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Author: Danny Trejo
Genre: Memoir/Autobiography
Rating: 4 out of 5 paws
Danny Trejo is one of the most recognized actors in Hollywood. On screen he is a baddie who has been killed at least 100 times; he's been stabbed, shot, hung, chopped up, even squished by an elevator. Off screen he is known as a hero in the recovery community. Raised in an abusive home he has a history of heroin abuse, stints in some of the most notorious and scary prisons: San Quentin, Folsom and others. He learned how to survive on the inside and once he got out. He has had roles in some of the most well known cult classics such as Heat, and of course his most well-known role of Machete. In his memoir, he recounts how he managed life in prison, his spirituality, his recover and his mission to helps others along the road of addiction recovery. His book is a reflection of a magnificent life of redemption, tragedy, pain and ultimately success.
Before reading this book I already knew some of his past and the things this actor has been able to accomplish and overcome throughout his life. But there was so much that I didn't know. Reading through his hardships and everything he has overcome including reconciling with his children, makes me love him even more. He is not ashamed of his past because it made him into the man he is, he learned from it and he may still have some more to learn as he reflects on certain aspects of his private life. It was amazing to see how he turned his life around and founded numerous recovery centers and how he'd go to the baddest parts of town looking for people to help. He is a true treasure and gem. Danny Trejo proves that 1. you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and 2. that someone's past doesn't define who they are now. It contributes to who they become but just because there was addiction then, doesn't mean it will continue. He worked hard to get to where is today and should be proud of everything he accomplished.
Memoirs/autobiographies are not typically my cup of tea, but I have been trying to branch out a little more and I am glad that I picked up this one. I seen it and said "this one I need to read" and I am glad that I did. Reading the stories through Danny's words made it all so entertaining, I could almost hear his voice sometimes. It was very interesting to hear how Machete came about including that children have dressed up as the character for Halloween (not exactly what I'd call a kids movie, but it goes to show the impact this man has had in pop culture, as well as society.) True to Danny Trejo, this novel is raw, unfiltered and unashamably him. Definitely recommend.
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