19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Unedited ego-trip . . ., December 25, 2006
This review is from: Out in Bad Standings: Inside the Bandidos Motorcycle Club--The Making of a Worldwide Dynasty (Hardcover)
I've read nearly ever book ever written about outlaw bikers. Usually, they're interesting and fast-paced. Some read almost like "action-adventure" novels, whereas others are more like "true crime" dramas, and a few were in depth studies for academic research. THIS book was nothing like I had expected.
I was prepared to be entertained by a book that I could finish in 2 nights . . . instead, I had to read it over the course of 2 weeks, and it was a struggle to stay awake, as it proved dull, tiresome, and failed to hold my interest.
Apparently (from Winterhalder's perspective), the author is a saintly man who -- aside from an unspecified felony which occurred 20 yrs in the past -- has never committed a wrongful act. No fisticuffs or partying for this one. He portrays himself as a sterling example of good citizenship who should be emulated by Boy Scouts and choirboys throughout the land. We should all envy his many accomplishments and great wealth. Over and over Winterhalder promotes himself, as if this book was intended to be read by his parole officer or a corporate recruiter. "Me, me, me." He spends far more time talking about his successful career as a building contractor, how he made money selling real estate, and his daughter's extracurricular activities than discussing what it is to be an outlaw biker. Unfortunately, he never discloses how or why he happened to have an "ENFORCER" tab sewn upon his colors, which he brags about once, but never addresses again. It would seem that he is continuing to promote himself by using a series of "sockpuppets" to give this book glowing 5-star reviews. Upon further examination, each of these reviewers (who have posted days apart) have only bothered to review this single book. This book is extremely boring and uninteresting, and certainly could've been helped by enlisting a competant ghostwriter as well as an editor.
One thing that shocked me about this book is the amount of logistical data it provides to Law Enforcement. Literal tables of chapters and support clubs, complete with location and number of members. Full names of over a hundred members are used. Many physical addresses of private residences are provided, as well as several e-mail addresses. It would seem that this is a petty attempt at revenge against his former club, as even the dimmest prospect knows that such information is to be kept confidential, under penalty of losing one's patch and motorcycle (as well as a beating).
On the positive side, at the beginning of the book Winterhalder provides an introductory handout given to prospects and "hangarounds" regarding what is expected of a prospective member. This is very good information, and the highlight of the book (even though it was not written by the author). There was also a number of keen observations regarding the faults (manipulation, dishonesty, ingratitude, etc.) of the National officers, as well as many individual members. While this may seem like a lot of whining (which, in many cases, it is), it does paint a clear picture of a less than ideal situation in which the core values of "brotherhood" which all 1%ers claim to hold above all other virtues, are regularly undermined by the selfish -- who frequently hold leadership positions. Also, the pages were glossy with color photos instead of the normal B&W paper, which was interesting.
Unfortunately, the redundant bragging and continuous effort to present himself in a 100% positive light, as well as the droning monologue throughout, made this one of the dullest books I've ever been subjected to, and reading it was a tedious ordeal.
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
This guy is no writer, May 15, 2006
This review is from: Out in Bad Standings: Inside the Bandidos Motorcycle Club--The Making of a Worldwide Dynasty (Hardcover)
Putting aside all the club politics and the way this guy lived his life and chose to leave his club.What it boils down to is this is a book that this biker wrote by himself . Big mistake . All the really good biographys and memoirs I have read by outlaw bikers Like Sonny Barger's book and Chuck Zito's were co-authored by professional writers . Toby Levingston from the east Bay dragons hired the same guys who did Sonny's book to do his and you know what? It turned out to be an entertaining and engaging read. Since Ct. Ed didn't do this this book is pages and pages of droning dialogue which repeats itself and goes on and on. This book should of been edited. It does turn into a celebration of the authors own ego and self-importance. I collect books on Outlaw motorcycles clubs .This one was really lacking and lame.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quite a fascinating read, July 18, 2007
This review is from: Out in Bad Standings: Inside the Bandidos Motorcycle Club--The Making of a Worldwide Dynasty (Hardcover)
Okay, apart from the ridiculous "omg he's not a writer" things I've seen other commenters add (why bother?), I'm glad to see a few other folks got the point of Connecticut Ed's book.
He is VERY upfront and honest about his life, from his continual run-ins with the law up through the 'turf wars' between the Hells and the Bandidos in Canada.
Down here in Houston, the Bandidos are very prominent, though not quite as much as they used to be. I have had the pleasure of meeting several members over the course of my life and I have to say, they were all pretty much like Connecticut Ed: Social, outgoing, gregarious, and (though this may surprise some) gentlemen. Not in the sense that these are boys you're going to meet at a church social, of course. But I have yet to see a member not willing to help someone broken down on the side of the road or share a drink with a total stranger at a bar because they were sitting by themselves. Some of the most courteous people on the road, too, so long as you respect their space.
I don't know how many times I burst out into a full belly laugh reading about some of Connecticut Ed's exploits and those of his friends (the infamous 'bike loading' event, for example). Sure, he could have gotten a ghost writer or had someone do some major editing, but the book would have lost most of its flavour and its 'shoot from the hip' style.
Highly recommended for anyone who's a fan of the Iron Horse and the band of brothers that a shared love of bikes engenders.
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