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ccoelophysis's review
1.0
A nice but all-too-brief glimpse into the hacking world. I'm not sure why this book was shelved near the computer textbooks in the library as it is far more autobiographical than technical. A good chunk of the book is filled with Ejovi's descriptions of his moves during gang fights. Why would the reader care how many times he punched a certain guy in a certain fight while he was growing up? Despite its shortcomings, this book was pleasant to read. But if you're looking for a book on computer security, look elsewhere.
gwentolios's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe I liked this cause I always wanted to learn how to hack and never did, but Nuwere's voice is also simply very engaging. You feel like he's talking to you, explaining things as you get that funny look on your face that says you don't understand. He's had a incredible life, doing what he wants and coming a long way so I can't help but be slightly jealous. But while his journey is interesting, the book fails to come to a conclusion. I think it does in his head, but I can't follow it. Granted, he's really young, only 22? 23? when this was published so it's quite possible his tale is one of those that's focused on the journey. But I still found the end a little off and random. Regardless, I did really like this book. I'm a huge sci-fi fan and to read something with those elements that didn't get scornful looks from those who believe I should read classic, whom classic lovers even picked up and read the back of, made me feel like a smart reader.
mochagirl's review against another edition
2.0
As the full title suggests, Ejovi Nuwere's Hacker Cracker: A Journey from the Mean Streets of Brooklyn to the Frontiers of Cyberspace is a coming of age story of a boy as he physically, emotionally and intellectually matures. He witnesses his mother slowly succumb to AIDS related complications, battles with the inner city street gangs, deals with family drama, and yields to unrelenting peer pressure. At one point in his young life, he attempts suicide and spends time in a mental ward. He shares his childhood life stories and admits how his first introduction to hacking was that on the side of wrongdoing (soliciting credit card numbers from unsuspecting online users). Through a twist of fate, he applies his skills toward good and goes legit in the field of computer security.
This story is an autobiography, however because the author is so young, the book spends a great deal of time discussing his days as an outcast in high school and his adventures in the different hacking groups and online communities. Although his computing exploits may be interesting to the "techies" of the world, I fear that lay people will struggle to retain interest during those sections of the book. More importantly, I think this novel is a testament to a man who could have easily fallen victim to his circumstances. He was/is largely self-taught and chose to use his intellect and street smarts to capitalize on his programming skills. This book is an inspirational read for young people as it demonstrates that alternatives and opportunities exist everywhere---one just has to be open and willing to consider the possibilities.
This story is an autobiography, however because the author is so young, the book spends a great deal of time discussing his days as an outcast in high school and his adventures in the different hacking groups and online communities. Although his computing exploits may be interesting to the "techies" of the world, I fear that lay people will struggle to retain interest during those sections of the book. More importantly, I think this novel is a testament to a man who could have easily fallen victim to his circumstances. He was/is largely self-taught and chose to use his intellect and street smarts to capitalize on his programming skills. This book is an inspirational read for young people as it demonstrates that alternatives and opportunities exist everywhere---one just has to be open and willing to consider the possibilities.
gwentolios's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe I liked this cause I always wanted to learn how to hack and never did, but Nuwere's voice is also simply very engaging. You feel like he's talking to you, explaining things as you get that funny look on your face that says you don't understand. He's had a incredible life, doing what he wants and coming a long way so I can't help but be slightly jealous. But while his journey is interesting, the book fails to come to a conclusion. I think it does in his head, but I can't follow it. Granted, he's really young, only 22? 23? when this was published so it's quite possible his tale is one of those that's focused on the journey. But I still found the end a little off and random. Regardless, I did really like this book. I'm a huge sci-fi fan and to read something with those elements that didn't get scornful looks from those who believe I should read classic, whom classic lovers even picked up and read the back of, made me feel like a smart reader.
marcella's review against another edition
3.0
This was cute. Obviously a way different intro to tech story than mine. I was a little thrown off when I saw how long ago this was written, because it means it was written while the protagonist was still quite young. The 9/11 chapter at the end was a weird note to end on. Still fun to read.
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