Review of Executive Hoodlum

[Sam Ibeh]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Executive Hoodlum" by John Costello.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Chicago with a father who has no qualms defrauding anyone for an easy payday (be they the members of the Chicago underworld or even the United States government) tends to leave its mark on a man. John Costello has to add the suggested links to the Chicago underworld or outfit, as he fittingly describes them, to this burden. He tries to make something respectable of his life despite all the adversity he faces in forging a decent reputation for himself. This is his story.

Executive Hoodlum by John Costello is an audacious attempt to put down a man's personal history on paper. Some of the stories sound too outlandish to be believable. Well, not many of us know what it is like running with the mob, not to talk of being born into a family with such ties. The few who have spoken up about it have kept the details short and straightforward, leaving more questions than answers. John Costello is rather enterprising in his account. He does not hold back on the gritty aspects and talks about the violence in a simplistic yet bluntly direct manner. His style is both humorous and thought-provoking, as you are hit with the bad, the good, and the ugly aspects of this life all at once.

I am particularly impressed with the laid-back style of writing. The author goes out of his way to spell out the details of each of his encounters. I like the opening scene where John has to answer for his father's crazy con job in the local underworld. It instantly sets the tone for what follows in the rest of the book. His attempts at humor while facing adversity give this book a human feel.

The language in the book is quite explicit but also expected in this circumstance. It could have been toned down a bit, but I fear that may only end up watering down the value the book offers. It hits you from the first chapter, but it becomes natural as you continue reading.

True crime buffs will find this book riveting. The details are laid bare, and there is an abundance of materials from which one can learn.

John Costello takes the mundane and glamorizes it in a way only he can. I am impressed with the near lack of errors for a book laden with so much drama and expletives. I have to give him credit and rate this book a deserving 4 out of 4 stars. It's a book well worth the time invested in reading, and I have no negative thing to say.

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Executive Hoodlum
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[Ghuddie]

I admire John resolute spirit to form a reputation for himself different from his father's. Inteesting story. Great review.

[Aisha Yakub]

John seems resilient. Interesting story, great review!

[Amenrodion]

Oxymoron title intrigued me. Great storyline, interesting review

[GNerd]

The book sounds intriguing. I want to read already. Thank you for this amazing review.