Category: Memoir Publisher: The Jump Publishing Company
ISBN-10: 0989352919
Type: Non-Fiction
Pages: 272
Copyright: May 2013
ISBN-13: 9780989352918
Price: $4.99 (eBook)
Rabbit in the Jungle tells a classically American story of second chances, hard work and hope. Sometimes raw and gritty, the book traces Anthony Alegrete’s rise from the streets of Los Angeles, through the penal system, to the halls of academia and the competitive business world of Las Vegas.
“The prison system isn't working. Theoretically, prisons deter and reform criminals. Given the high number of repeat visitors in the country’s prisons this theory doesn't hold up very well. The unfortunate truth is that prison often becomes a training ground and network that actually encourages further criminal pursuits. Prisoners become hardened and desensitized by the brutal setting.”
Rabbit in the Jungle tells a classically American story of second chances, hard work and hope. Sometimes raw and gritty, the book traces Anthony Alegrete’s rise from the streets of Los Angeles, through the penal system, to the halls of academia and the competitive business world of Las Vegas. Along the way he had a lot of fun, a little trouble and learned a few lessons. This book shares his story in a way meant to be cautionary and inspiring. Alegrete wants others to know the important role that family, friends and education play in keeping their lives on the right track. The title for the book comes from Anthony’s ability to survive in multiple dangerous environments. With more tricks than Bugs Bunny and more charm than Roger Rabbit he navigated the street culture of Los Angeles during the heyday of West Coast hip hop; navigated safely through prison politics; built a reputation for himself at University of Nevada - Las Vegas and partnered up with local fitness experts to bring a trendy gym to the downtown area of Vegas. In all of these jungles, there were threats to be dealt with and Alegrete always met them head on. At an early age he learned not to let fear stand in the way of what he wanted. No matter what the problem, he’s a master at taking stock of his resources and plunging ahead. Anthony Alegrete portrays his struggles and achievements with heart in full view on the proverbial sleeve and his energy level locked in at turbo-charged. With co-author Holly Baker he has crafted a must-read for anyone fighting their way through the jungle.
Excerpt
How do you begin to think about calculus and biology when your stomach is growling from hunger or you’re hearing bullets from your bedroom window? The unfortunate truth is that ghettos, bad neighborhoods, poverty, and lower classes exist in the United States of America. Many of us are born into it. Some levels are deeper than others, but struggle is struggle. It’s relative to the person experiencing it. I was fortunate to have grown up in the upper levels of the lower class. So it wasn’t as if I was in the super ghetto or anything. My neighborhoods were rough and poor but not destitute. Nevertheless, the struggle comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s what you do that makes you who you are. These struggles are never excuses to be complacent and just do nothing about your circumstances. Get up out there and make life happen! Don’t sit around idly hoping for change. An arrow can only be shot after it’s first pulled backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.
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