Steven Jones's Colourful ~ Reviewed

Colourful: Confessions of an Old Rogue
Steven Jones
Kindle Edition: ASIN: B0090OIG30 261 pages, $4.50 

Reviewed by: Jodi Chapters

Steven Jones starts his memoir off with an attention grabber. How many times do you find the definition of a word like colourful as the first thing you read? But it worked. Jones had my attention instantly and I wanted to know what went on inside the man’s head.

To say Steven Jones has lead a colourful life is an understatement, and he proves just that as he regales us with stories one can only be amazed by. His quick wit and self-deprecation combined with the sometimes illegal situations will have you shaking your head and laughing at the audacity of the man.

A child in the 1950s born to a hard-working, proud family Steven learned the value of an honest day’s work. But being a boy in a working class neighbourhood Steven inevitably had the usual scuffles with the law that boys do even to this day. Fighting, vandalism and drinking had Steven experienced long ahead of his years and looking to achieve his goal of becoming a boxing champion.

Through the push to be the best and at the top of his game to the times of rock bottom you can’t help but be in awe of Steven. From boxer and dock worker to author and playwright the man has done it all; and with enough verve that even though some of his choices were poor you can’t help but be impressed by his tenacity and even a little jealous that you haven’t lived half of what Steven has, after all the man has crammed the amount of two lives into his 50 odd years.

The book is written in a no holds barred, tell it like it is style. He makes no apologies and quite frankly I find that refreshing as some memoirs candy coat the rough spots. The book is a quick read, perfect for an afternoon on the couch with one of Steven’s infamous glasses of JD.

This read easily makes 5 stars.
 
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for my opinion.