Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead: 2nd Edition

THE INSPIRATION FOR THE FILM AMERICAN HISTORY X, STARRING EDWARD NORTON

The raw telling of one man's descent into America’s Nazi underground and his ultimate triumph over hatred and addiction

"Required reading for anyone who wants to understand the origin of race hatred in these United States of America." —Jerry Stahl, author of Permanent Midnight

Frank’s violent childhood in South Philadelphia primed him to hate. He made easy prey for a small group of skinhead gang recruiters led by his older cousin. At fourteen, he shaved his head. By sixteen, Frank was one of the most notorious skinhead gang leaders on the East Coast. By eighteen, he was doing hard time in an Illinois prison.

Behind bars, Frank began to question his hatred, thanks in large part to his Black teammates on a prison football league. Shortly after being paroled, Frank defected from the white supremacy movement. The Oklahoma City bombing inspired him to try to stop the hatred he once had felt. He began speaking on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League and appeared on MTV and other national networks in his efforts to stop the hate.

The story of Frank Meeink’s downfall and redemption has the power to open hearts and change lives. This edition of the acclaimed memoir includes a preface by the author, nine new chapters, an updated epilogue, and resource guides for substance abuse recovery and countering racism.