Monday, June 13, 2011

Jesse James--American Outlaw (Part 2)

Now that I have finished the book, I am happy to report that the book was an overall good read.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, the book started out with Jesse taking his kids to school all while trying to shield them from the paparazzi.  Which is pretty much where the book ended.

The book came full circle.  The most interesting reading though, was at the beginning of the book where Jesse talked about his childhood growing up on Long Beach and the struggles of growing up with an absentee father and a revolving door of step-moms.  This is by no means an excuse for his sins later in life, but it certainly contributed to the cause.

Jesse throughout the second half of the book praised Sandra the whole way through.  From the moment they met, through their marriage, through their break-up, he had nothing bad to say.  He took full credit for all of his mistakes which ultimately landed him in rehab.  I should note that he voluntarily went to rehab.

I'm not sure if rehab is the new "Hollywood" thing to do, but it sounded like Jesse made progress during his treatment and made the best of his time there.  Personally, I think most celebrities use rehab as a crutch, but I truly believe that Jesse made peace with himself while on the inside.

I do feel bad for Sandra, and his children.  No child should be thrust into the spotlight like Jesse's kids, however, he is doing his best to protect them right now.  I haven't heard what is next for the infamous motorcycle builder turned television start, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Jesse.