Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood

 Shirley J.           Adult Biography               Actor and Activist Danny Trejo's life story 

Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood by Danny Trejo    288 pages    

The best biography I have read.   The man calls it as he sees it and he doesn't candy anything up when telling what he did, when he did it and what happened next.   He talks openly about his drug abuse, his stints in prison (Folsom, Soledad, San Quinton, more), his love of marriage but not monogomy.  He tells how there is a saying in Spanish, "Uno en la casa y otro en las calles," which translates to one in the house and one in the streets - Danny had 3 in the streets while he had one in the house.   He talks about his family both at home growing up and with the women he married or lived with along the way, he speaks openly about the drug abuse carried on by two of his three children.   He tells truisms of Hollywood and names names.  He says he is the mean Mexican that he played on screen.  Often the enforcer whether in real life or on a movie set when the Director asked him to keep certain people (other actors) in line, Danny always does Danny.   I am a huge fan of his work and more so of the man.  He has been clean for a long time and now works with groups and individuals who have substance or alcohol abuse issues.   When on location he looks up local groups and goes and spends time with youth and adults meeting with them, counselling them and speaking at meetings.  He goes to poor areas and donates money, time, food, clothes whatever is needed.  He gives back to his fellow man because God gave him so much help and a second chance to turn his life around.   EXCELLENT BOOK but he writes what he speaks so four letter words flow freely.  I recommend this book to teens on up as it could be a conduit for someone struggling with their own demons to find the help they need.