Review: When Crack Was King

 Title: When Crack Was King

Author: Donovan X.  Ramsey

Release Date: July 11, 2023

Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC via Netgalley.

               Ramsey’s book is one on hand a history of the cocaine and crack epidemic, and on the other hand a history of four people during the epidemic.  The four people include an addict, two dealers, and a politician. 

               The use of biography and history works well because it shows that history, the facts, aren’t simply abstract facts but have real people on the end of them.  And while many people undoubtedly are always aware of this, many other people aren’t.  There are reasons why teachers usually diaries and first-hand accounts when teaching major historical events and issues such as the Holocaust or when teaching slavery.  This book, importantly, follows in that vein, showcasing the real impact of various policies or lack of policies as well as the impact of drugs themselves.

               Ramsey takes an issue that has several different aspects to it – not just drugs and addicts, but Civil Rights among others – and weaves them together in an easy to follow and engrossing history.  At times, the book is difficult to read, yet it is worth reading.  Not only should we be confronted with uncomfortable truths but also, so we know what happened.

               In many ways, this is an excellent book to assign to a college class or an upper-level high school class.  It is clear, concise, and has an emotional impact.  Students should be able to see themselves in the four people that Ramsey has chosen to highlight, at least in terms of the background of those people.  I mentioned this book when a student asked what I was reading, and he immediately said that he wanted to read it.  And if that isn’t an endorsement, then I really don’t know what is.

               If I had any quibble with this book it has to do with the four people who were chosen.  It should be noted that Ramsey treats all four with respect.  But the ratio is 3:1 in favor of men, and the one woman is the one addict.  This isn’t a problem, and her story, because of who she becomes, is vitally important.  I just wish there had been another non-addict female voice to balance out the male voices.  I do love the fact that Ramsey included a politician, and that provides a unique use of the narratives because we are getting them from different perspectives on all sides of the issue/history.