In 'American Desperado,' Jon Roberts recounts his thrilling and dangerous journey from a childhood in the Bronx to becoming a notorious figure in the world of organized crime and drug trafficking. Co-authored by Evan Wright, the memoir reveals the gritty underbelly of the American Dream, where ambition and crime intertwine. Readers will be captivated by Roberts' encounters with infamous mobsters and the extraordinary risks he took to achieve power and wealth in a ruthless environment. As secrets unravel, the line between hero and villain blurs, leaving audiences questioning the true cost of desperation. Dive into this gripping narrative that offers an unfiltered look at a life lived on the edge.
By Jon Roberts, Evan Wright
Published: 2012
"In a world where the line between ambition and desperation blurs, the true measure of a man is not his successes, but how he navigates the shadows of his own choices."
The true story of super-criminal Jon Roberts, star of the documentary Cocaine Cowboys. American Desperado is Roberts’ no-holds-barred account of being born into Mafia royalty, witnessing his first murder at the age of seven, becoming a hunter-assassin in Vietnam, returning to New York to become--at age 22--one of the city’s leading nightclub impresarios, then journeying to Miami where in a few short years he would rise to become the Medellin Cartel’s most effective smuggler. But that’s just half the tale. The roster of Roberts’ friends and acquaintances reads like a Who’s Who of the latter half of the 20th century and includes everyone from Jimi Hendrix, Richard Pryor, and O.J. Simpson to Carlo Gambino, Meyer Lansky, and Manuel Noriega. Nothing if not colorful, Roberts surrounded himself with beautiful women, drove his souped-up street car at a top speed of 180 miles per hour, shared his bed with a 200-pound cougar, and employed a 6”6” professional wrestler called “The Thing” as his bodyguard. Ultimately, Roberts became so powerful that he attracted the attention of the Republican Party’s leadership, was wooed by them, and even was co-opted by the CIA for which he carried out its secret agenda. Scrupulously documented and relentlessly propulsive, this collaboration between a bloodhound journalist and one of the most audacious criminals ever is like no other crime book you’ve ever read.
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“In a world where the line between ambition and desperation blurs, the true measure of a man is not his successes, but how he navigates the shadows of his own choices.”
American Desperado
By Jon Roberts, Evan Wright
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Jon Roberts is an acclaimed author known for his compelling storytelling and profound character development. He has penned several notable works, including 'The Forgotten Journey,' 'Whispers of the Past,' and 'Shadows of the Mind.' His writing style is characterized by a blend of rich prose and intricate plots that invite readers to explore the depths of human emotion and experience. A graduate of [university name], Jon draws inspiration from his travels and personal experiences, weaving them into narratives that resonate with a diverse audience. In addition to his novels, he has contributed essays and articles to various literary journals and magazines.
Evan Wright is an acclaimed American author and journalist, best known for his vivid narratives that merge personal experience with broader sociopolitical themes. His most notable works include 'Generation Kill,' an evocative firsthand account of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, which was later adapted into an acclaimed HBO miniseries. Wright's writing style is characterized by its immersive detail and raw honesty, drawing heavily on his experiences as a former Marine and journalist. He also authored 'The Last Cowboy,' a non-fiction work that explores the world of professional bull riding. With a keen eye for storytelling, Wright captures the complexities of the human experience in challenging environments.
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