Trejo

My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood

By: Danny Trejo, Donal Logue

Narrated by: Danny Trejo, Donal Logue

Length: 13 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In this “celebration of a life fully lived” (Reyna Grande, author of The Distance Between Us), discover the full, fascinating, and inspirational true story of Danny Trejo’s journey from crime, prison, addiction, and loss—it’s “enough to make you believe in the possibility of a Hollywood ending” (The New York Times Book Review).

On screen, Danny Trejo the actor is a baddie who has been killed at least a hundred times. He’s been shot, stabbed, hanged, chopped up, squished by an elevator, and once, was even melted into a bloody goo. Off screen, he’s a hero beloved by recovery communities and obsessed fans alike. But the real Danny Trejo is much more complicated than the legend.

Raised in an abusive home, Danny struggled with heroin addiction and stints in some of the country’s most notorious state prisons—including San Quentin and Folsom—from an early age, before starring in such modern classics as Heat, From Dusk till Dawn, and Machete. Now, in this funny, painful, and suspenseful memoir, Danny takes us through the incredible ups and downs of his life, including meeting one of the world’s most notorious serial killers in prison and working with legends like Charles Bronson and Robert De Niro.

An honest, unflinching, and “inspirational study in the definition of character” (Kevin Smith, director and actor), Trejo reveals how he managed the horrors of prison, rebuilt himself after finding sobriety and spirituality in solitary confinement, and draws inspiration from the adrenaline-fueled robbing heists of his past for the film roles that made him a household name. He also shares the painful contradictions in his personal life. Although he speaks everywhere from prison yards to NPR about his past to inspire countless others on their own road to recovery and redemption, he struggles to help his children with their personal battles with addiction, and to build relationships that last.

Redemptive and painful, poignant and real, Trejo is a portrait of a magnificent life and an unforgettable and exceptional journey that proves “though we may fall down at some point in our lives, it’s what we do when we stand back up that really counts” (Robert Rodriguez, filmmaker and producer).

©2021 Danny Trejo. All rights reserved (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved

The best book ever!

I had been anticipating this book ever since I first heard it was coming out. The fact that Danny Trejo himself narrated it sealed the deal for me. I had already known much of a story since I’ve been a fan of his work in TV and movies but you know some of the other details about his life, his work with others and his family really painted a picture I don’t think I was ready for. I was in tears by the time the book was over, mr. Trejo’s infectious laughter and smile our gifts to humanity. He is a saint and I would love to one day thank him in person for allowing us to peek into his tremendous life.

Danny Trejo is all that is good in life

I did not want this book to end. As a fellow friend of Bill W the emotion I felt listening to the story was beyond words. I feel so grateful two I have gotten to hear the story of redemption. It goes to show that anyone can change as long as we never forget where we came from and continue to help others. I hope everybody stayed to listen to the authors note I am wiping tears as I write this review. Thank you.

The legend

Trejo is a legend. Helping others and a belief in something greater is key to success and Trejo is a master at both

Amazing, inspiring story.

Perfect book. Right length. In the author's own voice. Amazing tale of redemption...then add in a Hollywood career....

Very interesting

The stories are interesting but the reading took some time to get used to. But over all it was a good listen.

Riveting...Danny Trejo is a Super Human!

I loved listening to this book! Danny's story is raw; it is also one of resilience, hope and strength. He is someone of deep faith who inspires. He is a man who inspite of his addiction and seemingly destructive behavior rises like a Phoenix. He continues to inspire the world to do good.

Danny Trejo is a true hero.

Danny speaks from the heart about addiction, prison, family, relationships, and becoming the go-to Hollywood icon for Mexican-Americans. This book is real and powerful. If you want an intimate look at one of the toughest men to walk the planet, give it a go. I am sure that his story will impact generations to come.

Very authentic

I'm sure this took a lot of courage. Thank you for your story Danny Trejo. Lots of love to Danny and his family

The best

I can't stop listening to it over and over I am fascinated by his live story

When truth is better than fiction

It's been an honor to hear Mr. Trejo tell his life story of falling from grace, redemption, and becoming a legendary humanitarian and actor. I know what to say now when asked, "If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?" Danny Trejo is what I'll answer.