Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter By: Curtis Jackson (50 Cent)

 I learned a lot from this book. Jackson / $0.50 is a successful entrepreneur, rapper and TV production mogul. I am always shocked to see these folks that start off selling drugs and become successful business men and women. I guess from a perspective, drug dealing is a business, one where you need to be shrewd.

The book may come off as a little braggadocios, but the reality is, he has achieved much success and in my opinion can and should talk about it.

I was shocked to read that Jackson does not do drugs and rarely drinks. His persona is so different that the one he portrayed in his book. The one thing I have taken from this book, which echos many other books is don't have a plan B.

This book was a great read. I recommend it regardless of your music or TV genere of choice. He is a successful businessman in his own right. I have followed his musical career and I am a HUGE Power fan. I am anxiously awaiting the spin offs

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Amistad (April 28, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006295380X
ISBN-13: 978-0062953803

A Convenient Death: The Mysterious Demise of Jeffrey Epstein by: Alana Goodman and Daniel Harper

Despicable, Child Rapist Billionaire got away with his crimes.  The story goes that he killed himself, but in my opinion, he was murdered.  I can only hope that he suffered until his last breath.  The book covers some of the same materials as with some of the other Epstein books I have read, but touches on; as the sub title says "The Mysterious Demise of Jeffrey Epstein."

If you do not know who Epstein was, you are probably hiding under a rock or use woke up from Cryostasis.  Epstein was a multi-billionaire with homes in Palm Beach, FL, New York, France, New Mexico and Virgin Islands.  He actually owned two islands.  These islands allowed Epstein to control the environment and bring young girls there where they were unable to leave.

The book reveals a version of the Epstein saga saying Les Wexner, the Victoria Secret mogul, was the one bankrolling Epstein's lifestyle; either overtly or covertly.  One version is that Wexner is/was a closet homosexual and Epstein had the goods on him.  I tend to not believe that Epstein would/could hold homosexuality over someone today.  Society is more accepting than ever before.  Additionally, Epstein had a cozy relationship with the Gates...... yes those Gates.  Both Epstein and the Gates have been outspoken Eugenic proponents.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozlbeXrb_5A

Sadly, no one will ever know the truth.  I do not think Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein co-conspirator and longtime girlfriend, madam, recruiter of children will live to testify and name names.  She will meet certain death.  Her days are numbered.  

                                                      Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeff Epstein

He wanted to inseminate women with his semen to have a bunch of kids.  Thankfully this did not happen.  Contaminating the world with little Jeff Epstein(s) would have been a really bad idea.  I truly hope they catch all those involved and the victims can find justice.  They were cheated from justice.  Whether Epstein took his life (highly unlikely) or someone had him silenced, he got off much easier than these pro girls; women today that will live with what he did to them for a lifetime.  There is a special place in hell for this man, and I hope they turned up the heat when he arrived.

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sentinel (June 2, 2020)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0593192230
• ISBN-13: 978-0593192238

I'm Your Emotional Support Animal : Navigating Our All Woke, No Joke Culture by Adam Carolla

Insanely funny but very apropos. Corolla blows the lid off of the victim society and cancel culture we are contaminated by these days. This book is filled with F-Bombs and other "four letter" words (or French). It will certainly crush the snowflakes of today. The saddest thing about this book is that he is 100% on point. There is a purity test that all have to pass in order to be a member of the new society. Apparently there is no room to evolve your thoughts, opinions or decisions. You are now forever defined by the rants of your sixteen year old self. I have evolved from being a Republican to being libertarian because I did not agree with many of the planks of the Republican Party. If this is the way we plan the future to be, not even the Purest of the pure would be eligible for a place in the new society. 

The wusification of men today will have huge effects down the line. I know in my family, I am the one willing to take the risks and lay down my life for my family. If there is a need to get a second job, to go out in the middle of a hurricane, fight to protect my loved ones, even standing in line for an entire day to get gas for our hurricane generator, that's me. My kids are learning and I take my oldest one with me. I teach them to safely handle AR style rifles, hand guns, knives, dress a deer etc. I teach them about making fire, cooking and most important the respect of women and God. These days men are more feminine than women. They gossip and rat on each other, they don't ask out girls anymore. My 14 year old told me last year "I hope she asks me to the dance". I was floored. This is not the way it is supposed to be. 

I recommend this book for anyone that is a rational person. If you believe is safe spaces, micro aggressions, culture appropriation and the drivel espoused the morons of today, move on. You will only hurt your delicate feelings. 

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Post Hill Press (June 16, 2020)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1642935883

ISBN-13: 978-1642935882

American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free By: Pete Hegseth

You might be used to seeing Hegseth doing the cooky diner interviews all around the country during the 2016 election season. Or maybe if you are a Fox news watcher, you will recognize him from Fox and Friends morning show.  Either way, this man is a Harvard/Princeton.

This book is written by a man that is true to his country.  He was in the National Guard, went to Harvard and Princeton, and has done may works of charity around Veterans.  He was not a Trump supporter in the beginning. But like many other people, he saw Donald Trump for what he is; a threat to the establishment. When you see someone ruffling the feathers of both putrid parties, chances are they are doing it right.  The book delves into topics you would expect from a Conservative.  He is now a Trump supporter.  Interesting note, he was a term member of Council of Foreign Relations but quit the organization. 

He is truly a patriot and not just for what he did in the military but what he did for his fellow countrymen that returned from the military. 

It is a good book, obviously very pro-Trump so if you dislike or hate Trump, don't bother reading it.  Your eyes will bleed.  I am one of those not-so-silent majority that did not initially vote Trump, but feel he has done an amazing job.  I often wonder, if he would have had even the same level of support from the opposition as Obama did, our Country would be doing amazing.  In spite of all of the anti-Trump media (redundant statement), in spite of the fake investigations, trumped up (no-pun intended) impeachment, all other investigation, unfair treatment, et all, he was still able to make this economy thrive and do for POC what no other POTUS in my lifetime has done. 

Love the last chapter when he talks about Trump calling him on Halloween and told him "You are a fucking warrior Pete; A fucking warrior."  Love it.

Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Center Street (May 19, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1546098747
ISBN-13: 978-1546098744

A Life in Parts By: Bryan Cranston

I love reading biographies and memoirs.  I love to see how people get to where they are.  It grounds me because I can see that people usually have hundreds of "L" before they have a single "W".   Cranston was the stars of one of my favorite shows which I had never planned on watching; Breaking Bad. I have reviewed other books in the past and have made the same comment.  Don't have a plan B.  It is a pattern I have seen in many of the subjects of the books I have read. 

Cranston decided at some point in his life that he was going to be an actor and never looked back.  He had a great approach to auditioning.  He thought of it as the ability to deliver a performance.  Not from a perspective of getting a job.  I believe that could be one of the secrets of his success.  The book begins with one of the most powerful scenes from Breaking Bad where Jane Margollis (Krysten Ritter), Jesse Pinkman's (Aaron Paul) girlfriend dies in front of White (Cranston), and he does nothing.  He admits to seeing his real-life daughter during that scene.  It that goes back in time and he writes about his life growing up and his challenges as a child and later adolescences and adulthood.  Cranston writes about his big break in Malcolm in the Middle as the father.  This made him an "actor"

If you are a Breaking Bad or Malcolm fan, this is a must read. This is a short read coming in under 300 pages.  But I was engaged the entire time. 

Malcolm in the Middle

Breaking Bad

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Scribner; First Edition edition (October 11, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1476793859
ISBN-13: 978-1476793856

Taken for Granted: How Conservatism Can Win Back the Americans That Liberalism Failed By: Gianno Caldwell

A refreshing view of the Conservative movement through the eyes of an African-American young Republican. Caldwell comes from the inner-city in Chicago, Il. His mother dealt with drug addiction and he was raised by his grandmother. He comes with a level of street cred you don't get from other authors.

Although I do not agree with 100% of what he writes, I do consider it and can agree to disagree. Regarding Charlottesville, I cannot in good faith, broadly paint all protesters as racists or anti-racist gods. I do believe that I can protest the taking down of a Civil War statue and not be a White Supremacist. As a matter of fact, I do not agree with White Washing history. But make no mistake, if KKK and Real White Supremacists has their way, me, the black person and the Jew would all be hanging from the same tree. I never get how that can be. Candice Owens, a Black Woman is called a racist because she supports Trump. I have a friend of mine that is married to a beautiful dark skin, black woman. He is white. He is also a Trump supporter. I am shocked to see how quick they call him a racist. It's preposterous.

Regarding Kaepernick, I say he has the right to take a knee if he wants. I support his right to do it, however I am disrespected by it because I served in the military. Maybe if he was a vet I would see it differently, although I doubt it. I choose not to watch or attend the NFL games. I also have taken my own stance against Nike. I will not spend a single cent on anything Nike. They have decided to take a politics stance. Ironically, the left rail about "Citizens United" yet is fine with Nike taking a stance politically as long as it's advancing their agenda. Chick-Fil-A did not get afforded the same level of free thought and 1st amendment.

I found the book refreshing and very apropos. I recommend this book to anyone with an open mind willing to listen to someone outside of your echo chamber. Caldwell calls out Democrats, Republicans, Whites and Blacks. Caldwell is a smart, tenacious and driven individual. He definitely motivated me.

Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Crown Forum (November 12, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0593134923
ISBN-13: 978-0593134924

Fortitude: American Resilience in the Era of Outrage By: Dan Crenshaw

What a great book.  One would think this is a completely partisan book, those assuming that would be wrong.  What it actually is, is a book with a perfect title "Fortitude".  I have both my sons reading this book.   I am not saying I want them to become seals, although that was my plan (believe it or not), but I do want them to embrace their dreams and aspirations in the same fervor Crenshaw writes about.

This man's journey is an amazing one.  If you were to just take into account becoming a Navy Seal, which by itself is an amazing feat, he would be impressive.  He was blown up, lost an eye and almost lost the other, went back to the teams, graduated from Harvard and became a Congressman.  Any single one is extremely impressive.

It is a book you should really consider reading.  It is not an overly political book as I mentioned before.  You do have politics since he IS a Congressman.

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Twelve (April 7, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1538733307
ISBN-13: 978-1538733301