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Food Stamp Warrior: A Memoir
JOHN DEATON'S RAW AND COMPELLING MEMOIRFrom brass knuckle beatdowns on the schoolyard to showdowns with the SEC on the national news, every second of Deaton’s life has been a fight for survival. This book is the raw, wild John Deaton story, straight from the source. Born in one of the worst neighborhoods in Detroit — the kind of place the city cordoned off with warning signs and growing up surrounded by hustlers, addicts, abusers, gang bangers, and the downtrodden, Deaton became a fighter, with violence becoming second nature.Deep down however, all he wanted was to escape. Deaton’s escape would take him to law school, where he starved and battled cancer, while his peers lived off privilege. He became a marine, an attorney, a millionaire, a father — but the unexamined trauma from his past haunted and nearly broke him. This memoir is Deaton’s confession, his exorcism, his proclamation to fellow Don’t give up. Our birth is not our fate. We make our own fate.Food Stamp Warrior is written with the depth of setting found in Hillbilly Elegy and the razor-sharp, unpretentious voice of Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. In a time of uncertainty and economic instability, Deaton's story is one of perseverance, resilience and empowerment.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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October 8, 2024I read this for my work
September 10, 2025
This one snuck up on me. Like a lot of folks, I was first acquainted with Deaton when he pasted Elizabeth Warren during their Senatorial debate. That kind of performance isn't driven by talking points or simple beliefs. "That's a man who's been in a few bar fights," I thought.
A year or so later, a friend recommends me this book out of the blue. I eagerly picked it up.
Boy, am I ever glad I did. It'san inspiring ride. Deaton didn't start from nothing- he came from LESS than nothing, climbing his way out of the cultural crater that was the Detroit hood. This is Hillbilly Elegy meets A Bronx Tale. I'm not going to relay any of the moments as I can't do them justice.
In fact, I recommend it on the strength of its stories alone. It's action-packed. Never a dull moment. Sex, violence. You name it. He keeps you turning the page to see how he'll wade (or fight) his way out of the next mess. Crazy enough to strain credulity.
Deaton notes the similarities with Hillbilly Elegy himself, so they're worth comparing. Ultimately I preferred Foodstamp Warrior because it spares the reader those somewhat cold anthropological asides. Deaton and Vance both escaped generational poverty by being hard workers, tough men, and great dads (their similar military and legal backgrounds are interesting parallels but they're much beside the point). They're also willing to display a level of vulnerability reminding me of how steel is stronger than iron on account of being less brittle.
But Deaton's memoir laser focuses on these important points and doesn't really bother with broader trends, making his story feel more in-reach for the reader and therefore inspiring.
Anyway, I do this book a disservice if I merely compare it with the Vice President's work. Deaton's rise is unique and inspiring.
When you get to the end, whatever problems you have will seem small and surmountable. Work ethic, character, and the love of family can take a man a long way.
Pick it up!
A year or so later, a friend recommends me this book out of the blue. I eagerly picked it up.
Boy, am I ever glad I did. It'san inspiring ride. Deaton didn't start from nothing- he came from LESS than nothing, climbing his way out of the cultural crater that was the Detroit hood. This is Hillbilly Elegy meets A Bronx Tale. I'm not going to relay any of the moments as I can't do them justice.
In fact, I recommend it on the strength of its stories alone. It's action-packed. Never a dull moment. Sex, violence. You name it. He keeps you turning the page to see how he'll wade (or fight) his way out of the next mess. Crazy enough to strain credulity.
Deaton notes the similarities with Hillbilly Elegy himself, so they're worth comparing. Ultimately I preferred Foodstamp Warrior because it spares the reader those somewhat cold anthropological asides. Deaton and Vance both escaped generational poverty by being hard workers, tough men, and great dads (their similar military and legal backgrounds are interesting parallels but they're much beside the point). They're also willing to display a level of vulnerability reminding me of how steel is stronger than iron on account of being less brittle.
But Deaton's memoir laser focuses on these important points and doesn't really bother with broader trends, making his story feel more in-reach for the reader and therefore inspiring.
Anyway, I do this book a disservice if I merely compare it with the Vice President's work. Deaton's rise is unique and inspiring.
When you get to the end, whatever problems you have will seem small and surmountable. Work ethic, character, and the love of family can take a man a long way.
Pick it up!
January 10, 2024
The book is written in an easy style that connects the reader to the reality. It highlights the struggle and how very hard anyone has to work to overcome it. This book contains the message of the determination of someone who is willing to succeed despite all the obstacles. Thank you for the job well accomplished.
May 5, 2024
Incredible story covering Deaton's childhood in Highland Parks to his career as a lawyer. A true rags to riches tale of the American dream. He doesn't hold back, revealing painful memories, character flaws, and questionable/illegal activities. Can't wait to see what's in store for the next part of his journey.
November 20, 2024
What a story he has to tell. I’ve heard these stories in person and through written words now. Wow. There are so many emotions while reading; sadness, happiness, forgiveness and so much more. It just goes to show if you set your mind to something you can really accomplish it. It won’t always be easy and you will have to find the strength to pull through
October 27, 2023
I Can Relate
A great deal of what John dealt with I could relate to. Growing up with a bad dad, a great mom raising 5 boys on food stamps and government cheese. Fighting to believe in yourself and much more. I really enjoyed this memoir.
A great deal of what John dealt with I could relate to. Growing up with a bad dad, a great mom raising 5 boys on food stamps and government cheese. Fighting to believe in yourself and much more. I really enjoyed this memoir.
January 2, 2025
Read this in one sitting. This books captivates you. You will not want to put it down. The wording is easy to read and understand and tells an almost unbelievable story of the reality of many urban centers in America.
October 18, 2023
Hero’s become legendary by the obstacles they overcome. John Deaton’s Food Stamp Warrior is a raw account of what made him into the man we all know, love and look up to. Highly recommend the this book!
December 25, 2023
Life is tough and Deaton faced it head on
Life can be horrible and full of pitfalls. John Deaton exposes his life in grim detail and shared how he survived. Read it.
Life can be horrible and full of pitfalls. John Deaton exposes his life in grim detail and shared how he survived. Read it.
February 17, 2024
Inspirational
It just goes to show how hard life can be, we all get to die one day but it’s always better to wait until death is thrust upon you, than to end your life early.
It just goes to show how hard life can be, we all get to die one day but it’s always better to wait until death is thrust upon you, than to end your life early.
November 22, 2024
Such a good book. He had a very rough life but managed to overcome it all. Great read!
November 25, 2023
raw
This is a true underdog to success story. This is a raw look at how God will use your struggles to shape you into who you need to be to succeed. John made it out of the gutter and now is lying on the edge, reaching down, pulling others out. His hardships through life gave his the courage and drive to stand toe to toe with the biggest law firms in the
world.
This is a true underdog to success story. This is a raw look at how God will use your struggles to shape you into who you need to be to succeed. John made it out of the gutter and now is lying on the edge, reaching down, pulling others out. His hardships through life gave his the courage and drive to stand toe to toe with the biggest law firms in the
world.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews