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Belly Of The Beast
Caleb Alexander has woven his most explosive and provocative tale to date. Belly of the Beast takes the readers on a violent, gut wrenching, deeply emotional journey through the American prison system. A place where friends become enemies, and enemies band together for survival in a system that is designed for their destruction, and in a society that has written them off. Belly of the Beast is a straight forward look at racism, the prison industrial complex, and the nature of our humanity. Throw in racist prison guards, a former Grand Wizard of the KKK, Billionaire tax evaders, violent prison gangs, The Mafia, and one man's struggle to make it back home to his woman and child, and you have a story that only Alexander can tell. Welcome to the Federal Prison System; welcome to the Belly of the Beast.
274 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2010
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Caleb Alexander
3 booksLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 11, 2010
I really enjoyed Belly of the Beast from beginning to end. The character took me on a emotional roller coaster. I was immediately drawn to the character because he was relate-able and authentic. Throughout the story the constant pitfalls and challenges made me angry, frustrated, yet at the same time cheer for a better life for the character. In terms of the writing Caleb Alexander is a master with the pen. The characters are very well developed to the point where they jump off the page. If you're looking for a fast paced, emotional roller coaster, page turner Belly of the beast is sure to please.
Minolta White
AAMBC Reviewer
Minolta White
AAMBC Reviewer
July 5, 2012
The murder of Christian Alexander’s uncle triggered his descent into a life of crime. By the age of 19 he was already considered a menace to the streets of San Antonio Texas earning him a federal prison sentence. During his incarceration Christian would face adversity that not even the streets could prepare him for. As if existing within a corrupt system that has no interest in rehabilitation wasn’t difficult enough the prison that Christian is housed in is entrenched in a battle for control by rival gangs that are divided up amongst racial lines. But there’s even dissention in the gangs as infighting occurs over leadership. What make matters even worse is that the blacks have the smallest population in the prison.
Christian is determined to make it home safely to his family. But the atrocities that he faces while in the federal prison system if they don’t cause him to lose his life they just might cost him his humanity. The road to redemption in subhuman conditions is a hard fought battle but that is exactly what Christian must do if he is to survive the belly of the beast. But not only does Christian survive he develops into someone that will help others exist within the prison walls as well. Highlighting that inspiration can be found even while within negative environments.
With Belly of The Beast author Caleb Alexander does an exceptional job revealing the horrific reality of incarceration. There is no glorification of the conditions that exist behind bars. Although the book is undoubtedly urban fiction it surpasses other books in that genre by exploring the consequences of crimes which so many other books fail to do. They usually end once the character is jailed or if the incarceration is delved into it is usually glossed over as a place where characters get their weight up or plot the moves they’re going to make upon being released. But with Belly of The Beast readers will find a dark gritty tale that exemplifies how the truth always makes way better fiction.
What did you like best about the book?
The realism was very refreshing and although the subject matter was very depressing Author Alexander still made the book inspirational giving readers hope that they can overcome even the bleakest situation.
What did you dislike about the book?
Absolutely nothing, it was engrossing and entertaining.
How could the author improve the book?
In my opinion the book was perfect as is.
Christian is determined to make it home safely to his family. But the atrocities that he faces while in the federal prison system if they don’t cause him to lose his life they just might cost him his humanity. The road to redemption in subhuman conditions is a hard fought battle but that is exactly what Christian must do if he is to survive the belly of the beast. But not only does Christian survive he develops into someone that will help others exist within the prison walls as well. Highlighting that inspiration can be found even while within negative environments.
With Belly of The Beast author Caleb Alexander does an exceptional job revealing the horrific reality of incarceration. There is no glorification of the conditions that exist behind bars. Although the book is undoubtedly urban fiction it surpasses other books in that genre by exploring the consequences of crimes which so many other books fail to do. They usually end once the character is jailed or if the incarceration is delved into it is usually glossed over as a place where characters get their weight up or plot the moves they’re going to make upon being released. But with Belly of The Beast readers will find a dark gritty tale that exemplifies how the truth always makes way better fiction.
What did you like best about the book?
The realism was very refreshing and although the subject matter was very depressing Author Alexander still made the book inspirational giving readers hope that they can overcome even the bleakest situation.
What did you dislike about the book?
Absolutely nothing, it was engrossing and entertaining.
How could the author improve the book?
In my opinion the book was perfect as is.
April 25, 2010
Power from Within
Reading Advisory: Please be warned that if you are looking for the typical street/urban lit read, this is NOT the book for you. If you are looking for the recipe of add drug dealer, girl with big booty, shake and stir, again, this is NOT the book for you. Instead, this book starts where all those books stop. It deals with the harsh reality of the consequences of the street lifestyle. Where the C.O., the warden, or a sharp piece of metal doesn't care who you were on the streets. Where death is always right around the corner doesn't care how much money you stacked. Where you are identified by a reg number, your race or your religious affiliation. Where Gucci and Prada are replaced with prison issued uniforms. Where steak and lobster are replaced with the unidentifiable. Where fiction ends and reality begins. Welcome to the BELLY OF THE BEAST!
After his uncle, the last male figure in his life, is murdered, Christian Alexander takes to the streets. Killing, wheeling and dealing, he quickly becomes just a statistic - another incarcerated black man. "Belly of the Beast" chronicles his journey as an inmate, and more importantly, as a man.
Caleb Alexander's gift of writing is on full display with Golden Ink Publishing's debut, "Belly of the Beast." He tells a compelling story of survival, growth and redemption. It is refreshing, powerful and thought-provoking. Alexander crafts a tale that is as moving as it is entertaining and insightful.
Caleb Alexander has built a large base of unknowing fans as the ghostwriter behind some of street lit's biggest books. I am happy to see him writing for himself and hope that success carries over, as it should.
Be sure to also check out "Eastside" (Strebor on the Streetz), another powerful book by this gifted brother.
Reading Advisory: Please be warned that if you are looking for the typical street/urban lit read, this is NOT the book for you. If you are looking for the recipe of add drug dealer, girl with big booty, shake and stir, again, this is NOT the book for you. Instead, this book starts where all those books stop. It deals with the harsh reality of the consequences of the street lifestyle. Where the C.O., the warden, or a sharp piece of metal doesn't care who you were on the streets. Where death is always right around the corner doesn't care how much money you stacked. Where you are identified by a reg number, your race or your religious affiliation. Where Gucci and Prada are replaced with prison issued uniforms. Where steak and lobster are replaced with the unidentifiable. Where fiction ends and reality begins. Welcome to the BELLY OF THE BEAST!
After his uncle, the last male figure in his life, is murdered, Christian Alexander takes to the streets. Killing, wheeling and dealing, he quickly becomes just a statistic - another incarcerated black man. "Belly of the Beast" chronicles his journey as an inmate, and more importantly, as a man.
Caleb Alexander's gift of writing is on full display with Golden Ink Publishing's debut, "Belly of the Beast." He tells a compelling story of survival, growth and redemption. It is refreshing, powerful and thought-provoking. Alexander crafts a tale that is as moving as it is entertaining and insightful.
Caleb Alexander has built a large base of unknowing fans as the ghostwriter behind some of street lit's biggest books. I am happy to see him writing for himself and hope that success carries over, as it should.
Be sure to also check out "Eastside" (Strebor on the Streetz), another powerful book by this gifted brother.
June 27, 2010
If Only You Knew Your Power,
Christian Alexander is a crack dealer headed to the Belly of the Beast. A young dude in the streets, he is naive about life and even less knowledgeable about what it truly means to be a man as his uncle, and only male mentor, was killed in the street, while his father, a prisoner, is consumed with serving his own sentence. Christian is confident that once his time is served he'll return to the free world with a valuable crack connect to step his game up to a higher level. Christian doesn't realize that his life will forever be changed inside of FCI in Big Springs, Texas.
BELLY OF THE BEAST written by Caleb Alexander is riveting from start to finish. I love how he is able to bring prison to the readers. From the politics, riots, democracy and hate, he shows you that knowledge, brotherhood and love can be found amongst ALL black men, regardless of nationality or creed, as they struggle to survive together.
This is an emotional journey that needs to be shared. After reading EASTSIDE I've been waiting to see what else Caleb would deliver, under his own name, and trust me when I say, I'm glad to add a MUST READ tag to such a valuable resource.
"God works through people."
Reviewed by: Crystal
Christian Alexander is a crack dealer headed to the Belly of the Beast. A young dude in the streets, he is naive about life and even less knowledgeable about what it truly means to be a man as his uncle, and only male mentor, was killed in the street, while his father, a prisoner, is consumed with serving his own sentence. Christian is confident that once his time is served he'll return to the free world with a valuable crack connect to step his game up to a higher level. Christian doesn't realize that his life will forever be changed inside of FCI in Big Springs, Texas.
BELLY OF THE BEAST written by Caleb Alexander is riveting from start to finish. I love how he is able to bring prison to the readers. From the politics, riots, democracy and hate, he shows you that knowledge, brotherhood and love can be found amongst ALL black men, regardless of nationality or creed, as they struggle to survive together.
This is an emotional journey that needs to be shared. After reading EASTSIDE I've been waiting to see what else Caleb would deliver, under his own name, and trust me when I say, I'm glad to add a MUST READ tag to such a valuable resource.
"God works through people."
Reviewed by: Crystal
Read
July 23, 2010Caleb Alexander penned a great novel, he told this story with grace and truths. Caleb educates you on the politics of the BOP( Bureau of Prisons), religion and gives you deal on atonement and the awful truth about the BLACK family. For Caleb to able to put all these truths in novel form with characters is awesome.
Christian Alexander is a average dude reared in San Antonio, Tx by his grandmother. He's not illiterate was taught values and morals like most of our youth are taught , but had the desire to tamper with the streets. Low and behold one day the Belly of the Beast catches up with him, the BOP. There he learned the real game of chess , who the real players are and how to maneuver against them. BOTB gives real insight about prison dos and dont's. Christian got the education that Harvard or Yale could never give him. It was unfortuante for him going to prison at a early age but rewarding at the same. he became a MAN .BOTB is really for the open minded ,the message he is trying to convey is truly deep nothing is sugar coated. Trust me you will have no regrets with BOTB if your goal is to learn something and not be entertain.
Christian Alexander is a average dude reared in San Antonio, Tx by his grandmother. He's not illiterate was taught values and morals like most of our youth are taught , but had the desire to tamper with the streets. Low and behold one day the Belly of the Beast catches up with him, the BOP. There he learned the real game of chess , who the real players are and how to maneuver against them. BOTB gives real insight about prison dos and dont's. Christian got the education that Harvard or Yale could never give him. It was unfortuante for him going to prison at a early age but rewarding at the same. he became a MAN .BOTB is really for the open minded ,the message he is trying to convey is truly deep nothing is sugar coated. Trust me you will have no regrets with BOTB if your goal is to learn something and not be entertain.
April 6, 2012
Belly of the Beast is an excellent read. It's not your normal Urban Lit/Hood novel. Caleb Alexander makes the readers think as he takes you behind the walls of Federal Prison and what these men have to do just to survive. This book is enlightening as well as informative. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews