A note from author, Raymond Storm

Dear Readers,

I am super thankful for your interest in this site and my book, Caught at the Edge. I am an ex-gang member who has lived the street life. I have stood face to face with killers, I have been shot, stabbed, and left for dead. I gave orders to more men than most corporate CEOs, and I have watched many of my friends die. I lived in the streets and would have died for the streets. Now, as a man of faith, I know it was God who saved me from the streets.

Why write this book? To bring to light what the Cartel has been doing to kids since the early 80's—making them into soldiers. The best soldier is the one that has nothing to lose.
I know what it means to be that kid. I have seen every loss you can imagine, every pain you can inflict, and most types of abuse as a child. I learned to hate when I was very young. I thrived on it. To be honest, it is what drove me—that bitter taste of hate.

Some will say about Caught at the Edge, "Oh this is just some kind of religious book." Please let me assure you that it is much more than that. Before being published, I allowed men of known gangs read it: Crips, Bloods, Latin Kings, Vice Lords, leaders of prison gangs, and the likes. I have watched some pretty hard men hand me back the book with tears in their eyes. To know that someone else knew their struggles and made it through, touched them.

May I be so bold as to place a challenge before you? Allow me to take you on a journey like no other. Let me show you what hides in the dark recess of the streets. Like a football coach, I will run you through the gambit, but instead of plays, it will be emotions. I give you my word that this book will affect you. If it doesn't, I will send you a handwritten apology. Now if this book moves you, then please tell your family and friends about it.

Thank you for your time.
Be Blessed,

"Storm"

You can find Storm's book here

Caught at the Edge, a "must read" for those who know teens in trouble and want to help.

 

 Read this book and feel empathy for the plight of kids who have nothing and are only looking for a way to survive. Read this book and feel indignant at the audacity of the grownups who use down-and-out kids for their own protection and gain.  Read this book and see the need to rescue the kids before it's too late and to show them a better way than  the cartels offer them in exchange for drugs, sex, and guns. Read this book and feel the hope as you see the redemption that is possible.

Two Pronged Novel—Two Stories, Loss and Redemption

Raymond Storm, author

The author of the true-to-life novel, Caught at the Edge, tells two stories in alternating scenes. He tells of the loneliness, fear, and danger experienced by children and teens living in abusive homes and on the streets, and the exploitation of these vulnerable and "disposable" children by the drug cartels. The other story is of caring adults who reach out to rescue and redeem these forgotten kids. Through the portrayal of the hard life of Xaviar, an abused child as he becomes a belligerent and dangerous teen, the author, shows how a young man, when he reaches rock bottom, can be saved by someone who cares enough to reach out. In this story, it is a devout Christian man who intervenes and offers Xaviar a chance at a better life. Xaviar embraces the new-found hope and forgiveness and dedicates his life to showing kids like himself the love and direction they need. 

There are two messages in this book. One is that kids without love and security can easily fall into a life of crime, become involved in gang wars, and be manipulated as hired guns and drug runners for the cartels. The other is that compassion and understanding can give these lost boys a chance for a better, safer, more productive lifestyle. There are Christian, Buddhist, and nonreligious organizations that provide homes and shelters and outreach programs. More are needed. It is hoped that young people who suffer abuse and abandonment will read this book, realize they are not alone, and find help. It is hoped that this book, though fiction, will raise awareness and empathy for these forgotten and misunderstood teens and preteens and prompt caring people to offer help.