Author and Gang Confidant meets fans at local book signing.

Press Release from Paper Plus

Media commentator, high profile criminologist and spokesperson for the Howard League for Penal Reform, Jarrod Gilbert, talked about his new book Patched – The History of Gangs in New Zealand, at a ‘meet the author’ event hosted by Paper Plus Eastgate Mall last night.

Last night’s event followed on from Gilbert’s official book launch at the University of Canterbury last Friday. 

45 fans were in attendance to meet Gilbert, get him to sign their copy of Patched and ask him their questions in a no-holds-barred Q&A session.

“It was great to see so many fans turn out to meet Jarrod. The book has been extremely popular with our customers and has been a top seller since its release last Friday”, said Paper Plus Eastgate Mall franchise owner Cherine Macdonald.

“It was great to be at an event last night with people that are so interested in New Zealand’s social history. The lives of gang members, like the lives of most people are monotonous and unremarkable, but sometimes they get quite remarkable. I was privy to, and involved in, certain activities that certainly stretched my ethical boundaries.  It was a pleasure to share those stories with fellow social history fans last night”, said Gilbert.

The initial 2500 copies of Patched have sold out nationwide however Paper Plus Eastgate Mall still have over 60 copies in store.