Tales from the killing streets

OK, even if you think you don't like true-crime (which ... this isn't, in the traditional sense), you need to read "Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America," by Jill Leovy (she was on "The Daily Show" in January).

Both Rob and I are reading it, and I just can't put it down. Reminiscent in some ways of David Simon's "Homicide" -- it's the tale of one murder, yes, but it's wrapped in a thoroughly reported and fascinating look at policing in South Central, racism in America, violence in the inner city, and the personal stories of numerous people whose lives have intersected under a sunny sky in a bloody paradise.

Don't miss it.