Review by JodiBrozio -- Executive Hoodlum by John Costello

[JodiBrozio]

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

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

I rate Executive Hoodlum by John Costello 3 out of 4 stars because I found enough errors in the writing to prevent a perfect score! The chronological relating of events in his life had a flow to it that kept me interested. I read the book in one day! There is a follow up to everyone in the book in the end that I liked because I wanted to know what happened to them all. I got invested in the characters as if I knew them, which to me is a sign of a good writer.

This is a great biography about John’s life and experiences growing up in a world tinged by mob activities, but ultimately finding his own way in the world. There is a great transitioning back and forth between his professional career and his boxing interest. I love how John does a lot of self-realization and tries to make himself into a better person consciously, while still accepting that his tendencies are still a part of who he is. It is how he chooses to act on his impulses, or learn from them, that makes the biggest impact in his life. I have found that in life, when it comes to your parents, you can either follow in their footsteps – or do the complete opposite!

I was naturally impressed with the foreward written by Scott Baio (who didn’t love Charles in Charge?). John made a lot of friends in all of the worlds he traveled in, and made the most of his time in each of them. I think a lot of us have dysfunctional family dynamics that makes it difficult to explain to “normal people” what it was like – a tough-guy father, a crazy grandmother, an alcoholic mother, and people outside of the family to provide guidance in survival of the fittest like Eddie Caruso and Jimmy P. The most valuable lesson John learned was how to read people, which is how he learned that Mario only called him “Yuma” when he wanted something, and how he also got his perceived revenge by selling the properties his father had listed under his social security number.

My favorite part of the book was when his crazy grandmother died, and they waited an extra half an hour at the cemetery to make sure she did not come back! I found it interesting reading about the dedication you need to become involved with the rowing team, and how much practice is required. It is similar to what I know my son goes through with his high school’s marching band performances, his ARMY National Guard training, and even when he earned his black belt in karate. He has to keep doing it all over and over again until it is “right” by the powers that be, even if he feels there is nothing left to give. This ability to focus is what makes him successful.

This book will appeal to fiction and non-fiction readers because some of it seems so unreal that you think it can’t be true. On the other hand, the facts can be verified and there are pictures to prove it! There is excitement and a sense of awe. There is a lesson on perseverance. If you work hard enough, anything can be accomplished! The only part of the book I did not like was about the Crespi Carmelite retreat being described as “touchy-feely”. Other than that, I don’t think there is anyone who would not like the book or whom should not read it.

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

[Erin Painter Baker]

I love little bits and pieces about people's lives, like the bit about the grandmother. I know more than a few people who would have done something similar after the death of certain relatives.