth.
Carlos Simancas <capo5117@cs.com>
nyc, ny USA

---

I am a gringa who has lived in Puerto Ricf="mailto:capo5117@cs.com">capo5117@cs.com>
nyc, ny USA

---

I am a gringa who has lived in Puerto Rico por un rato. Everyday I see the beautiful Puerto Rican culture with new eyes. Reading Down These Mean Streets was amazing; I felt every bit of the hatred and anger, as well as the struggle to define one's own identity. Thomas has an amazing talent for painting a picture of his surroundings that is so gritty and profundo that a total outsider such as myself can involve themselves in the text... Being an American, I take so much for granted...Thomas is the key to opening our eyes.
Kristen <kmbabula@hotmail.com>
Cayey Puerto Rico

---

I really identify with and enjoy the passion in your poems.
Thank you!

pauline <fulcherlove@yahoo.com>
newport news virginia 23608

---

I am a 24 year old Puerto rican born and raised in Boston MA. I've never been to Puero Rico. Growing up as a kid like many other kids in the same situation, I never saw the importance of culture. My parents I believe were trying to protect me from the barriers they faced and never really taught me spanish. Like many others they spoke to me in spanish and I responded in english. "I understand but I can't speak it very well" How many times have I said that? Any way to make a long story short. As I got older I became more and more interested in my culture. I always "repped" boricua and let people know where I was from, but I wanted to take it to the next level. A teacher at school put me on to Piri thomas and "Down these mean streets" I didn't read it then but I picked it up a while later, since then I've read many of Piri's books. "Savior Savior hold my hand is my favorite" I've also been exposed to the whole Nuyorican scene. For me Piri Thomas and his books were the feelings I didn't even know I had inside. Not so much the lifestyle with violence, that wasn't me although I can relate because of friends, but just the being puerto rican but not knowing so much. I heard the song "preciosa" by jose feliciano (redone by marc anthony) for the first time a few years ago and my heart was pounding. It feels good to know your history and feel connected to your people.

One Love
Boricua para siempre
Rosario Ortega Jr <ortega9@netzero.net>

---

I am a 24 year old Puerto rican born and raised in Boston MA. I've never been to Puero Rico. Growing up as a kid like many other kids in the same situation, I never saw the importance of culture. My parents I believe were trying to protect me from the barriers they faced and never really taught me spanish. Like many others they spoke to me in spanish and I responded in english. "I understand but I can't speak it very well" How many times have I said that? Any way to make a long story short. As I got older I became more and more interested in my culture. I always "repped" boricua and let people know where I was from, but I wanted to take it to the next level. A teacher at school put me on to Piri thomas and "Down these mean streets" I didn't read it then but I picked it up a while later, since then I've read many of Piri's books. "Savior Savior hold my hand is my favorite" I've also been exposed to the whole Nuyorican scene. For me Piri Thomas and his books were the feelings I didn't even know I had inside. Not so much the lifestyle with violence, that wasn't me although I can relate because of friends, but just the being puerto rican but not knowing so much. I heard the song "preciosa" by jose feliciano (redone by marc anthony) for the first time a few years ago and my heart was pounding. It feels good to know your history and feel connected to your people.

One Love
Boricua para siempre
Rosario Ortega Jr <ortega9@netzero.net>
805 huntington ave #408, Boston ma -02115

---

QUERIDO MR.THOMAS;
QUISIERA DESIRLE QUE USTED TIENE UN GRAN TALENTO.USTED MERESE EL MAS GEANDE RESPETO QUE YO PUDIERA DARLE.QUISIERA DESIR QUE PIRI THOMAS ES UNA INSPIRACION NO SOLO PARA TODOS LOS PUERTORIQUENOS PERO TAMBIEN PARA TODA PERSONA QUE A TENIDO QUE LUCHAR POR LO SUNO.EN MIS OJOS USTED ES UNA GRAN PERSONA Y UN MAGNIFICO AUTOR.GRACIAS POR SU INSPIRACION Y POR EL GRAN EJEMPLO QUE LE A DADO A TODAS LAS PESONAS QUE LEEN SUS TRABAJOS.
VIRGEN RUIZ <LUCKY_VR17@YAHOO.COM>
3542N LEE ST , PHILADELHIA PA 19134

---

QUERIDO MR.THOMAS;
QUISIERA DESIRLE QUE USTED TIENE UN GRAN TALENTO.USTED MERESE EL MAS GEANDES RESPETO QUE YO PUDIERA DARLE.QUISIERA DESIR QUE PIRI THOMAS ES UNA INSPIRACION NO SOLO PARA TODOS LOS PUERTORIQUENOS PERO TAMBIEN PARA TODA PERSONA QUE A TENIDO QUE LUCHAR POR LO SUNO.EN MIS OJOS USTED ES UNA GRAN PERSONA Y UN MAGNIFICO AUTOR.GRACIAS POR SU INSPIRACION Y POR EL GRAN EJEMPLO QUE LE A DADO A TODAS LAS PESONAS QUE LEEN SUS TRABAJOS.
VIRGEN RUIZ <LUCKY_VR17@YAHOO.COM>
3542N LEE ST , PHILADELHIA PA 19134

---

Brother Piri,
Your experience has been a force in educating and inspiring our people to continue fighting forward. I have seen you speak once and your lyrics left me to further appreciate the beauty of insight in understanding our heritage. Life is a school and experiences are the lessons that guide us in our lives. You have truly mastered those teachings which have led towards the path that you are at now. The greatest thing in life is sharing those experiences and learning the positive in all, as you have done in your literature, and of which many are thankful for. May the creator bless the journeys ahead of you and may you always hold in your heart the importance of knowledge, community, and foremost love. Ache para ti..............
One Luv,
Delegra
Delegra <Delegra@aol.com>
Uptown, NYC NYC

---

PEACE.
I AM BOITUMELO “TUMI” MOLEKANE FROM JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA. I BELONG TO A SOCIAL ART MOVEMENT CALLED P.E.R.M.(THE MOVEMENT OF POETHNIC RHYTHMIX) WE RESPECT YOUR MOVEMENTS AND WISH TO FURTHER STRENGHTHEN THE UNBROKEN ANCESTRY WE SHARE.
THE MOVEMENT IS PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH CREATING POSITIVE SPACE FOR ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF SELF-ARTICULATION AND FREEDOMTHROUGH MUSICALITY, DRAUGHTSMANSHIP, SCRIPTOCENTRICS ETC. IT IS A THRUST FOR COMPLETE SELF DETERMINATION. YOU KNOW … …LIKE EVERY SELF DETERMINES A NATION.
WE HAVE A SPOKEN WORD CD COMING OUT INDEPENDENTLY IN MID-SEPTEMBER. WE COULD SEND YOU A COUPLE OF COPIES IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.WE ARE ALSO SCHEDULED TO PERFORM ON THE DEAD PRES TOUR OF SUOTHERN AFRICA.
PLEASE SEND ME MORE INFO ABOUT YOURSELF AND REMEMBER THIS IS AN ATTEMPT AT DEVELOPING ALLIANCES AND SUPPORT NETWORKS.
SO HELP WERE YOU CAN
DO NOT FORGET ME IN YOUR PRAYERS AS I WILL NOT FORGET YOU.
SALAAM ALAIKUM.
YOUR IN THE SEARCH TUMI/THE BROTHER FORMARLY KNOWN AS 4ATBUOY.

TUMI <OMARTUMI@HOTMAIL.COM>
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA 0157

---

i am from sugar hill in upper manhattan. i came up through the gang banging days of the 50's and 60's. i was derailed by drugs and crime and did time in florida state penitentiary.
but i was set free in prison. i finally took malcolm up on his invitation to islam. this too was a bitter pill beacuse it took 15 more years to realize that elijah muhammadinism was not islam.
about three years ago i came to damascus, syria to learn arabic and islam. i don't know if you know anything about damascus, i didn't, but since i came here i found that it is the oldest living city in the world.
i visited the place that local legend for thousands of years says is where Cain killed Abel. i also visited abel's nearly 9 meters long tomb. i have been seriously impressed, especially since this is the year of the 2000th nativity of
Christ.
i believe that more religious americans need to visit this Holy Land before they die. there is a window where paul was lowered in a basket to safety which is also mentioned in the book of Corinthians in the Bible. i talked with some travel agencies who want to bring americans here to see these and other places, such as the place on the jordan river where John baptized Jesus; the tomb where the head of John the Baptist is buried; Mt. Nebo where Moses looked over and saw the promised land. we formed the travel consortium.
so that's my brief story. i have been an admirer of yours since i read your book while incarcerated. you have been an inspiration to me and i love you brother.

hermano leroy rodman aka karim shabazz
karim shabazz <travelconsortium@excite.com>
amsterdam ave., new york n.y. 10031

---

Dear Piri:
My name is Tanya Elmore. I live in Beacon, NY. I have just finished reading Down These Mean Streets for the second time. I have always been impressed by you. I have always wanted to meet you in person. You were an inspiration to my life then. Now that I have matured you are even more an inspiration. Down These Mean Streets is a fascinating book. This book will always be a part of my library. I look forward to reading some of your other material. I also hope I do get to meet you in person. Thank you. May God continue to bless your endeavors.

Tanya Elmore <Info @ YRDC.ORG>
98 Cannon Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

---

I think Piri Thomas is an extrodinaire artist. When I was in high school
I took a course called Urban Lit. but i was not on the smart group, only
the smart group got to read Down These Mean Streets, but I went ahead
and read it on my own, and Man!! did I love the book!!!! Honestly,
Piri is a great artist and no one can compare to him (take it from me
I know).You are a true poet, who is not scared to speak the truth, and
I seriously, thank you for that, you are a once in a lifetime Artist!

Bendecido!
Keila
Keila Martinez <PuertoRican_Queen@yahoo.com>
242 Freeman St., Hartford CT 06106

---

I think Piri Thomas is an extrodinaire artist. When I was in high school
I took a course called Urban Lit. but i was not on the smart group, only
the smart group got to read Down These Mean Streets, but I went ahead
and read it on my own, and Man!! did I love the book!!!! Honestly,
Piri is a great artist and no one can compare to him (take it from me
I know).
Keila Martinez <PuertoRican_Queen@yahoo.com>
242 Freeman St., Hartford CT 06106

---

I have had the pleasure of meeting Piri twice while he vivited the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He went as far as reading one of my poems to a small crowd, which ley me say was one of the proudest moments in my life.
Mirelsie Velazquez <Mirelsie@aol.com>
713 W. Church St. #2-4, Champaign IL,61820

---

Interesting stuff!
http://members.aol.com/echevere/index.html

Edilberto Chevere <EChevere@aol.com>
Chicago

---

Piri,
I enjoyed the moment you shared with us at the Waikiki lounge in Santurce. I am still sharing with friends your insight and stories. I hope that your stay in Puerto Rico and your night at the Sylvia Rexach Theater were as enjoyable as you made our time with you a memorable one. THANKS!!

José Antonio Ortiz Rivera

José Antonio Ortiz Rivera <ortiz-rivera@msn.com>
Isla Verde, PR 00979

---

¿Quibo? Me llamo sergio and i like the way piri thinks. I share some
of the same phsycic that he has grown up to have. This experience that
he shares with us is very, very personal and he still is able to get
his words across to an audience he doesn't know. And i respect him
for that. He is a man with the experience that many teens are still
going through and he has seen the outcome if they follow the wrong path.
And i know that he wants to change that. He realized this through the
experience he know has. I just want to thank him. He has created a
big change already with all the stories he has shared with the public.


Gracias, Maestro.
Sergio Mojarro <jaguar83@email.com>
2344 S. Drake , Chicago IL 60623

---

I would like to thank Mr. Thomas for writing Down These Mean Streets. That book is inspiration for my writing. I teach some of the stories from Down These Mean Streets to my after school Creative Writing Class. I teach inner-city kids and they love Mr. Thomas's writings.
Alvaro Saar Rios <vado@wt.net>
5529 Petty St., Houston Tx 77007

---

Piri. I want to thank you. For what u may ask? For chainging my
life thru your words, your wisdom, your love of life and your
existance PERIOD! I have never enjoyed reading until last summer
when a friend of mine told me to read this book "Down These Mean
Streets." She said "Louis, you are gonna to benefit by reading
this book, as a poet, as a performer and as a human being." I
was reluctant but I started to read the book and immediately was
moved and completely taken over. I myslef have also felt like an
outsider within my community. Being gay in The Latino community
has left me with many battle wounds. But I luv my people and hope
that thru my existance and my endless political advocacy for my
people who make the barrios beautiful, they will realize that I,
a Puerto Rican gay man shares the same dreams and hopes that all
Latinos have. Piri, you are a true inspiration and I wanna thank
you for just letting me know that I am not the only one who sees
what I see, who lives what i live and who dreams what I dream.
Thankx!
-Louis-
Louis A. Ortiz-Fonseca <louis_edu@yahoo.com>
511 South 6th STreet, Philadelphia PA 19147

---

Dear PIRI
I've always been moved and overwelmingly blessed to hear such a POET as your self. Spending time with you made me realize how important it is to have that TRUE LOVE by your side. Rubi is the world I live in today and FOREVER. I thank you for sharing those words of LIFE that grounded my sense of direction and I thank you for sharing youself inwhich made me reallize that being a man is not easy if your constantly making it hard on your self. THANK YOU. PEACE,LOVE,HAPPINESS,and ASHE".

EL Negrito Poeta Lucas.
Lucas Rivera <lucasrivera@hotmail.com>
4923 N. Lawrence St., Philadelphia PA 19120

---

Hola Piri,

Muchas gracias for sharing all of your wisdoms with the students here at Penn and especially with Lucas and I. Your visit to Philadelphia will remain a very special memory to us. Un Abrazo...Rubi
Rubi Pacheco <pacheco@pobox.upenn.edu>
3708 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19140

---

Dear Mr.Piri Thomas,

Christina <jas5w>

---

I am very happy to read your Biography. Mrs. Thomas you are one of the most important writer in our community.Mrs. Thomas Iam very proud of you.You are an inspiration for all puertoricans and hispanics who lives in Harlen and In the South Bronx Your friend Angel vega South Bronx 10454
Angel Vega <gololo@. net zero. net>
bronx, n.y. Bronx

---

In reading "Down These Mean Streets" for my introductory writing class in college has opened my eyes to the different racial experiences that many minorites face. Piri, you are a wonderful writer, and I am glad you have become a successful person and seem very happy. You are a fabulous role model for turning your life around. Thank you for writing such a moving novel.
Sandy Luc <twink1999@hotmail.com>

---

The most spiritual, true and inspirational writer and speaker that I have ever been in the presence of ! Piri - you are the best y como siempre - Palante !
Geraldo Feliciano <GFELICIA@UHC.COM>
12 Locust Drive , Thiells N.Y. 10984

---

I am seventeen years old. I read your book when I was sixteen, the first year I was publishing my underground magazine called "Pensamientos". I came across "Down these Mean Streets" and it inspired me greatly. I couldn't believe it when I saw the date that it was published, it seemed if it had been wriitten that very same day. I would greatly appreciate it if any one who is into Latino literature would contact me. To discuss what great writers we have come across on. Como dice mami Tan Tan.
Milly Amaya
200 Shadydell Ave., Mundelein ILL. 60060

---

Perfect
Pedro Torres <peplove76@hotmail.com>

---

Hi Piri well I hope you remember me. I asked a lot of questions
the day that you came to the SHP Bridge. I stayed after and talked
to you and I took pictures with you and I got your autograph.I
need to tell you that you really inspired me and I have never heard
such an inspirational speech.I thought you were really cool. After
school was over I went home. I called three bookstores and they all said that they ran out of
your book and I was really disappointed because i wanted to read more
of your stories and be inspired to write about my life and you never
know maybe one day I might be famous too.
Sincerely,
Your sister Vanessa
Barragan Lots of love
and my best wishes for
your wife.
Vanessa Barragan <Vanillacool.com>
2180 Clarke Avenue, East Palo Alto California 94303

---

I wanted to thank you for the great time I had thursday 7-29-99
I think that you did a great presentation. The poem you read were great.
sincerely, Raul Solorio.
Raul Solorio
Ralmar AV., East Palo Alto CA. 94303

---

I hope that you have a nice summer and that I get to see you again
some day. I really liked the poems that you read to us.One time I
will get the book and read it to my mom, dad, brother and to my
uncle. I hope that your wife gets better.

Sincerly,
Miguel Segura
Miguel Segura
816 Runnymed St, East Palo Alto CA 94303

---

I think that you are a really nice person Piri.I really
liked the way you express yourself when you tell a story.I'm
glad that you came to talk to us.I learned that when ever you
want to do something you could do it if you try.Thank you for all
the good advice that you gave us.

Sincrely
Elizabeth Calderon
Elizabeth Calderon
Madera, Menlo Park CA.94025

---

I think that you are a great man.When you talk it makes people listen to you.
I like the way you think.I would like to thank you for coming to the Bridge Program
and making everyone laugh.






Sincerly,Maria Silva
Maria Silva
10 , Redwood city 94303 CA

---

It was fun having you here to visit us.I liked the way you said
the poems to us. You were very funy at assembly.I learned that
your life was very hard.


sincerely

ALEX
alex mora
menlo park, ca USA

---

Thank you for coming to the bridge program and reading one of your poems.I like how you was expressing yourself as you read your poems.I liked your poems you read.\






Sincerely,
Walter
walter washington
561 runmeyde, East Palo Alto C.A 94303

---

Yesterday when you were reading some of your poems, I liked how you read with expresion. It is very cool and funny. I also liked how you tell stories about your life when you were small. Most of your stories were about when you were a little kid. I like those stories a lot.

Sincerely Ashley Nichole Crum
Ashley Nichole Crum
St.Louis Ave, Mt.Veiw CA 94043

---

Dear Piri,
I really enjoyed you coming over and making me laugh. I hope to see you again in the near future. I really enjoyed the story about the quarter and how you thought your dad was going to break your legs. That was funny.
Signed your friend from Bridge,
Gerardo
Gerardo Roldan
Buckner Dr., San Jose Ca, 95127

---

Dear Piri,
Thank you for coming to the Bridge and speaking to us about life and the real world. Thank you for making us laugh and telling us about what you did when you were a child. I especily thank you for your autograph.



Sincerely
Justin c
Justin Crutchfield
Cypress, Eats Palo Alto CA 94303

---

Dear Mr. Thomas
The day you came to the Bridge your poetry described life as it is,Joyful. You also described how you were treated as a child. I think you are an excellent poet and an excellent writer. I have read Alien Turf and I thought how you described Happiness, pain, and Sorrow was when there was rascism. Your story you read about yourself was funny, the funniest was when you were running from your father from the quarter you stole. Sincerely Manuel
Manuel
Bell Street, East Palo Alto CA 94303

---

Dear Mr.Thomas,

Hello this from Etienne from Sacred Heart Bridge. I've E-mailed
you to thank you for coming to see the 7th grade of Sacred Heart
Bridge program.You inspired us to go for our dreams and imaginations
and to fight against racism.

Sincerly,
Etienne Bowie

Etiennne Bowie
2181 Addison Ave, east palo alto CA 94303

---

Dear Mr.Thomas,

Hello this from Etienne from Sacred Heart Bridge. I've E-mailed
you to thank you for coming to see the 7th grade of Sacred Heart
Bridge program.You inspired us to go for our dreams and imaginations
and to fight against racism.

Sincerly,
Etienne Bowie

Etiennne Bowie
2181 Addison Ave, east palo alto CA 94303

---

Dear Piri,

I thank you for coming to our summer school program and telling us about yourself. I have never met anyone that wrote a book.I like all the jokes you told to the school and you inspired me to keep on trying. Like you said your spelling was not the best, but you kept on trying. So nobody starts off perfect but they can end up prety close by practicing.


Your Friend
Juan
Juan C. RAMIREZ
1100 Windermer#4 , Menlo Park C.A 94025

---

Dear Mr.Piri Thomas,
I am realy glad that you came to the Sacred Heart Summer bridge
to tell the students poems and stories about your life. I really
enjoyed listening to your poems and how you told us that the saying
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt"
is not true because words really do hurt kids and young adults like
me. I also liked that you believe that children have their own
privleges. I was going to ask you if you had believed that if
the justice system was fair but you had answered my question
while you were saying one of you speeches.
I am really glad that I got to know more about you, to actually
meet you and to even get your autorgraph.
Sincerely,
Edaurdo Ramirez
P.S. I hope your wife gets better very soon.
Eduardo Ramirez

---

Dear Piri Thomas
I just want to thank you for visiting us at Sacred
Heart Bridge.I think you are a good poet and a good story writer.The story
I read that you published was Alien Turf.That was a very good story to me.What's so great about you is that you know my teacher Ms.
Prieto.She's a good hummanities teacher.Thank you for coming and
visiting us at Sacred Heart Bridge Program.


Anthony Stamps
Anthony Stamps <Anthony Stamps@hotmail.com>
HollyBurne, Menlo Park California&94025

---

Dear Piri Thomas,

I read one of your stories called Alien Turf. It was a nice story. It had a happy ending. I'm one of the students from Sacred Heart Summer Bridge. I liked your visit. I learned a lot from your poems you said at the presentation. I liked it a lot. You are the best poem/story writer yet that I have met. You have a way with words! Thank you for coming, I really enjoyed your visit.
Christina Barragan
Laurel Ave., E. Palo Alto CA. 94303

---

Dear Mr. Thomas,
I read a section of your book, Dowm these mean streets.
The section I read was called Alien turf. It's about part of your
life as a child where you run into a little bit of trouble.
I think it's great the way you explain everything with so many
details. I also love the way you describe all your emotions
and feelings. You speek with true feelings and thoughts.
You speek with your soul.

Irene Lopez

---

Dear Piri,
Your presentation yesterday touched me but it was also funny
when you read one of your story to us.
I would also like to say you are a great person and are an
inspiration to everyone like you are to me.Thank you for coming
to Bridge yesterday.

Sincrely, Mike Infante
Mike Infante
Speers Ave, San Mateo CA 94403

---

Dear, Piri Thomas I'm one of the sudents of Ms.Prieto's class.
I just wanted to send you this letter because I enjoyed you
talking to everybody.I think your a good poet because everytime
you were telling us stories they sounded like a poem. Thank you for taking your time to vist us.
Sincerely, Ivan Banos
Ivan Banos
405 daisy lane, East palo alto C.A. 94303

---

Very nice site!
Please visit Madame Tussaud Wax Museum. (http://planeta.dataforce.net/mt)
Janet <janks@aol.com>
USA

---

I would just like to comment that it was wonderful to hear you, Mr. Thomas, speak at the Inroads Leadership Development Conference. I never thought I would be able to put the face in person to the author. Thanks for signing, especially on my birthday.

jonathan
Jonathan <jd3286@cnsvax.albany.edu>

---

Mr. Thomas, i love your books, the truth, the compassion that you
spill into every word, into every page. my goal is to open up a
book store. i have chosen the name cafe con libros. once my goal
is my reality i would love if you could come down to connecticut
and be my special guest. i am going to house (only) latino authors
to start and then i will have works from African American authors
if someone wants something different then they are welcomed to
go to waldenbooks or barnes and nobles. mi gente son especiales
que crees??? i would appreciate if you can contact me at my e-mail
and give me ideas i would most enjoy conversing with you.

always
margarita
margarita rodriguez <madama10@hotmail.com>
bridgeport ct 06610

---

Great website!!! Pls visit me and share some inspiration.


Pls paste this to your site and I'll be happy to link yours too.
Lisa Felten <dramallama@hotmail.com>
Charleston Sc

---

Piri,
Your work was introduced to me by a spanish teacher, who
said he worked with you once (Mr. Warren Bratter), I was going
through a difficult time within myself and he showed me
"Born Anew at Each A.M.," I have never forgotten a word of the
poem or the ideas it upholds, this poem helped me through my time
of distress. And although I could never understand the struggles
you've had your life, and mine (I'm sure) are much less, I can't
express what that poem means to me. Thank you for writing and
making this world a better place for all of us.

Brian Libert
Brian Libert <purpzey@nassau.cv.net>

---

Un abrazo desde Colombia!

Hermosa página...
He leído con interés los poemas; la mayoría son realmente bellos.
Bendiciones!
Stella Ramírez Vargas <iudicata@col1.telecom.com.co>
Girardot Colombia

---

Sr. Thomas-
I am the Educational Vice President of Alianza Latina @ Pace University at which you are scheduled to speak on Thursday afternoon.
Having heard you speak at the Fuerza Latina NorthEast Collegiate Conference @ SUNY ALbany in 1994, I have enthused so many members speaking of your
energetic, powerful, & real speeches. As a result-many scrambled to acquire & read your books while others anxiously await your arrival to discuss
the struggle of today & how la lucha may change in the new millenium. For this reason, I hope that during the reception we may be all be able to exchange ideas
& help us keep the faith that our efforts in promoviendo cambio are not in vain.

!Pa'lante Siempre Pa'lante!


Sandra Evelisse Rivera
Educational Vice President
Alianza Latina
Pace University 1999

AL is...Comunidad Cultura Y Cambio
Sandra Evelisse Rivera <diva@latino.com>
455 Beach Avenue , Bronx N.Y. 10038

---

Estimado Sr. Thomas:

¡Qué alegría encontrar su "web page" en el Internet. Cuando yo tenía
cerca de 19 años (allá para el 1968) leí su extraordinario libro "Down
These Mean Streets", el cual encontré fascinante. Años después, cuando
mi hijo, Ignacio, tenía como 15-16 años (ahora tiene 21, cumplirá 22 en
junio) le dí a leer el libro, como medida profiláctica para mantenerle
alejado de las drogas. ¡Creo que fue una de las decisiones más
acertadas de mi vida! Iggy, como prefiere que le digan de cariño, es un
muchacho de muy buenos sentimientos. Aborrece las drogas y el racismo.
En mayo, se habrá de graduar de la Universidad de Puerto Rico y espera
continuar estudios en la Facultad de Derecho de la U.P.R.

Lamentablemente, su obra no ha sido difundida como se merece en Puerto
Rico. Creo que debe usted visitar la Isla prontamente. Se debería
organizar unas tertulias o seminarios en el Ateneo Puertorriqueño y en
la Facultad de Humanidades. Si algo puedo hacer encaminado a esos
propósitos, gustosamente dedicaría mis esfuerzos a ello. Cuénteme entre
uno de sus admiradores.

Si usted algún día visita a Puerto Rico, me encantaría conocerle y
estrecharle su mano. Por otro lado, quiero estimularle para que nunca
pierda las esperanzas de que nuestra Patria se convierta en un país
libre y soberano. ¡Que viva Puerto Libre!

Lcdo. César A. Matos Bonet
César A. Matos-Bonet <matosbon@prtc.net>
P.O. Box 362677, San Juan PR 00936-2677

---

Dear Piri Thomas


Ceasar chevalier
New York City, New York United States

---

Mr. Piri, when you wrote down these mean streets you were talking about your life.I'm just glad to say "IT WAS GREAT "
Oh what ever happen to Trina?Well,I'm glad you made your books!!!!Thankyou.
Tabitha Leyba < NONE>
Queens, new york NONE

---

what inspired you to write down these mean streets.
Ceasar chevalier
New York City, New York United States

---

I personaly love Piri's work. A friend of mine had led me one of
his books, " Down These Mean Streets". After i started reading
it i couldn't put it down. Everything was so real not fake like
the kinds of things that alot of other writers write about. I can
honestly say that Piri Thomas is my favorite author. I was born
in the Dominican Republic and my parents are also dominican,
although i wasn't yet born in the time that all the contraversy
was going on about racism, i have experienced prejudice people
in my path. The best thing that i like about his books is that
even though they weren't exactly written yesterday, the readers
now can still relate to what is going on.
Evelyn Perez
176 St, New York N.Y. 10033

---

i am very impressed with your work although I am young. I really admired your work. I am a young mexican girl with dreams and abitions and I too love writing and my dream has to write a book about me or should I say Mi Familia. I will like to know what is the best way to start it. Your Comments will be apreciated so please answer.
adriana chino <xxmorenaxx>
293 Pueblo Dr., Bolingbrook Il 60440

---

Siempre me ha gustado su trabajo, yo soy actor,poeta y dramaturgo puertorriqueno, radicado en Arizona. Suerte siempre.
Carboinael Rixema.
Carboinael Rixema (Carlos Manuel Rivera, Carlitos) <poetscmr@imap3.asu.edu>
1002 1/4 S. Ash, Tempe Az 85281

---

Que Viva Piri Thomas.. Great stuff..representing...much love.. cuidate..
peace, kahlil
kahlil jacobs-fantauzzi <kahliljf@uclink2.berkeley.edu>
1307 derby st, berkeley ca 94702

---

Spiritual Pops:
I had the opportunity to speak to you over the phone one fanastic day. I mentioned to you that I wished my heroin-addicted father was more like you. You comforted me by saying that you would be my father in spirit-- my spiritual pops.
Your accounts, your recollections in "Down These Mean Streets" made the hairs on my culo stand they were so accurate. I couldn't help but think "How's it possible this guy lead the same life as me?"
Now, when I'm feeling down or defeated, I stare at my autographed copy of "Down These Mean Streets" and through osmosis of some kind, I feel your positivity suffuse my body and mind.
There was a time when I wasn't so proud to be Puerto Rican-- it hurts me to admit it, but it's true. Everything around me Puerto Rican was depressing ( exluding the food, of course). Pops was strung the fuck out and my mom acted oblivious. Now I know she was trying to protect us, but back then, it just confused the shit out of me.
Thanks to Piri Thomas, I'm proud to be Puerto Rican and I'm proud to be his son in spirit.
Con Carino,
Vinny Negron
Vinny Negron <vinmag7@aol.com>
1300 E. Ft. Lowell Rd, G-7, Tucson, AZ 85719

---

I thank you for being a writer. I have always wanted to meet you, algun dia sera.

ALVILDA MARTINEZ ANAYA <alvmarti@inter.edu>
Call Box 70003, Fajardo, Puerto Rico 00738-7003

---

Querido Piri,

A few months ago, you graced the quiet campus of Brown University with your presence to speak at our Latino History Month Convocation.

At the dinner table with those who had invited you, you enthralled us with bits and pieces of your flows - I sat right next to you, and I couldn't keep my eyes and ears off of you as you spoke.

I'm sure that your audience in the assembly was just as entranced - you were the best thing to hit Brown in a really long time!

You will us have us all saying and feeling "Punto!" for years and years to come.

As a very lucky Latina from the Lower East Side who is able to attend this university, I finally felt like a little piece de mi alma was being represented, and I thank you for that.

I pray that I will have the courage to share the deepest parts of my soul with people and make them feel - as you do so willingly.


Siempre,

Ana Escrogima
Ana Escrogima <Ana_Escrogima@Brown.edu>
308 Delancey St #13E, NYC NY 10002

---

Don Piri Thomas-

I am the founder and director of the Trench Foundation, and am proud indeed to make contact with you here.

Luis Rodriguez and I came up in the same barrio (we didn't know each other then though) and I discovered you through his masterpiece "Always Running." Needless to say, your story is mine and Luis' even before us.

Mr. Rodriguez now works on behalf of Trench as a senior advisor and founding speaker. In March of this year we brought Mr. Rodriguez together with David Hilliard, former Chief of Staff of the Black Panther Party, who has also joined us as a senior advisor and founding speaker. We addressed what no other group does: cross-cultural coalition building.

The event was standing room only, and Pacifica radio taped us for future national broadcast.

Our next 2 events are in Berkeley the last weekend of July: one is sponsored by La Pena, the other by Global Exchange.

I understand you are now in the Berkeley area, and invite you to find out more about our organization.... Trench is devoted to initiating cross-cultural dialogs that tackle the problems which hinder us head on, always with the goal of grassroots action and lasting, positive *real* social change.

Last, legendary activist Yuri Kochiyama has also joined us, and we are planning events for New York in the spring of 99.

No other group is doing what we are doing - I invite you, Don Thomas, to join us en la lucha. Please do contact me at yoour convenience.

With much admiration and respect,

Jeff Park
The Trench Foundation
310 575 3500
trench1713@hotmail.com
Jeff Park <trench1713@hotmail.com>
1511 Sawtelle Blvd. #353, West LA CA 90025-5549

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Querido Piri,
I am an Hermana of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad, Lambda Pi Chi SOrority Inc here at the University of Massachusetts. I saw you speak at Amherst College this past February. You are an inspiration to people of color everywhere. You make me proud of my complexion and rich heritage. "Punto". I was wondering if you could possible provide some information on your rates for speaking engagements. I am sure that the Amherst area would love to see you soon and we would love to be a part of making this possible for la comunidad.
With love and Orgullo Latino,
Diana Estrada

Diana Estrada <avisani@yahoo.com>
18-17 21 Road, Astoria NY 11105

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Estimado Piri,

I hope you remember me. I read at your house last fall. I am Cecilia Cheveres' primo. I am in my last month here at JFKU. Increible ! a B.A. before I'm 52. Que milagro.I have a new poem in which I started using the word "flow" as it occurs in living systems theory as applied by the Buddha's hands on the congas and realized I was talking about your constant use of the word "flow" as the source of creativity. I hadn't thought enought about your work from a spiritual point of view because I was only seeing its ready reference to everyday reality. But that is the essence of Buddhism in Spanish on the small island - flowing-with-life-as-it-is. This poem is getting longer everyday. They ripen like peaches. I used to look at the same papaya every day. Everyday it said ..."soon mijo..." I look forward to hearing from you soon and to see you too.

un abrazo,

Lorenzo
Lorenzo Vega <lvega@jfku.edu>
75 California Ave., Orinda CA 94563

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Dear Sir,
I am writing a paper on the novel "Manchild in the Promised Land",
by Claude Brown. I was reviewing your website and I saw many things
with you and he. If it is at all possible could you send me in the
direction in which to find usefull information about this novel.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Regina Jews
rjews@hotmail.com
Regina Jews <rjews@hotmail.com>
Morgan State University, Baltimore MD 20772

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Mr. Thomas,
Thank you for writing such honest, truthful words. It is important for people of all shades to read to learn the meaning of kindness.

Michelle Slaymaker
Cleveland Ohio

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Desearia conocer nuevas amistades y compartir ideas si gustas de una buena amistad bienvenido(a) seas!
RUBEN RODRIGUEZ <rro_6959@hotmail.com>
P.O. BOX 4002, CAROLINA P.R. 00984

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Muchismas gracias, Piri, for allowing Lloyd to add a link to my political prison pages from yours. We all appreciate your help. Carmen Valentin says hello! Hi to Suzie, too!

Love, Denise
Denise Alvarado <boricua@wco.com>
1492 Gloria Drive, Santa Rosa CA 94507

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Your history is part of mine. Your flow, flows through me.
The site is another fine chapter in a still writing life.
Well done Popi. Well done. You have touched many lives.
Pride. Hard to teach. Better to show. An easy reach.
Once you know. I'm glad we found each other. Hey folks. My dad.

Peter
Pete Stacker <pstack@interaccess.com>
Lincolnshire Il

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Hi Piri!
I have heard from our compañeros who are incarcerated for their acts against colonialism that your book was the first thing they had ever read written by a Puerto Rican. You know how difficult it is for we mainland born boricuas to find literature we can read and understand. You, Piri, provide us with that. I also adore you 2 CD's that I have and listen to with great joy and appreciation. ¡Vaya! Hello to Susie...

Love, Denise
Denise Alvarado <boricua@wco.com>
1492 Gloria Drive, Santa Rosa CA 95407-7456

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Hola Senor Tomas.
As you can see, I've explored your pagina and I love
it!! I agree with you completely on the issue of race. This mundo is
all we have and we all need to stop messing around and trying to bump
each other off. Back in Nueva York, I had friends made up of a myriad
of colors and I loved the variety. I also spent two years in Europa
because my father is in the Coast Guard. People are basically the
same.My college is predominately white and it's a strange situation
for me, but I'm not gonna let it prevent me from making new amistades.
My life is too precious for hate and my time is too valuable for
ignorancia. Thank you so much for responding to my message. I was
thrilled!!!. I'll fax you some poems in a couple of days. Once again,
muchas gracias and keep doing what you're doing.

WARREN JR.
Warren Duffie, Jr. <wduffie@fls.infi.net>
77 Spring Lake Dr., Stafford VA 22554

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Hi Piri,

I just got your book "Down These Mean Streets" and I just wanted to say
that I loved it! I felt as though someone understood what I was going
through as far as being Black and Latina. All I want to say that you are
truly an inspiration to me and to keep up the good work.

Vanessa
Vanessa Ford <Caramel647@aol.com>
Baltimore Md.

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Hiya Popi!
I just wanted to check out your website. I am proud of you and all of the work that you do and I want everyone to know it! I love you and Suzie very much! And to all of you readers out there... MY POPS IS THE GREATEST!!! Te amo Popi,

"Your blue-eyed Indian"
Raina
Raina <toetags@aol.com>

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piri:

iheard you on wbai 99.5 fm today and as soon as i got home i had to check out cheverote "the greatest?". i was extremely impressed by your presence on the radio. partlicully moving ,for me, was what you said about a minority being "less than" . . . we are all earthlings. and the story when you hit mason dixon and the bus driver saying to you, " I don't care what kind of nigger you are, get to the back of the bus."

i listen to wbai all the time because it is such a powerful medium for progressive learning. They bring voices such as yours to the public. I am a high school english teacher in the south bronx and having recently graduated from college i consider wbai to be my graduate study in a way. It is great to hear the voices of genuine people such as yourself.

My question to you is: If you were in my position, as a teacher of an entirely black and latino high school english class, what would you include on your reading list? What would you try to teach them besides how to read and write, which in some cases is hard enough, and why?

I would be thrilled if you would respond.

If you ever wanted to visit Morris HS at 166 and Boston rd. I think it would be fantastic. Although I don't have the authority to invite you myself.

Jeff Tafla
jeff tafla <jefat@earthlink.net>

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I heard you on WBAI today (1/30/98) and you are great!!!!

Bob Monroe <ramjrx@hotmail.com>
2 Comstock Street, New Brunswick NJ 08901-2871

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Thank you Piri for awakening spirits!!!!I just purchased your classic "Down These Mean Streets" for my 16 year old cousin Wendy Martinez of Islip, New York..She read it in a day and vaya she's on the right path to self awareness & pride...Mucho love y paz,

Michael
Michael D'Egidio Rivera <champ8715@aol.com>
80 Mcguinness Boulevard South 87a, Brooklyn N.Y.. 11222

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Hi Piri & Suzi,

Hope your move was not a monumental move. We had a very good "after" Thanksgiving dinner. This time we had turkey with no pasteles and arroz con gandules and all the other trimmings (with Coquito). I hate to move. Truly a New Yorker - we get into a spot and stay 20 years.

I was looking at your Newsletter by Humberto Cintron - can you please tell Pancho (that's the name I knew him) that my sister Mamie is coming to visit from Florida and I would like to touch base with him on her visit. Her husband Petey was a good friend Humberto and his wife. My brother in law was from 109th Street - the Seneca's - they started two clubs together. One of the clubs was down in a basement on 109th Street - and the other was the Canopy club on 79th street near the 1st Cuban Restaurant "Victor's".

Have you heard the music for Paul Simon's play Capeman. The story very much reminds me of your story 7 Long Times. Evidently this was the first youngest teenager to go to prison. Interesting - but also very painful for me. I don't know if you remember but I was very pained when I read your two books - but then it could be even worse - you lived it.

Take care
Your friends - Merce & Charlie Kissh
Mercedes Kissh <mokissh@juno.com>
1447 Parkhaven Dr., Pleasant Hill CA 94523

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You are an inspirational writer -- I find that you have a passion for
your work and I admire that.

Ramona Marie Penikila <ccluna@aol.com>
899 Guerrero St., San Francisco CA 94110

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Piri's work has been an inspiration to me. He has made society aware of the plight of all Puerto Ricans (as well as other minorities). As an aspiring writer, I can only hope to reach that same level.

Evelyn Delgado <edelga1@uic.edu>
2300 N. Central Park, Chicago IL 60647

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Hello everyone...

This page was completed on Sunday, October 26, and is ready for lots of interesting content. Please don't hesitate to contribute your comments about what you've encountered in this website. Piri is a fascinating person, a gentleman, and an artist of great depth. I'm sure you have been inspired by his work and life, as I have been.

Sincerely,
Lloyd Nebres
Site webmaster.

LRN <lloyd@uclink.berkeley.edu>
3639 Tolman Hall, Berkeley CA 94720

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