The Hustler's Handbook

By David D. Smyers

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0967351707
• ISBN13: 9780967351704
• Release Date: June 1999
• Publisher: Sur-Mount Publishers Inc.
• Length: 149 Pages

Customer Reviews

"A Journey Of Grace"

The Hustler's Handbook Review Written by Tiffany Knuckles An impressing revelation of the journey of a young black male, this book oozes with dark confessions and doesn't sugar code truth. The Hustler's Handbook is an exiting tale of a young boy struggling his way through a racist society where it seemed all odds were constantly against him at all angles. This book, an autobiography, written by David D. Smyers captures the essence of the streets in a powerful and detailed way. Smyers, who has lived in what was, and still is called, "the game" speaks of being on the run, imprisoned and victimized by Jim Crow laws. This remarkable and intriguing book is written in metric verse creating a sense of song and scatting - two things David has personally experienced while living in Chicago at the young age of thirteen where he scat and sold clothing to strangers. A natural hustler, Smyers finds himself changing identities and taking action on who ever, where ever, when necessary - But it all comes to a dramatic halt when Smyers finds peace in his soul through a power no demon can rise against. Smyers's own struggle is a struggle lived by many young black men and woman today, who do not even realize what they are in until it's too late. His story is a prime example of someone coming out of that struggle and those adversities faced as a disenfranchised African American. This book, often considered a self-help book is for everyone searching for themselves, or struggling through the cards dealt to them in their lifetime. This book will be a positive inspiration to the many who have been victimized, and will inspire them to turn their lives around. Smyers is living proof that if you have courage and tenacity, with a vision and faith, you can and will make your dreams a reality. Smyers is currently in pre-production of the film "A Journey of Grace", based on The Hustler's Handbook, and has already taken major steps in the process towards its completion. The theme of this story, without a doubt, is God has plans for our lives. We may not see it, but everything we go through, every struggle we face, every trial that knocks us off our track, is a part of God's divine plan for our lives. We cannot live on our own, but only by the grace of God. David Smyers is a living testimony of that. Nothing is luck.

A Calloused Heart Changed

The Hustler's Handbook is written in metric verse, with pros that read with the playful rhythm of scat - David Smyers sings the story of his life to the reader. This book is a powerful song that resonates in the mind, heart and soul. Born during a racially charged time, David has traveled a path quite similar to that of Malcolm X. Jaded by the injustices he endured during his youth, David learned quickly how to survive and play "the game" that birthed a hustler. He learned how to make it, whatever the cost. Consistent exposure to the streets will indeed breed "the Mack". Schooled by the lessons of life, David was tormented with incessant suffering knowing no peace. Searching for direction he explored his spirituality, transcending old ideas and values and opening his mind to the meaning of compassion. His calloused heart changed, his internal chaos was soothed.With his story David Smyers reaches out to inspire those without hope; the individual mind burdened by a sense of alienation -- a dysfunctional member of society. He dares his readers to dream and speaks of the empowerment gained by those who exercise the mind. The mind is your fundamental tool; it grows when exercised and is greater than any other weapon or force. The only thing that any human has total control over in this life is perspective -- the way you see life, the meaning that you assign to the things that surround you. This is your choice. David shares this wisdom through his direct experience. In the darkest moment any being could imagine ("the hole" in prison), with the strength of his mind David found light to feed his soul.Over the years David learns again and again that with the courage to change and persevere a better life, it will come. In and out of prison, fighting his own personal demons, David applies his strengths to develop personal power that enable greater freedom and internal peace. The overall theme of this story is nothing is random; nothing is luck. We choose our path and David Smyers would love nothing more than to be the catalyst of this realization and to inspire others to seek out their personal path. The energy of life is a living organism in and of itself, giving back exactly what one invests. Some call it karma, others define it with dogma, but there is a system and there are no shortcuts.

David's Goliath

This is a self-help handbook for all those caught-in the 'insane' world of the The Mack, the Master Mack, the Hustle, the Shuffle, The Life, the Big Timer, the Player, and The Game.The Game remains the same for those who choose to play. This is not a recent phenomena but an age old drama for the American Hero, who much like Ulysses' voyages in the Odyssey, must surpass his obstacles victoriously.The reward of victory , in this case, is a lifetime of experiences that lead to The Path of God. In other words, Being Saved. You may find many times when you have been asked if you have 'been Saved.' After you experience The Hustler's Handbook you will know why and what it took to get there. Thank You, Salome'

Reflections of the Game

In the "Game", otherwise known as the "Mack Game", David D. Smyers has written his reflection of the insane, and his escape from it's wrath. He's written his book, in metric verse for a definite reason. He feels, like rap music, this is what the young minds can especially relate to, and identify with. Although this could be perceived as a targeted group, it's not restricted to any one particular age, gender, and/or race. I firmly believe that his book, The Hustler's Handbook, is a self-help manual for ALL the multitudes of downtrodden who feel victimized, demoralized, and disenfranchised; who would love to turn their lives around, IF only they knew how. I trust that David Smyers'positive inspiration will give encouragement to ALL who feel that they are without hope. He has clearly demonstrated, IF you have the courage to change and dare to dream; have both the resilence, and the tenacity to persevere, you can, and will achieve what he has achieved. In the Hustler's Handbook, David proves, beyond a question of a doubt, that your dreams can become a reality! I highly recommend this book to All, who want a better social/psychological understanding of what is truly happening in America today...on our streets in the inner cities; in the rural areas, as well as in our "middle class" neighborhoods.Gail Crichton