Lady Q

The Rise and Fall of a Latin Queen

By: Sonia Rodriguez, Reymundo Sanchez

Narrated by: Rebecca Mitchell

Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Offering a rarely seen female perspective on gang life, this raw and powerful memoir tells not only of one woman's struggle to survive the streets but also of her ascent to the top ranks of the new Mafia, where the only people more dangerous than rival gangs were members of her own.

At age five Sonia Rodriguez's stepfather began to abuse her; at 10 she was molested by her uncle and beaten by her mother when she told on him; and by 13 her home had become a hangout for the Latin Kings and Queens who were friends with her older sister. Threatened by rival gang members at school, Sonia turned away from her education and extracurricular activities in favor of a world of drugs and violence.

The Latin Kings, one of the largest and most notorious street gangs in America, became her refuge, but its violence cost her friends, freedom, self-respect, and nearly her life. As a Latin Queen, she experienced the exhilarating highs and unbelievable lows of gang life. From being shot at by her own gang and kicked out at age 18 with an infant daughter to rejoining the gang and distinguishing herself as a leader, her legacy as Lady Q was cemented both for her willingness to commit violence and for her role as a drug mule.

©2008 Reymundo Sanchez and Sonia Rodriguez (P)2017 Tantor

Good book

Good book, but the narration could have been better the voice that narrated this book almost seemed computerized at times

True story from the streets of Chicago

I know because I have seen it all. I have lived it unfortunately that mentality stays with you.

Wonderful story!

loved this audio as I can relate to this 100%. Raymundo did a great job with his work. Que Dios bendiga Sonia 🇵🇷

Real life

I love these books! I grew up in Chicago and have family and friends who were involved in the Latin Kings. It’s crazy how much damage being a part of one of these groups can do. It’s great that Raymundo and Sonia are bringing awareness surrounding this lifestyle

Lady Q, I imagine it’s difficult for you

This is a good book for anybody to better understand the complexities of why this is the life lived.

Pro: great narration in English, easy to listen

Con: horrible narration of Spanish phrases. That made me cringe as a native Spanish speaker. Recommend having a native Spanish speaker narrate.

Horrible narration

I read this book as a teen in Chicago and the story is heart broken and shines light to what abuse children and broken homes can do to a child. I love this book but the narrator is horrible I mean it’s like a robots voice no feeling at all and the pronunciation of the Spanish names and phrases are butcher.

I love the books by Reymundo Sanchez, great book.

This book was a rollercoaster ride, sad, exciting, motivational, sympathetic. I love audible and this book.

This book was a hidden gem!

This book was a hidden gem! It was good story telling, it followed her life over the years very well. I am glad they did a epilogue at the end.

I relate to this book I grew up in this area

loved it and it helped keep me and my sister odd the street and out of the life

Enjoyed listening

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I really enjoy listening to this book and wish you the best in your future endeavors. I remembered reading "My Bloody life" and wondered what happened to the girls on the Oprah show. I tried to YouTube that episode but couldn't find it. :/

I recommend this book to anyone that's read and enjoyed "My Bloody Life" and "Once a King Always a King."