Review by Shalomsamuels1 -- Executive Hoodlum
Posted: 30 Jul 2019, 14:02
[Following is a volunteer review of "Executive Hoodlum" by John Costello.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Books and movies about the Mafia have always excited the imagination of Americans. The Godfather is considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made. But what also excites audiences is the more mundane aspects. What does a Mafia capo do if he becomes depressed? He goes to therapy and takes antidepressants, like the rest of us. Executive Hoodlum: Negotiating on the Corner of Main and Mean continues in this vein but takes it a step further. What if Tony Soprano’s son decided to leave the family business and have a legitimate career? How would growing up in that environment affect him? John Costello answers these questions in his autobiography from his own life of growing up with a father who is part of the Chicago “Outfit,” as he terms it. His father is a compulsive cheat and abusive to boot. The fact that he sings like an angel just adds to the picture.
Costello is a street smart kid, with a preference for settling disputes with fists and swearing rather than a more benign method. He constantly must straddle the line between his more violent tendencies and the social expectations of the social groups he finds himself in. The book interestingly almost reads like a classic American story. John Costello doesn’t come from much, but through hard work and perseverance ends up with a high-paying job, a wife and kids, and as a respected member of society. But unlike most of these stories, Costello’s story is interspersed with him roughing people up for money, a stint as a boxer, and parties at the Playboy Mansion.
What is also notable about the book is the rawness. Costello hits the reader with the brutal truth of his childhood, from his mother being beaten half to death, to his father pushing him to be as violent as possible. His relationship with his father is complicated. He seems to hate the man, while simultaneously needing his approval. The scene where he finally gets one over on his old man is particularly enjoyable in light of this and is probably my favorite part of the book.
My one problem with the book is the beginning. It starts a bit confusing and did not grab me into the story. I may not have continued reading the book based on the beginning. But once I got to Chapter 3 or 4 it started to pick up.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was an easy read and I was able to read it in a few sittings. I recommend it to anyone interested in anything Mafia-related, as well as anyone interested in a book about perseverance in the face of hardship, and pulling oneself up by their bootstraps and succeeding through grit and determination.
******
Executive Hoodlum
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Books and movies about the Mafia have always excited the imagination of Americans. The Godfather is considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made. But what also excites audiences is the more mundane aspects. What does a Mafia capo do if he becomes depressed? He goes to therapy and takes antidepressants, like the rest of us. Executive Hoodlum: Negotiating on the Corner of Main and Mean continues in this vein but takes it a step further. What if Tony Soprano’s son decided to leave the family business and have a legitimate career? How would growing up in that environment affect him? John Costello answers these questions in his autobiography from his own life of growing up with a father who is part of the Chicago “Outfit,” as he terms it. His father is a compulsive cheat and abusive to boot. The fact that he sings like an angel just adds to the picture.
Costello is a street smart kid, with a preference for settling disputes with fists and swearing rather than a more benign method. He constantly must straddle the line between his more violent tendencies and the social expectations of the social groups he finds himself in. The book interestingly almost reads like a classic American story. John Costello doesn’t come from much, but through hard work and perseverance ends up with a high-paying job, a wife and kids, and as a respected member of society. But unlike most of these stories, Costello’s story is interspersed with him roughing people up for money, a stint as a boxer, and parties at the Playboy Mansion.
What is also notable about the book is the rawness. Costello hits the reader with the brutal truth of his childhood, from his mother being beaten half to death, to his father pushing him to be as violent as possible. His relationship with his father is complicated. He seems to hate the man, while simultaneously needing his approval. The scene where he finally gets one over on his old man is particularly enjoyable in light of this and is probably my favorite part of the book.
My one problem with the book is the beginning. It starts a bit confusing and did not grab me into the story. I may not have continued reading the book based on the beginning. But once I got to Chapter 3 or 4 it started to pick up.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was an easy read and I was able to read it in a few sittings. I recommend it to anyone interested in anything Mafia-related, as well as anyone interested in a book about perseverance in the face of hardship, and pulling oneself up by their bootstraps and succeeding through grit and determination.
******
Executive Hoodlum
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon