Ever since the very public dissolution of Jesse's marriage to Sandra Bullock first hit the news, fans have been clamouring to hear his side of the story. When he appeared on Nightline for his first interview after the scandal, the show saw huge overnight ratings, averaging more than 6 million total viewers. A staple on celebrity blogs and in the tabloids, Jesse's personal life remains the subject of endless speculation...until now. American paints a portrait of a self-made man who has known his fair share of triumph and regret along his path to fame. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Jesse James was a teenage football star turned professional bodyguard who worked for many A-list rock bands, including Soundgarden, Danzig, and Slayer, and travelled the globe with them. After an injury sustained at a show, Jesse decided to set off on his own to pursue his childhood love: motorcycles. In 1992, Jesse began West Coast Choppers in a corner of a friend's garage. He built it from the ground up, transforming the tiny operation into a multi-million dollar business that caters to a host of celebrity clientele and has been the subject of Discovery Channel's hugely successful series Monster Garage and the documentaries Motorcycle Mania and Motorcycle Mania 2. A celebrity in his own right, Jesse has married and divorced both a porn star and Oscar Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock. In American Outlaw he sets the record straight, peeling back his public persona to reveal a flawed but sympathetic man who is willing to share his whole story with fans.
American Outlaw
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About the Author
Jesse James is the CEO of West Coast Choppers, a manufacturer of custom-made motorcycles, and was the star of Discovery Channel’s reality show Monster Garage, Spike TV’s Jesse James Is a Dead Man, as well as the documentaries Motorcycle Mania and Motorcycle Mania 2.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 73 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Like a previous reviewer said, "This isn't written by Jesse James." He does not have the vocabulary that is used often in the book. I wish that ghost writers would get more credit but I guess they don't care unless they don't get paid.
He doesn't deal with things he caused except to play victim. He talks about his life as if it was sooo hard. What does he want? Brownie points. Everyone's life is hard to that person. But only a very few write a book to tell the world how much they suck.
His show was entertaining but like anyting else it fades away like old soldiers do. Don't waste your money. Just get it from the library and save your money for our over-priced gas.
He doesn't deal with things he caused except to play victim. He talks about his life as if it was sooo hard. What does he want? Brownie points. Everyone's life is hard to that person. But only a very few write a book to tell the world how much they suck.
His show was entertaining but like anyting else it fades away like old soldiers do. Don't waste your money. Just get it from the library and save your money for our over-priced gas.
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Scout
Format:Hardcover
I was excited to read this book. I wanted to know what made this guy tic and why he would ruin his marriage.
It's obvious he didn't write the book. It's also obvious he wants readers to feel sorry for him and plays the victim. I don't know what his motives were for writing this book but I think I can guess. Unfortunately there is nothing new in this book, nor nothing that would make me feel sorry for Jesse. I actually feel sorry for the people around him because he has the woe is me mentality.
This book would be like Bernie Madoff writing a book and he claims he is the victim. I wish he had been more honest in this book. Don't waste your money this book will be in the bargain basement soon
It's obvious he didn't write the book. It's also obvious he wants readers to feel sorry for him and plays the victim. I don't know what his motives were for writing this book but I think I can guess. Unfortunately there is nothing new in this book, nor nothing that would make me feel sorry for Jesse. I actually feel sorry for the people around him because he has the woe is me mentality.
This book would be like Bernie Madoff writing a book and he claims he is the victim. I wish he had been more honest in this book. Don't waste your money this book will be in the bargain basement soon
53 of 68 people found the following review helpful
By Anomie
Format:Hardcover
I admit to being somewhat fascinated with the train wreck that is this man's life. I really didn't want to give money to support him because I do believe him to be a man without character but I ended up at one of those brick and mortar bookstores with a few extra hours so I gave it a quick read (I know, I know... one of "those" people). First, let me say that it does not read like he wrote it. I know some folks defend his intelligence so let me disclose my brother is a welder and a darn good one and I am proud of his accomplishments and his intelligence so I don't think that being a "fabricator" means that you are stupid BUT the vocabularly used in this book simply doesn't match Mr. James' many interviews. It just isn't his authentic voice.
Which brings up my next observation: the story, itself, lacks authenticity. I am no expert on his life but there are specific stories and details that contradict stories and details from past pieces written on him and interviews given by him. Almost every story focuses on trying very hard to portray himself as a victim of someone else's behavior even to the extent of his feeling controlled by being asked to turn down the volume of the radio. I understand that he sees this as symbolic of a wider problem but it would have been nice if he could see the problem being his own perceptions, feelings, and behaviors and not the acts and behaviors of others. He (or his ghostwriter) gives lip service to the notion that he has experienced personal growth but the totality of the read argues against that. In short, this book seems to be part of a wider agenda to justify his life choices rather than take responsibility for them.
The literary category of autobiography is a difficult one to embrace. Unless an author embeds their life story in a wider context, it just ends up as an act of narcissism. And this book reads like it was written by someone who is only able to see the world through his own highly individualized, highly selfish eyes. As such, it simply isn't a compelling read unless you truly desire to see yourself as he sees himself.
Which brings up my next observation: the story, itself, lacks authenticity. I am no expert on his life but there are specific stories and details that contradict stories and details from past pieces written on him and interviews given by him. Almost every story focuses on trying very hard to portray himself as a victim of someone else's behavior even to the extent of his feeling controlled by being asked to turn down the volume of the radio. I understand that he sees this as symbolic of a wider problem but it would have been nice if he could see the problem being his own perceptions, feelings, and behaviors and not the acts and behaviors of others. He (or his ghostwriter) gives lip service to the notion that he has experienced personal growth but the totality of the read argues against that. In short, this book seems to be part of a wider agenda to justify his life choices rather than take responsibility for them.
The literary category of autobiography is a difficult one to embrace. Unless an author embeds their life story in a wider context, it just ends up as an act of narcissism. And this book reads like it was written by someone who is only able to see the world through his own highly individualized, highly selfish eyes. As such, it simply isn't a compelling read unless you truly desire to see yourself as he sees himself.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read
This is a very well written story from the man about the man, who else could tell a life story than the person who lived it, he is very honest and open about his life.
Published 1 month ago by rex arbogast
4.0 out of 5 stars
cool
If you are a big fan of Jesse James you would wanna read this book. Highly recommended,shows where hard work gets ya. Check it out u won't be disappointed.
Published 2 months ago by Christopher Sacristano
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Read!
Although a fan of Jesse James work for several years, this was a true insight into the man himself. Not a glorified Hollywood rise and fall, but a genuine look at a talent that is... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Cj Chamberlain
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
This book was a real eye opener. It made me think about life and how to live. It teaches you to work hard at life and never stop trying. Life is short! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Aaron richardson
4.0 out of 5 stars
good read
good read i don't read alot of books but i read this all the way in a few days .
Published 4 months ago by Mark Klees
5.0 out of 5 stars
American outlaw by Jesse James
Could never stop reading it give it five stars
I still think Jesse builds the best bikes in the world.
I still think Jesse builds the best bikes in the world.
Published 5 months ago by ADAM KLEINE
4.0 out of 5 stars
The man, the myth..
If you've been a fan through and through this is a must read. It's a glimpse into his past and a little of the present.
Published 5 months ago by Harvey Floyd Jr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Huge Fan
I have idolized Jesse since the beginning of Monster Garage, and this book was just what I needed to rekindle my love for the man. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Tice
5.0 out of 5 stars
very good
I love this book it feels like jesse is talking to you at times............other time you think wtf? this is not jesse,but seems to come from the heart.
Published 6 months ago by Ronald Eugene Murray Sr.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Change of heart
I have always found Mr. James interesting but always felt he was misunderstood. This book answered so many questions about him and how he got to where he is today. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Change of heart
