Trejo

My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood

By: Danny Trejo, Donal Logue

Narrated by: Danny Trejo, Donal Logue

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).

Critic reviews

"If you don't recognize his name, chances are you'll recognize Danny Trejo's voice in the first few moments of this audiobook. An actor for decades, Trejo has appeared in hundreds of movies and television shows, often as the tough guy. But his story starts much earlier, when he was convicted for drug use and served hard time in San Quentin State Prison. His journey to sobriety, and Hollywood, is truly astounding. His voice, weathered, raspy, yet warm, captures all of it. Trejo never sugarcoats his life story. His audiobook is moving precisely because he is always straightforward and authentic. Throughout, Trejo often laughs at the fond memories he shares but is serious about his family and his work helping others."

absolutely fantastic

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. best autobiography I've ever read. and to have the narration done by Danny Trejo himself was perfect. I knew he was a wonderful person, but to hear the stories of how he touched lives, sacrificed of himself for the betterment of others, and constantly shares a message of live, truly demonstrates how much of a national treasure he is. Excellent book, excellent story, excellent person.

Respect His Voice

Danny Trejo doesn't have a career in being a narrator in audiobooks, but I respect his voice.  There is no one better other than the author reading their own biography.  Without Trejo's performance, his story of his life would have been an echo of many other lives that we heard before.  His broken voice makes his book that much enjoyable and his message of recovery is that much more powerful.  

A reformed soul's story of Faith, Hope and Love.

You are being told true memories of pain and anger from one of Pop Cultures reformed talents. The toughest part of Danny's exploration through his life was finding peace and redemption. Best Biography I've ever invested my time with.

good story told by a great actor

Danny tells his story so it can be hard to follow at times do to his personality but it's I very interesting look into his life and his perspective. I like him even more as a person than I did before.

couldn't put it down.

fascinating redemption story of a very interesting character. he made his life matter. glad that he read it too.