Pure texture, short and sweet. With a name like Morris Ventimiglia the founding member of the Street Mystiques had to be tough. You've found a fast, touching and candid novella about New York street life in the 50's and 60's, a nostalgic, lightweight take on a heavyweight crew. But there's no plot. The Street Mystiques could be considered a legendary Brooklyn-based gang though their influence ranged as far as the shuffleboard courts on the big island of Hawaii in later years. This is the story of their origins and how, by their own admissions and self-promotions, they became notorious for their escapades, starting with a ferocious battle in the kindergarten class where they met. Discover why people named Augie are always short. And see what Chambrey does when her brother tries to pimp her out but neglects to tell her. You'll even find out if people really live on Staten Island. For the most part you can leave the brass knuckles and baseball bats at the title page. It would be best if you brought a sense of humor to the reading chair instead.