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[Following is a volunteer review of "Executive Hoodlum" by John Costello.]

The Executive Hoodlum begins with Costello having been called to a midnight meeting of “outfit guys”. He explained “This was a convince-or-get-killed deal and I knew it”. Apparently, Costello’s father (Mario) had scammed $250,000 in outfit money, and the mob wanted to know if Costello was associated with the “misappropriation” of funds. While he did convince the mob of his innocence, he realized that his own father had sold him out.

Costello endured being bounced around between foster care, moving in with his father and his new family (another wife and three children), and then back to live with his mother (who was drinking heavily to cope with her life). How will Costello possibly manage to move past his unique and tormented childhood to survive in this world?

Costello relays his remarkable autobiography in chronological order, making it easy for the reader to follow along. I appreciated the organization and cohesiveness of his story. Initially, in Costello’s early life, readers will be introduced to characters like John “Bulldog” Drummond, “Joey the Clown” Lombardo, and “The Undertaker”. Once Costello graduated from college and entered the business world, his list of friends and acquaintances featured Scott Baio, Larry Elder, and Senator John McCain.

The author weaves these extraordinary tales with undeniable wit, tongue-in-cheek humor, and refreshing honesty. That is what I enjoyed most about this book. One example of his humor is “It crossed my mind that Ronnie may be the guy to shoot me in the back of the head if things go sideways”. In addition to bringing the memories alive, these elements help the reader to live them alongside Costello. For example, my heart broke when Costello told of reaching the age of forty-three before anyone told him that they were proud of him. Also, the author included several pages of photographs to further help readers glimpse his world.

I was impressed that Costello could objectively paint the complexity of his father’s personality. Readers will seethe at the way Costello’s father mentally and physically abused him. Then, in another chapter, Costello portrays Mario as a larger-than-life personality. His father, blessed with an amazing talent for singing, had an act in Las Vegas. Milton Berle (among other famous comedians) was his opening act.

If I had to find something to dislike it would be the strong language. However, I reminded myself that since these stories dealt with crime mobsters and hoodlums the language was not unexpected. The book is well edited, which further added to my enjoyment in reading it. Therefore, I am pleased to award The Executive Hoodlum by John Costello with Larry Elder 4 out of 4 stars.

Costello’s story will appeal to readers interested in overcoming a very difficult childhood and managing to succeed in life. I must warn readers that this book contains scenes of disturbing physical and mental abuse. I especially cringed when reading of how Costello was treated by his own father. Therefore, readers who are sensitive to these issues may need to proceed with caution or avoid this read altogether. I highly recommend this book and hope that others will enjoy reading of the juxtaposition of Costello’s two worlds as much as I did.

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Executive Hoodlum
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Like Bluebird03's review? Post a comment saying so!

I recently read this book as well and enjoyed it thoroughly. I loved the humor that was added in also. Great review, as always!

Prisallen wrote: ↑04 Jun 2019, 15:01 I recently read this book as well and enjoyed it thoroughly. I loved the humor that was added in also. Great review, as always!

It’s really difficult to comprehend the two completely different lives he led and how he’s managed to weave them together. His humor made the book! Thanks so much for your kind comments.

Sounds like this was an exciting and engaging read. Great review!

unamilagra wrote: ↑04 Jun 2019, 21:54 Sounds like this was an exciting and engaging read. Great review!

Thank you, unamilagra! It was. I’m so proud of Costello and all he overcame to succeed.

I also read this book and, like you, seethed at the treatment by his father. I enjoyed seeing this book through your eyes.

Bluebird03 wrote: ↑05 Jun 2019, 05:55
I’m so proud of Costello and all he overcame to succeed.

I believe the author would be happy to see this statement.

Wonderful review!

diana lowery wrote: ↑05 Jun 2019, 12:01 I also read this book and, like you, seethed at the treatment by his father. I enjoyed seeing this book through your eyes.

Thank you, Diana. It's amazing all that he was able to overcome to be the successful businessman that he is today.

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑05 Jun 2019, 14:34

Bluebird03 wrote: ↑05 Jun 2019, 05:55
I’m so proud of Costello and all he overcame to succeed.

I believe the author would be happy to see this statement.

Wonderful review!

Thank you, Miriam. I hope that he is hearing these words often these days!

This sounds like a thriller or an adventure. To think this is the real life of some one is just unimaginable. I really want to read this story. So, thanks a lot for your insightful and awesome review.

Hiruni Bhagya 81 wrote: ↑07 Jun 2019, 08:00 This sounds like a thriller or an adventure. To think this is the real life of some one is just unimaginable. I really want to read this story. So, thanks a lot for your insightful and awesome review.

You are quite right; I had to keep reminding myself that this was a true story. Thank you so much for your kind comments.

It's shocking to believe this is someone's life, rather than the plot of a crime thriller. It must have been quite difficult to read some of those parts about his childhood. But with humour included, I imagine it helped to lighten the tone somewhat.

Thanks for a great review, it's clear how much you enjoyed reading this

This sounds like a fascinating book. I like the quotes you included. That made it easy to understand the author's writing style.

The book cover is very attractive, so is your review, I hope all goes well with Costello. Thanks for giving me a book to have a look at.

danielleamy wrote: ↑09 Jun 2019, 03:43 It's shocking to believe this is someone's life, rather than the plot of a crime thriller. It must have been quite difficult to read some of those parts about his childhood. But with humour included, I imagine it helped to lighten the tone somewhat.

Thanks for a great review, it's clear how much you enjoyed reading this

Yes, you do have to keep reminding yourself that this is a true story. And his humor came in handy for me (as well as for him as he navigated his life!). Thank you so much for your very kind comments!