With this autobiography, Mona Ruiz and co-author Geoff Boucher spin a tale of one woman's private war to escape the tentacles of the street gangs that have carved her barrio into turfs where one misstep leads to violence. This page-turner charts the map of Ruiz's journey toward self-identity, tracing the tortuous path of her life - a life in which Ruiz assumed contradicting roles: gang chola, high school drop-out, disowned daughter, battered wife, welfare mother, student, policewoman and finally success story. At each step in the journey, Ruiz faced violence, ridicule and skepticism. She nevertheless prevailed in exchanging her badge of social defiance for one of protection of her community.

With this autobiography, Mona Ruiz and co-author Geoff Boucher spin a tale of one woman's private war to escape the tentacles of the street gangs that have carved her barrio into turfs where one misstep leads to violence.

Mona Ruiz grew up in a gang lifestyle, but she always wanted to become a police officer. Would Mona get the chance to change her future, or would the gangs decide for her?

This engrossing memoir charts Ruiz's journey toward self-identity, tracing the tortuous path of her life--a life in which Ruiz assumed contradictory roles: gang chola, high school drop-out, disowned daughter, battered wife, welfare mother, student, and policewoman.