Review: I'm A Mark: Dreams and Destiny Of A Wrestling Fan By Fred Esposito

I'm A Mark: Dreams and Destiny Of A Wrestling Fan

Fred Esposito, Bryan Alvarez (Foreword)

Create Space Independent Publishing, 2016

Paperback, Ebook

Note: I thoroughly enjoyed I'm A Mark: Dreams and Destiny of a Wrestling Fan by Fred Esposito, however, the star rating system that I have employed since setting up this blog, would not necessarily reflect this accurately. This is not a reflection of the work, but of the rubric by which I rate books. I can only compare this work to a movie or match that, though it might lack the technical aspects that make a great movie or a five star match, I truly like and re-watch periodically. Therefore, I have opted to not rate this title, though I highly reccomend it. - KM        

Fred Esposito's I'm A Mark: Dreams and Destiny Of A Wrestling Fan is the author's chronicle of his short sojourn in the professional wrestling business. While his journey did not result in fame, stardom and/or riches, his decision to follow his passions has resulted in a very interesting and entertaining book. Mr. Esposito is also the author of Hopeless To Husband: How To Get Out Of The Basement And Change Your Life! and 54 1/2 Dumb Dating Mistakes.  The foreword is provided by Bryan Alvarez (Figure 4 Weekly, The Wrestling Observer, The Life and Death of WCW.) 

While Esposito's book is very unique, his story is more common than many may be willing to admit. With so few who have embarked upon wrestling careers successfully rising through the ranks of the independents/territories and achieving world wide acclaim, I'm A Mark is a refreshing - yet sobering - departure from the standard pro wrestling biography. 

Despite not attaining his goal, Esposito's continued passion for pro wrestling is evident and, at times infectious, throughout the book. It is far too common that pro wrestling - and not the individual people, places, incidents responsible - receives the blunt of criticism from those who have had a negative experience. Esposito's enthusiasm for wrestling and his desire to tell his story never falter. There are segments of his tale the author could have omitted due to his personal pride, an unwillingness to admit a mistake or a desire to not sound "markish," yet the story - and the reader - benefits greatly by his choice to tell a more complete story. While many others would turn away from professional wrestling, Esposito's experiences have given him a different, perhaps more informed, perspective as a fan.

Readers who are looking for a cookie-cutter wrestling book will not necessarily find I'm A Mark to be the best choice for them. As noted above it is not a rags to riches success story. As Esposito's tenure in the wrestling business was relatively short and limited to only a few promotions/events, there are not a lot of road stories or mingling with celebrities, key movers and shakers in the sports or entertainment world. And while the bulk of the author's encounters with some of the industry's more illustrious names are short backstage exchanges or meetings at conventions, the book does not contribute a lot to the overall lore of pro wrestling.  While these could all be seen as weaknesses with regard to marketing the book, in most cases they greatly help the overall theme and message the author conveys and strengthen his narrative. I'm A Mark slowly builds to its climax without relying on name dropping anecdotes as high spots.

This book was read in one sitting, it is a quick and enjoyable read. While it may lack many of the qualities many readers look for in a pro wrestling book and would have benefited from another round of editing, it is an extremely entertaining, insightful and educational book. The author needs to be commended for his candor when telling his story. Every aspiring wrestler who gravitates to a book written by or about a WWE Superstar for inspiration, should also consider purchasing I'm A Mark as a means of seeing an other - and all too common - side of the professional wrestling business. It is a cautionary tale that highlights the "carny" elements far more than those of sports entertainment.