Review of Executive Hoodlum

[langenbrat]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Executive Hoodlum: Negotiating the Corner of Main and Mean started me on an interesting journey into a real life description of a lifestyle I have never experienced. I had never heard of author John Costello before picking up his memoir, but I was familiar with actor Scott Baio, who wrote the forward to this raw and unflinching book. Throughout the memoir, Costello describes his interludes with many notable people. If you looked at John Costello today, you would have no idea of the gritty, decidedly harsh background from which he came. From blue-collar, street smart Chicago city kid to corporate executive at a multi-billion dollar company, the details of Costello's life will engage you completely.

Costello opens the memoir with a recollection of a time one of his father's schemes almost got him killed by the “outfit”--never call them suits. Although he (clearly) survived the encounter and lived to tell about it, he did not appreciate that his father left him in the lurch. Costello then delves briefly into his childhood; there are descriptions of abuse that are described with nearly a clinical detachment although it can be difficult to read at times. He also describes a bit of his family background to give context to his memories.

Throughout the memoir, the threads of this abuse, as well as the effects of a parent with an addiction, can be seen in Costello's life decisions, but he rises above this to become a successful white-collar executive. He takes his past and his abuse and uses it to rise above rather than being held back. He works his way through college and fights his way through life, using boxing as an outlet. As such, there are descriptions of fighting scenes. Costello does not try to make himself look like the good guy; he calmly describes his own troubles without trying to influence the reader's impressions.

I rate Executive Hoodlum 4 out of 4 stars. There were very few errors, and it was obvious the memoir was professionally proofed before being published.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about organized crime, rising from adversity, or appreciates a good memoir. However, if you don't like descriptions of abuse or fighting, this is probably one to skip.

******
Executive Hoodlum
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon