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I Ain't Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic from the Bottom up
James George Janos describes his experiences in the Navy SEALs, the professional wrestling career that made him "Jessie the Body" Ventura, and his first year as governor of Minnesota.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1999
About the author
Jesse Ventura
43 books175 followersJesse Ventura is an American politician, actor, author, veteran, and former professional wrestler who served as the 38th Governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003.
Ventura served as a U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Team member during the Vietnam War. He had a long tenure in the World Wrestling Federation, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 1951, James George Janos, later known as Jesse "The Body" Ventura, was born in Minneapolis to George and Bernice Janos. Janos joined the U.S. Navy and spent time in the Vietnam War. He was briefly a bodyguard for the Rolling Stones. Janos developed a rigorous workout routine, and his newly muscular physique attracted the attention of famous Midwest wrestling promoter Bob Geigel. He began wrestling professionally in the mid-1970s and changed his name to the one that made him famous, Jesse "The Body" Ventura. He continued wrestling in the national spotlight until 1984, when emergency hospitalization due to blood clots in his lungs made him miss a title match against Hulk Hogan, and ended his professional wrestling career. He spent the next five years as a wrestling commentator for various television and radio programs. He acted in a handful of films, including several Arnold Schwarzenegger movies: "Predator" (1987), "The Running Man" (1987) and "Batman & Robin" (1997). In 1990, Ventura ran against and defeated the 18-year incumbent mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minn., serving until 1995. He campaigned for governor as a third-party candidate, and was one of the pioneering politicians who reached out to new voters via the Internet. He was elected as Minnesota governor in 1998, and proved to be a progressive politician, strongly backing gay rights, abortion rights, funding higher education, third-party politics, mass transit, property tax reform and opening trade relations with Cuba. Ventura Decided not to run for reelection because he wanted his family to regain their privacy.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation awarded the former governor the 1999 "Emperor Has No Clothes Award" for his "plain speaking" on religion and, as governor, for rejecting proposals to entangle state and church, including refusing to proclaim for Minnesota a "Day of Prayer." As governor, Ventura vetoed a bill that would have required students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. Ventura, on refusing to sign a National Day of Prayer in 1999, said: "I believe in the separation of church and state. We all have our own religious beliefs. There are people out there who are atheists, who don't believe at all. They are all citizens of Minnesota and I have to respect that" (Minnesota Independent, "Despite court decision, National Day of Prayer will endure in Minnesota," by Andy Birkey, April 20, 2010). In his 2009 book Don't Start the Revolution Without Me! (co-authored with Dick Russell), Ventura writes: "I was the only governor of all fifty who would not declare a National Day of Prayer. I took a lot of heat for that, and my response was very simple: Why do people need the government to tell them to pray? Pray all you want! Pray fifty times a day if you desire, it's not my business! . . . If I declare National Day of Prayer, then I've got to declare National No-Prayer Day for the atheists. They are American citizens too" (p. 58). "For me, the lines between church and state seem to become more blurred by the day. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, thought — and religion. Nowhere is it mandated that we're the Christian States of America. . . . That's made us, I think, a stronger and more democratic nation. . . . It's abundantly clear that our Founding Fathers wanted to prevent our government from establishing a 'national church'" (p. 59).
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Ve...
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001818/
Ventura served as a U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Team member during the Vietnam War. He had a long tenure in the World Wrestling Federation, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 1951, James George Janos, later known as Jesse "The Body" Ventura, was born in Minneapolis to George and Bernice Janos. Janos joined the U.S. Navy and spent time in the Vietnam War. He was briefly a bodyguard for the Rolling Stones. Janos developed a rigorous workout routine, and his newly muscular physique attracted the attention of famous Midwest wrestling promoter Bob Geigel. He began wrestling professionally in the mid-1970s and changed his name to the one that made him famous, Jesse "The Body" Ventura. He continued wrestling in the national spotlight until 1984, when emergency hospitalization due to blood clots in his lungs made him miss a title match against Hulk Hogan, and ended his professional wrestling career. He spent the next five years as a wrestling commentator for various television and radio programs. He acted in a handful of films, including several Arnold Schwarzenegger movies: "Predator" (1987), "The Running Man" (1987) and "Batman & Robin" (1997). In 1990, Ventura ran against and defeated the 18-year incumbent mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minn., serving until 1995. He campaigned for governor as a third-party candidate, and was one of the pioneering politicians who reached out to new voters via the Internet. He was elected as Minnesota governor in 1998, and proved to be a progressive politician, strongly backing gay rights, abortion rights, funding higher education, third-party politics, mass transit, property tax reform and opening trade relations with Cuba. Ventura Decided not to run for reelection because he wanted his family to regain their privacy.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation awarded the former governor the 1999 "Emperor Has No Clothes Award" for his "plain speaking" on religion and, as governor, for rejecting proposals to entangle state and church, including refusing to proclaim for Minnesota a "Day of Prayer." As governor, Ventura vetoed a bill that would have required students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. Ventura, on refusing to sign a National Day of Prayer in 1999, said: "I believe in the separation of church and state. We all have our own religious beliefs. There are people out there who are atheists, who don't believe at all. They are all citizens of Minnesota and I have to respect that" (Minnesota Independent, "Despite court decision, National Day of Prayer will endure in Minnesota," by Andy Birkey, April 20, 2010). In his 2009 book Don't Start the Revolution Without Me! (co-authored with Dick Russell), Ventura writes: "I was the only governor of all fifty who would not declare a National Day of Prayer. I took a lot of heat for that, and my response was very simple: Why do people need the government to tell them to pray? Pray all you want! Pray fifty times a day if you desire, it's not my business! . . . If I declare National Day of Prayer, then I've got to declare National No-Prayer Day for the atheists. They are American citizens too" (p. 58). "For me, the lines between church and state seem to become more blurred by the day. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, thought — and religion. Nowhere is it mandated that we're the Christian States of America. . . . That's made us, I think, a stronger and more democratic nation. . . . It's abundantly clear that our Founding Fathers wanted to prevent our government from establishing a 'national church'" (p. 59).
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Ve...
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001818/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 10, 2015
My brother recommended this to me, and it sounded interesting. I ended up reading the whole book in two sittings. It was a real page turner.
For a book that promises to talk about reworking politics from the bottom up, this book actually has little to say about politics in general. The majority of the book is about Jesse Ventura's life, only some of which I knew (I was never a wrestling fan; I knew of him from his film work). Yet the story of his life is never boring. He's led a very interesting life, and his views on politics and this country are almost 100% in line with how I think; in fact, the only parts I disagreed with were presented in such a way that I've started to rethink my stance on those issues. Mr. Ventura makes a lot of sense. He's one of those rare no-BS types of people, which we all know is even more rare when referring to a politician.
The most interesting bits of info in this book are outdated, since this was published in 1999, yet I found it fascinating to compare his predictions and wishes and hopes to what actually happened. If anything, we as a country have gotten even worse. He says often that he has no desire to run for the Presidency... yet I'm sure I and many others who read this book would flock to the polls to support him if he ever should. In the meantime, finishing this book made me want to track down his other books and read those as well.
For a book that promises to talk about reworking politics from the bottom up, this book actually has little to say about politics in general. The majority of the book is about Jesse Ventura's life, only some of which I knew (I was never a wrestling fan; I knew of him from his film work). Yet the story of his life is never boring. He's led a very interesting life, and his views on politics and this country are almost 100% in line with how I think; in fact, the only parts I disagreed with were presented in such a way that I've started to rethink my stance on those issues. Mr. Ventura makes a lot of sense. He's one of those rare no-BS types of people, which we all know is even more rare when referring to a politician.
The most interesting bits of info in this book are outdated, since this was published in 1999, yet I found it fascinating to compare his predictions and wishes and hopes to what actually happened. If anything, we as a country have gotten even worse. He says often that he has no desire to run for the Presidency... yet I'm sure I and many others who read this book would flock to the polls to support him if he ever should. In the meantime, finishing this book made me want to track down his other books and read those as well.
August 24, 2020
To say Jesse Ventura has led an interesting life would be an understatement. Navy SEAL. Professional wrestler. Actor. Mayor. Governor. Author. Television host. Few people have reinvented themselves more than Ventura has. Jesse Ventura celebrates his 70th Birthday this week (July 15th). To mark the occasion, the Literary Squared Circle blog reviews Ventura’s first book, I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic from the Bottom Up (Villard, 1999).
I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed is not a wrestling book per se. Each chapter addresses a different chapter in Ventura’s life. His professional wrestling career is included, but it is not the focal point of the book. The book begins and ends with Ventura’s 1998 gubernatorial run in his home state of Minnesota, in which he upset the proverbial applecart and “shocked the world” by winning the election.
When the book was released in 1999, Ventura was clearly trying to leave his Jesse “The Body” persona behind. He was now a politician, and he had become Jesse “The Mind” Ventura. Though his wrestling career is discussed, Ventura largely downplays that aspect of his life. He briefly covers topics such as his training with Eddie Sharkey, the creation of his “Body” gimmick, and how he based the character on the mannerisms of Superstar Billy Graham. Ventura describes breaking into the wrestling business for Bob Geigel in the Kansas City territory, and tells a few wild stories about the early days of his career. Unfortunately, his time in the American Wrestling Association is glossed over, but his memorable run in the World Wrestling Federation is discussed more in-depth.
While in the WWF, Ventura’s actions seemed to foretell his future in politics. He was the first wrestler to have an agent to negotiate his contracts. He was also protective of his likeness, and was the first to broach the issue of videotape royalties and compensation . Perhaps the most politically divisive issue he raised was when he proposed unionizing professional wrestling. Ventura claims that it was Hulk Hogan (someone he considered to be a friend) who reported Ventura’s proposed union to Vince McMahon, who quickly put the kibosh on the idea.
Ventura does not shy away from any issue. He admits to steroid use, but states that when he discovered the negative health effects they caused, he changed his stance. He went as far as to participate in campaign aimed at keep young people away from performance enhancing drugs. Whether his later health issues were related to his steroid use or not, Ventura describes the life-threatening blood clots in his lungs which ended his in-ring career.
Though he could no longer wrestle, Ventura successfully transitioned to the broadcast booth, where he pioneered the idea of being a heel commentator. During his time as a commentator, Ventura also began taking on film roles. In fact, the title of his book, I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed, is his iconic line from the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger action film, Predator, in which Ventura co-starred.
Jesse Ventura’s wrestling career is covered in two chapters, or approximately fifty pages. The vast majority of the book, however, is about politics. He recounts what prompted him run for office, first as mayor of his hometown, and later as Governor of Minnesota. Ventura shares his political platform, which includes: taxes, education, government reform, social issues, you name it.
As a wrestling fan, I would have enjoyed more wrestling stories, especially about his time in the AWA. Though Ventura has written numerous books over the past twenty plus years, he has not written a book dedicated to his time as a wrestler. However, for what it is, I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed, is a quick and interesting read. Ventura shoots from the hip. He is opinionated, and honest, which must have come as a breath of fresh air for voters in Minnesota in 1998. Early on in the book, Ventura describes himself in the following way, “I am not a career politician. I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am a working man with commonsense ideas and goals. I describe myself politically as fiscally conservative and socially moderate-to-liberal.”
For those expecting a traditional wrestler autobiography, I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic from the Bottom Up will undoubtedly be a disappointment. However, if you are looking to read a compelling life story about someone who marches to the beat of their own drum, you will likely enjoy this book. The story of James George Janos begins in 1950s Minnesota and concludes with him serving as Governor of the state in 1999. Along the way he became known in the ring and on the big screen as Jesse “The Body” Ventura. Ventura’s journey is both a unique and fascinating one.
4 Stars out of 5
I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed is not a wrestling book per se. Each chapter addresses a different chapter in Ventura’s life. His professional wrestling career is included, but it is not the focal point of the book. The book begins and ends with Ventura’s 1998 gubernatorial run in his home state of Minnesota, in which he upset the proverbial applecart and “shocked the world” by winning the election.
When the book was released in 1999, Ventura was clearly trying to leave his Jesse “The Body” persona behind. He was now a politician, and he had become Jesse “The Mind” Ventura. Though his wrestling career is discussed, Ventura largely downplays that aspect of his life. He briefly covers topics such as his training with Eddie Sharkey, the creation of his “Body” gimmick, and how he based the character on the mannerisms of Superstar Billy Graham. Ventura describes breaking into the wrestling business for Bob Geigel in the Kansas City territory, and tells a few wild stories about the early days of his career. Unfortunately, his time in the American Wrestling Association is glossed over, but his memorable run in the World Wrestling Federation is discussed more in-depth.
While in the WWF, Ventura’s actions seemed to foretell his future in politics. He was the first wrestler to have an agent to negotiate his contracts. He was also protective of his likeness, and was the first to broach the issue of videotape royalties and compensation . Perhaps the most politically divisive issue he raised was when he proposed unionizing professional wrestling. Ventura claims that it was Hulk Hogan (someone he considered to be a friend) who reported Ventura’s proposed union to Vince McMahon, who quickly put the kibosh on the idea.
Ventura does not shy away from any issue. He admits to steroid use, but states that when he discovered the negative health effects they caused, he changed his stance. He went as far as to participate in campaign aimed at keep young people away from performance enhancing drugs. Whether his later health issues were related to his steroid use or not, Ventura describes the life-threatening blood clots in his lungs which ended his in-ring career.
Though he could no longer wrestle, Ventura successfully transitioned to the broadcast booth, where he pioneered the idea of being a heel commentator. During his time as a commentator, Ventura also began taking on film roles. In fact, the title of his book, I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed, is his iconic line from the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger action film, Predator, in which Ventura co-starred.
Jesse Ventura’s wrestling career is covered in two chapters, or approximately fifty pages. The vast majority of the book, however, is about politics. He recounts what prompted him run for office, first as mayor of his hometown, and later as Governor of Minnesota. Ventura shares his political platform, which includes: taxes, education, government reform, social issues, you name it.
As a wrestling fan, I would have enjoyed more wrestling stories, especially about his time in the AWA. Though Ventura has written numerous books over the past twenty plus years, he has not written a book dedicated to his time as a wrestler. However, for what it is, I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed, is a quick and interesting read. Ventura shoots from the hip. He is opinionated, and honest, which must have come as a breath of fresh air for voters in Minnesota in 1998. Early on in the book, Ventura describes himself in the following way, “I am not a career politician. I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am a working man with commonsense ideas and goals. I describe myself politically as fiscally conservative and socially moderate-to-liberal.”
For those expecting a traditional wrestler autobiography, I Ain’t Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic from the Bottom Up will undoubtedly be a disappointment. However, if you are looking to read a compelling life story about someone who marches to the beat of their own drum, you will likely enjoy this book. The story of James George Janos begins in 1950s Minnesota and concludes with him serving as Governor of the state in 1999. Along the way he became known in the ring and on the big screen as Jesse “The Body” Ventura. Ventura’s journey is both a unique and fascinating one.
4 Stars out of 5
August 17, 2021
I was gifted this nightmare because I was able to guess the title when told that Jesse Ventura had “written” an autobiography. Every page was a chaotic tangle of personal grievance and self congratulatory nonsense that assaulted the very foundations of my mind.
That aside I have three important observations:
1. SO MANY EXCLAMATION POINTS
2. This shit was very obviously written by Ventura’s agent, Barry Bloom. How do I know that this book was written by Barry Bloom you might ask? Well I know that it was written by Barry Bloom because Barry Bloom’s name is on every other fucking page.
3. This is a very pointed snapshot of the faux-edgy, pseudo-intellectual mindset of many American men in the late 1990s. Myself included, I’m afraid. Cartoonish tough guy braggadocio with anti-authority rebelliousness mixed with personal entitlement and an unwavering belief that “fiscally conservative, socially liberal” was some sort of intellectual checkmate in the world of politics. Ugh.
Anyway, this was trash but I would still very much enjoy hanging out with the cast of Predator so if any of you can make that happen please let me know.
That aside I have three important observations:
1. SO MANY EXCLAMATION POINTS
2. This shit was very obviously written by Ventura’s agent, Barry Bloom. How do I know that this book was written by Barry Bloom you might ask? Well I know that it was written by Barry Bloom because Barry Bloom’s name is on every other fucking page.
3. This is a very pointed snapshot of the faux-edgy, pseudo-intellectual mindset of many American men in the late 1990s. Myself included, I’m afraid. Cartoonish tough guy braggadocio with anti-authority rebelliousness mixed with personal entitlement and an unwavering belief that “fiscally conservative, socially liberal” was some sort of intellectual checkmate in the world of politics. Ugh.
Anyway, this was trash but I would still very much enjoy hanging out with the cast of Predator so if any of you can make that happen please let me know.
March 6, 2022
5.00 out of 5.00
Wow. What a book.
I was gifted this book by a friend of mine one random day and, even loving wrestling, I never knew much about Jesse Ventura. Reading his entire story was inspirational and informative.
His views on politics were things that I mostly agreed with. His views about wrestling were pretty spot on. He, as a person, is very outspoken but very intelligent.
This book gave me a lot of hope; seeing someone who has achieved so much in life gives me the inspiration to achieve every goal I have. It brings me hope that maybe hope isn’t lost, in government or in life.
A spectacular, page-turning read that had me cheering and on the edge of my seat.
Wow. What a book.
I was gifted this book by a friend of mine one random day and, even loving wrestling, I never knew much about Jesse Ventura. Reading his entire story was inspirational and informative.
His views on politics were things that I mostly agreed with. His views about wrestling were pretty spot on. He, as a person, is very outspoken but very intelligent.
This book gave me a lot of hope; seeing someone who has achieved so much in life gives me the inspiration to achieve every goal I have. It brings me hope that maybe hope isn’t lost, in government or in life.
A spectacular, page-turning read that had me cheering and on the edge of my seat.
August 13, 2026
I have to confess to being somewhat disappointed in this one. I'll start right off by admitting to being a Jesse Ventura fan. We both grew up in the mid-west in the 50s and 60s (me north of the 49th Parallel, him on the south). He's less than a year older than I, and we were christened with the same first name (James). I first became aware of him in the early 80s while watching the 'rasslin' with my boys. Jesse was a commentator, playing off the great "Mean" Gene Okerlund. I made darn sure to ridicule Jesse's outfit of purple tights and feather boa so my boys caught on that it was no way for a man to dress. I gradually came to learn that this man had served a couple of tours in Vietnam as a SEAL and rode with the Mongols, so I guess he could dress any old way he pleased with no feedback from me. And as Sgt Blain in the movie Predator, he damn near stole the show from Ahnold. The title of the book is a line from that movie.
The book covers the biographical details, right from youthful pranks to his investiture in the state Capitol. It's written in an easy-to-read conversational tone. One issue I have with the book is that it's outdated, having been printed just after he was elected to the position of Governor of the state of Minnesota. The first 30 pages or so consists basically of Jesse congratulating himself for winning. The last 30 pages are basically his plans for the future and what he wants to accomplish in office. I found him to be a canny politician, fully aware that under a system where two main parties normally hold sway their primary interest is getting re-elected, not serving the people.
While I found it outlandish that a man who used to adorn himself with women's clothing and accessories could get elected to public office, I must admit to being in agreement with many of Jesse's centrist views. He might even have made a decent President. He is an interesting man who has led an eventful life, but he is careful not to reveal too much of it in his book. I would have liked another 100 pages of Jesse and a little less preening.
The book covers the biographical details, right from youthful pranks to his investiture in the state Capitol. It's written in an easy-to-read conversational tone. One issue I have with the book is that it's outdated, having been printed just after he was elected to the position of Governor of the state of Minnesota. The first 30 pages or so consists basically of Jesse congratulating himself for winning. The last 30 pages are basically his plans for the future and what he wants to accomplish in office. I found him to be a canny politician, fully aware that under a system where two main parties normally hold sway their primary interest is getting re-elected, not serving the people.
While I found it outlandish that a man who used to adorn himself with women's clothing and accessories could get elected to public office, I must admit to being in agreement with many of Jesse's centrist views. He might even have made a decent President. He is an interesting man who has led an eventful life, but he is careful not to reveal too much of it in his book. I would have liked another 100 pages of Jesse and a little less preening.
April 29, 2024
Interesting story. I'm not on board with everything Ventura says or believes, ie his undying support for BLM (libertarian supporting Marxists??? Seriously?) or the time he called America fascist for it's stance on businesses and religion (I'm all for normalizing atheism, but we have a lot more rights here than most nations. Bit of a stretch). But his story is still fascinating and entertaining. Not gonna lie, I'm a bit jealous of a few things but I always wonder how much of these autobiographies are ever accurate.
January 14, 2024
I only got the book for its title as it's from one of my favourite films (not quite 4 star book but close!)
I'm not interested in politics (or biographies!) but this was a very easy read, and seems like a very honest account of his life prior to entering politics (he briefly mentions the WWF problems too for any wrestling fans).
It's got some great philosophy to live by, and I can see why he was a favourite candidate of many - recommend if you need a different genre of book!
I'm not interested in politics (or biographies!) but this was a very easy read, and seems like a very honest account of his life prior to entering politics (he briefly mentions the WWF problems too for any wrestling fans).
It's got some great philosophy to live by, and I can see why he was a favourite candidate of many - recommend if you need a different genre of book!
November 22, 2017
Forgot I read this book quite some time ago. It was a OK read which helped me understand Ventura better.
July 12, 2020
Mostly about his interesting life.
July 20, 2020
He should run for president.
April 14, 2021
He is a very interesting person. He speaks his mind and that is rare in politics. I don’t agree with everything he does but I would still vote for him if he ran. Excellent book.
April 22, 2022
Some parts were interesting, and reading his political views was too. The first time around. Then it started to seem just like repetitive rhetoric.
Read
July 29, 2026I did not finish this book; it just wasn't for me. Not bad really, just not for me.
March 28, 2008
Jesse has a way with words that make him very easy to understand. His no-nonsense style breaks down the issues we hear about all day long on the news into terms that the average working american can understand, and I love reading his books.
For example, his idea of gun control is "being able to put 5 rounds in the same spot from 50 meters".
Whether you agree with his views or not you will find he makes sense and at least you won't get any BS politically correct crap from him. He tells you how he feels and why he feels it and his honesty is refreshing.
Would I vote for him should he decide to run for President? I honestly don't know. But I think if he ran it would do wonders for trying to break up the two party dictatorship that currently has a stranglehold on our nation.
EVERYONE should go down to their library and check out this book. It is a short, easy read that you could probably get through in an afternoon and it would vastly change your view on our nations corrupt government and open your eyes to the reality of what our nation has become.
RUN JESSE RUN!
For example, his idea of gun control is "being able to put 5 rounds in the same spot from 50 meters".
Whether you agree with his views or not you will find he makes sense and at least you won't get any BS politically correct crap from him. He tells you how he feels and why he feels it and his honesty is refreshing.
Would I vote for him should he decide to run for President? I honestly don't know. But I think if he ran it would do wonders for trying to break up the two party dictatorship that currently has a stranglehold on our nation.
EVERYONE should go down to their library and check out this book. It is a short, easy read that you could probably get through in an afternoon and it would vastly change your view on our nations corrupt government and open your eyes to the reality of what our nation has become.
RUN JESSE RUN!
September 6, 2008
The title of Jesse Ventura's memoir is taken from his famous line he delivered in the movie Predator. It is a great mantra for a former Navy SEAL, pro-wrestler, and man-of-the-people elected official. Once you get through the first chapter that explains Ventura's views on the issues of the day, the rest is an absorbing, humorous, truthful, and motivating memoir of a true tough guy who can put his money where his mouth is.
Jesse tells all in this memoir. When he was a young man, he worked hard, and played hard. Drinking and sex are included here. My eyebrows went up a few times. It is clear he is not covering anything up in order to look squeaky clean.
Anyone who reads this book will wish there were a million more Jesses holding political office, instead of the Democrat/Republican factory of career politicians who are addicted to power. I never seriously considered the validity or need for a third political party until I read this book.
Jesse tells all in this memoir. When he was a young man, he worked hard, and played hard. Drinking and sex are included here. My eyebrows went up a few times. It is clear he is not covering anything up in order to look squeaky clean.
Anyone who reads this book will wish there were a million more Jesses holding political office, instead of the Democrat/Republican factory of career politicians who are addicted to power. I never seriously considered the validity or need for a third political party until I read this book.
June 1, 2015
This is the second time I have read this book. I liked Ventura when he was a wrestler/announcer and found his story interesting when he got into politics. Regardless of what some may think of his political views, this book is a good read about a man who went from wrestling and acting to politics. The book discusses his time as a Navy SEAL, why he dislikes Hulk Hogan, and how he ran for mayor basically after a dare when he told the local council at a meeting not to make him run for office.
Some may not like his other books, but this is almost like a biography with only a few political rants in it. There is not much wrestling stories in it, only a chapter or two, if you are wanting to just read wrestling stories. This is a book, however, that inspires people to follow a dream and make it successful.
Some may not like his other books, but this is almost like a biography with only a few political rants in it. There is not much wrestling stories in it, only a chapter or two, if you are wanting to just read wrestling stories. This is a book, however, that inspires people to follow a dream and make it successful.
June 6, 2014
It's not a bad book, and it covers the basics of Ventura's life to that point, but it's a rushjob clearly intended to help further the Body's nascent political ambitions (his political platform is somewhat schizophrenic, but his support for public schools and term limits is admirable). If so, the details included are surprising: Ventura's frankness about his own earthy existence likely torpedoed his chances at higher office, which makes me think the actual story is even more entertaining than what's in here. According to most WCW'ers who worked for the promotion during Ventura's time there, the Body's road stories and Verne Gagne impressions were worth the exorbitant salary he was being paid. What a bizarre, only-in-America sort of character.
December 24, 2011
I am proud to say I lived in MN when he ran to be the 38th Governor of Minnesota, and I voted for him! Just like in his wrestling career, if Jesse has something to say he has no filter. He is one of the only politician's that said he was for what was right for the people of his state, and he backed it up. In his first term, he knew that the "Good Ol Boys" was ripping Minnesotans off, so he gave thousands of dollars back
If you like a hard hitting, no nonsense, straight to the point book. Then this book is for you. He also has some views on taxes and other things that if the government would have listened, we would have a better America!!
If you like a hard hitting, no nonsense, straight to the point book. Then this book is for you. He also has some views on taxes and other things that if the government would have listened, we would have a better America!!
Want to Read
April 7, 2008I liked what he had to say on Larry King the other night, and the current presidential campaign has made me more of a political junkie than I've ever been before in my life, so I just may have to check this book out. And to balance what Mr. Ventura has to say perhaps I'll also read something I'm likely to completely disagree with, like Amy Coulter's Godless for example, because I believe in thoroughly hearing out everyone's point of view before definitively declaring who is brilliant and who is an idiot. I'd even read a future autobiography by W if he is able to write.
April 29, 2012
I saw one of his new books on the shelf at the store but instead of picking that one up I wanted to read them in somewhat order since all his biographies are chronological. This book covers birth up until election of governorship of Minnesota. Good basic biography I liked reading about the variety of careers he has had. I like his no holds barred (bad pun overused with him) political ideas. I would agree the government needs revising and some of his ideas are spot on what needs done. It's took bad many can't look past his background and see him for the good political ideas he has.
February 4, 2012
This was a great book. It gave me so much insight into who Jesse is and what his politics are. I agree with a lot of what he believes which suprised me. I also good an inside look into his political career and what was happening behind the scenes when he was in the WWF which i never followed before. It is definately a must read.
January 29, 2008
I couldn't resist reading it, how random does this get, he has some interesting points but he gets rather egocentric at times, but none-the-less a charming tale of boy who joins the navy becomes a seal, then a wrestler, to radio DJ, to politician
March 28, 2008
I discovered a man I didn't know, SEAL, wrestler and in the last chapter, successful mayor and govenor without becoming a politician.
Loved it. recommend it. wish colin powell would run for president too.
Loved it. recommend it. wish colin powell would run for president too.
February 29, 2016
B Ventura - The story of Jesse "The Body" Ventura from Minneapolis boyhood, through time as a Navy Seal, professional wrestler, actor, and radio personality to his election as the Governor of Minnesota as a candidate for the Reform Party.
March 14, 2019
🖋️ When I read this, I was also listening to Ventura’s radio show in Minneapolis. The book was mostly what he talked about on the radio, so what is inside this book is not anything new for me.
📖 Book version.
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📖 Book version.
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June 26, 2007
Yeah another book by a wrestler, and this ones about politics. But it is real good. I wish Jesse Ventura was President. He's no joke
December 7, 2007
Surprisingly good, and he pulls no punches in his discussion of the American political system, and some of its many, MANY flaws.
June 9, 2008
Political insight. Sick of the government as it stands? Read this book
July 7, 2008
This book was a good read, but I expected a little more out of Jessie than I received.
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July 10, 2008977.6
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