Official Review: 37 tons by david victorson

[Julie Green]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "37 tons" by david victorson.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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David Victorson is a drug addict. He is also a convicted felon, guilty of attempting to smuggle into America one of the largest ever shipments of marijuana. The book opens with David handcuffed to a bed in a Bolivian prison. The following pages see David reflect on the circumstances that have led him to such a low point in his life. His thoughts drift back to his childhood, for example, when he learned to fight for himself. He then considers how, after college, he felt cheated out of money as the result of a poor commercial deal. Consequently, David starts to sell drugs as a way to earn money. He also starts to use drugs. David ends up working for a Colombian cartel until, inevitably, the law catches up with him. The rest of the book records David's efforts to wean himself off drugs and earn a living through legitimate means.

37 Tons by David Victorson shines a light on the reality of life as an international drug smuggler. On more than one occasion, David loses himself to the insanity of drugs; it is not a pleasant sight.

Disappointingly, David describes the women in his life solely in terms of their sexuality. In fairness to the author, he is aware that he finds it hard to relate to people generally. Indeed, he is a self-confessed loner. It should be no surprise, therefore, that a dog is his favourite companion throughout much of the book. The author's descriptions of women do, however, remain a little jarring.

The author varies his writing style to suit the mood. At moments of heightened tension, for example, we see David's thoughts as a stream of consciousness. There are other times when we witness events as if we are looking at the scene through a window - reflecting David's own sense of disengagement from the experience. At one point, David goes as far as to describe his alienation from society as feeling like he is an inhabitant of Mars.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. David clearly recognises that the choices he makes have consequences. It is a shame, therefore, that the book feels a little too self-valedictory. The author gives an impression that his misfortunes are almost entirely due to unfair treatment at the hands of society. Some of the anecdotes are interesting by nature of the fact that not many readers will have had experience of drug smuggling. Unfortunately, the book reads a bit too much like a diary that simply chronicles events; there is insufficient depth of insight or descriptive detail.

This story will appeal to readers who enjoy a lively autobiography. Equally, anyone who is interested in stories about the drugs underworld will also enjoy this book.

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37 tons
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Like Julie Green's review? Post a comment saying so!

[wendos]

37 tones is such a heavy load to carry. Its such a horrendous thing for one to find themselves in David's shoes. This is a great story apart from the conflict in describing women.

[kfwilson6]

This book sounds really boring. I can see how David's attitude is probably genuine to what he felt during various time periods, but that doesn't make it interesting or enjoyable to read about. Nice review.

[FictionLover]

I've read too many of these autobiographical confessionals. I'll skip this one. Thanks for your concise opinion.

[kandscreeley]

I've read books that are similar in tone. It seems to much that the author is trying to legitimize what he or she did. It doesn't sound like this is one I would enjoy, so I'll be skipping it. I do appreciate the information, though.

[stacie k]

I'm glad David realizes that choices have consequences, but sad that he still fails to take ownership. I'm not particularly interested in a behind-the-scenes view of drug smuggling, so I will pass. But I enjoyed your review and the insights that you shared!

[EvaDar]

I love a good drug smuggling story, but it sounds like this author hasn't fully come to terms with what his story means for him. And for a non-fiction writer to over-sexualize women is a check in the no column, for me. But I really enjoyed your insightful review. I think I will stick with Ozark on Netflix for my drug smuggling needs.

[Julie Green]

37 tones is such a heavy load to carry. Its such a horrendous thing for one to find themselves in David's shoes. This is a great story apart from the conflict in describing women.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting

[Julie Green]

This book sounds really boring. I can see how David's attitude is probably genuine to what he felt during various time periods, but that doesn't make it interesting or enjoyable to read about. Nice review.

Yes, aside from the novelty factor of seeing behind the scenes of drug deals, it was actually just a bit dull. Thank you for your comment.

[Julie Green]

I've read too many of these autobiographical confessionals. I'll skip this one. Thanks for your concise opinion.

Thanks!

[Julie Green]

I've read books that are similar in tone. It seems to much that the author is trying to legitimize what he or she did. It doesn't sound like this is one I would enjoy, so I'll be skipping it. I do appreciate the information, though.

Yes, I'm afraid this one doesn't stand out from the crowd. Thank you for your comment.

[HollandBlue]

I'm not really into reading autobiographies and stories about justifying drug use don't interest me either. Thanks for such an insightful review!

[Julie Green]

I'm glad David realizes that choices have consequences, but sad that he still fails to take ownership. I'm not particularly interested in a behind-the-scenes view of drug smuggling, so I will pass. But I enjoyed your review and the insights that you shared!

It is quite a sad story actually. Thanks for commenting.

[Julie Green]

I love a good drug smuggling story, but it sounds like this author hasn't fully come to terms with what his story means for him. And for a non-fiction writer to over-sexualize women is a check in the no column, for me. But I really enjoyed your insightful review. I think I will stick with Ozark on Netflix for my drug smuggling needs.

Lol, I keep meaning to give that show a watch! Thanks for commenting.

[Julie Green]

I'm not really into reading autobiographies and stories about justifying drug use don't interest me either. Thanks for such an insightful review!

Thanks!