Review by Kansas City Teacher -- Executive Hoodlum
Posted: 20 Jun 2019, 14:04
[Following is a volunteer review of "Executive Hoodlum" by John Costello.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Executive Hoodlum by John Costello with Larry Elder is an autobiographical account of one man’s journey to success. Raised on the drug-infested, crime-ridden streets of Chicago’s inner core, Costello writes about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father and the other hardships he endured as a child. Gang violence, drug overdoses, and poverty are his constant companions. In and out of foster homes, it would seem this child had little chance of escaping a dismal and uncertain future. Further, the death of his mother and a deep resentment for his father deliver severe blows to his psyche and outlook on life. Through interactions with caring adults, engagement in sports, and an innate drive for success, Costello faces his demons, graduates from college, and lands a successful white collar job. Even so, he finds his worlds colliding and feels the push and pull of both.
Nature or nurture? Does your zip code define you, or can you overcome an unfortunate childhood? Much research involving twins has been done to find the answer, and this age-old debate is at the center of this book. Given his background, Costello seems an unlikely candidate for a college degree in business, let alone for an executive position in an international company. Throughout the autobiography, the author gives specific events that helped lead him to success. I found the author’s introspect to be very enlightening as he contemplates his ownership in life's predicaments and analyzes his observations of others. It has been my experience that the ideal attitude the author describes as a recipe for success is attainable for many people in similar situations.
What I liked most about this book are the details Costello uses to describe the different settings and the inspiration his life provides for others. Interactions between the characters and significant events are effectively played out, inviting the reader to experience for themselves the trauma of street violence and the effects of abuse. This is not a light read. It is very intense, with many characters and at times emotionally draining. There is an epilogue at the end of the book explaining what became of the characters. As in real life, some did not have happy endings. In the middle of the book are some photographs, which also added a sense of realism. The only negative thing I can say about this book is that I felt some of the photographs were spoilers to events in later chapters. The action did not slow down at any part of the book, and I was left with that push-pull feeling of his two worlds. An abusive father who spends much of his time in prison is still a father. A sister who cannot shake free from the claws of addiction is still a sister. Must we choose between a family who pulls us down and a career that pulls us up?
I give this book a 4 out of 4 stars. From the shocking scenes of physical and mental abuse to the careless, regrettable words spoken in anger, this book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I certainly learned a lot about different sports. The best part of this book is the insight the author gives us through his thoughts. I also enjoyed the subtle, quick-witted humor, which is even in the subtitle. The book seems professionally edited, and I found only a few minor grammar errors.
I would recommend this book for people who are teenagers and older and are interested in crime and sports, particularly boxing and fighting. This book includes adult themes, moderate profanity, and pretty graphic violence, so it may not be suitable for younger readers. There are some underlying psychological themes and I believe anyone who is in a position to influence youth should read this book. It will provide invaluable insight into what can help stop the cycle of despair that dampens the spirits of many young people.
******
Executive Hoodlum
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Executive Hoodlum by John Costello with Larry Elder is an autobiographical account of one man’s journey to success. Raised on the drug-infested, crime-ridden streets of Chicago’s inner core, Costello writes about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father and the other hardships he endured as a child. Gang violence, drug overdoses, and poverty are his constant companions. In and out of foster homes, it would seem this child had little chance of escaping a dismal and uncertain future. Further, the death of his mother and a deep resentment for his father deliver severe blows to his psyche and outlook on life. Through interactions with caring adults, engagement in sports, and an innate drive for success, Costello faces his demons, graduates from college, and lands a successful white collar job. Even so, he finds his worlds colliding and feels the push and pull of both.
Nature or nurture? Does your zip code define you, or can you overcome an unfortunate childhood? Much research involving twins has been done to find the answer, and this age-old debate is at the center of this book. Given his background, Costello seems an unlikely candidate for a college degree in business, let alone for an executive position in an international company. Throughout the autobiography, the author gives specific events that helped lead him to success. I found the author’s introspect to be very enlightening as he contemplates his ownership in life's predicaments and analyzes his observations of others. It has been my experience that the ideal attitude the author describes as a recipe for success is attainable for many people in similar situations.
What I liked most about this book are the details Costello uses to describe the different settings and the inspiration his life provides for others. Interactions between the characters and significant events are effectively played out, inviting the reader to experience for themselves the trauma of street violence and the effects of abuse. This is not a light read. It is very intense, with many characters and at times emotionally draining. There is an epilogue at the end of the book explaining what became of the characters. As in real life, some did not have happy endings. In the middle of the book are some photographs, which also added a sense of realism. The only negative thing I can say about this book is that I felt some of the photographs were spoilers to events in later chapters. The action did not slow down at any part of the book, and I was left with that push-pull feeling of his two worlds. An abusive father who spends much of his time in prison is still a father. A sister who cannot shake free from the claws of addiction is still a sister. Must we choose between a family who pulls us down and a career that pulls us up?
I give this book a 4 out of 4 stars. From the shocking scenes of physical and mental abuse to the careless, regrettable words spoken in anger, this book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I certainly learned a lot about different sports. The best part of this book is the insight the author gives us through his thoughts. I also enjoyed the subtle, quick-witted humor, which is even in the subtitle. The book seems professionally edited, and I found only a few minor grammar errors.
I would recommend this book for people who are teenagers and older and are interested in crime and sports, particularly boxing and fighting. This book includes adult themes, moderate profanity, and pretty graphic violence, so it may not be suitable for younger readers. There are some underlying psychological themes and I believe anyone who is in a position to influence youth should read this book. It will provide invaluable insight into what can help stop the cycle of despair that dampens the spirits of many young people.
******
Executive Hoodlum
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon