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American Desperado

576 pages, 2012

Takeaways
Description

Super-criminal Jon Roberts’ life reads like a movie script. American Desperado is his no-holds-barred account of growing up in a mafia-esque family, going to Vietnam, then returning to New York to become one of the city’s leading impresarios at age 22. He would start working with Medellin Cartel, soon becoming their most effective smuggler. He would leave that business behind and have stints as a professional wrestler and a well-known nightclub owner. 

Along the way, he met some interesting people like O. J Simpson, Jimi Hendrix, and Richard Pryor. In the midst of the excitement of his life, however, Roberts always remembered that it’s family first.

The Power of Choices

American Desperado, written by Evan Wright, shows us the power of choices. The book explores the life of Jon Roberts, a notorious drug trafficker, and how his decisions shaped his life. It's a reminder that our choices, good or bad, have consequences and can change our lives dramatically.

The Dark Side of the American Dream

Evan Wright's book gives us a glimpse into the dark side of the American Dream. It's not all about success and prosperity. Sometimes, it involves crime, violence, and corruption. This book will make you see the American Dream from a different perspective.

The Reality of Crime

American Desperado doesn't sugarcoat the reality of crime. It shows the brutal, ugly side of it. It's a stark reminder that crime doesn't pay and it's not as glamorous as it seems in movies or TV shows. If you're interested in true crime stories, you should definitely check this book out.

The Human Aspect of Criminals

One of the key takeaways from American Desperado is that criminals are humans too. They have their own stories, motivations, and regrets. Evan Wright did a great job of humanizing Jon Roberts, making readers see him as more than just a criminal.

The Impact of Environment on Behavior

The book also explores how our environment can influence our behavior. Jon Roberts grew up in a tough neighborhood, which played a significant role in his descent into crime. It's a reminder that our surroundings can have a big impact on our life choices.

Quotes 5

American Desperado is a riveting narrative, raw and utterly compelling, a fascinating glimpse into the dark side of the American dream.

Jon KrakauerJon Krakauer - Adventure Writer

American Desperado is a wild ride into the dark heart of the American underworld, a powerful and fascinating look at a life lived on the edge.

Sebastian JungerSebastian Junger - War Journalist

American Desperado is a brutally honest, unflinching look at the underbelly of American society, a world where the rules don't apply.

James EllroyJames Ellroy - Crime Novelist

American Desperado is a gripping, heart-stopping journey into the darkest corners of the American psyche, a tale of violence, redemption, and the power of the human spirit.

Laura HillenbrandLaura Hillenbrand - Historical Non-fiction Writer

American Desperado is a chilling, thrilling exploration of the criminal mind, a journey into the depths of the American underworld that will leave you breathless.

Stephen KingStephen King - Horror Fiction Author
Jon KrakauerSebastian JungerJames EllroyLaura HillenbrandStephen King

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