Book 2 - Blog 2 - Mr Nice

Book Details:
Mr Nice
An Autobiography
Pages: 466
Pages read: 123
Words on page 50: 468 (39 x 12)
Words in book: 218,088 (averaged)
ISBN 0-7-493-9569-9
Author: Howard Marks
Published: 1997 by Vintage


Well, book two for this blog is complete. Thank God. It really was a huge book. Although Howard did a pretty good job of the book, it was a huge effort to get through it, especially about a 100 page section from about page 250 to 350. During this section, there was extended dialogue about every conversation about drug dealing and importation that Howard had with all of his contacts. It was a little mind numbing. I guess for some people, this might have been interesting, but I am not sure how much value it added to what could have been a really good read.

On either side of that section, it was very readable. During his drug trafficking career, Howard Marks was actually busted twice, the first time, he did 2 years and the next about 6 or 7. The times that he spent in prison, and the way that was depicted was amazing to read. For his second stint in prison, he was housed at Terre Haute (USA), which was described in the book as the worst of the worst, as far as prisons go. Some of the names that he either met, or just mentioned in the book, were also amazing, including Bill Clinton and other country presidents.

He explained really well the process of how most drug dealers become 'snitches' for a reduced sentence. Howard refused to do that, which I thought was quite brave, as he was willing to do a longer stay in prison. In the end, the only way that he was busted was when his contacts 'ratted' on him. It is was not for that, he may have gotten off a second time. The book explained how he made up crazy stories to get off the charges, the first time, he claimed to be smuggling drugs for a spy agency (to bust those responsible). Then, the second time, he was going to make up a story about smuggling drugs to Australia, instead of into America (where he was eventually deported to and imprisoned).

He was somewhat confident of an early release from prison, as he wrote that Bill Clinton was running for president at the time. "An Oxford-educated, dope taking, philandering, draft-dodging leader was just what this ridiculous country needed". Very amusing. In the end, he did get an early release, as he was originally sentenced to 25 years jail. He only served a quarter of that time.

Probably the most interesting part of the book, involved what lengths the DEA went to to imprison him. If you believe Howard Marks, the DEA are corrupt, dishonest, willing to change evidence and do whatever else it takes to get a conviction. The way he described the DEA agents (with fat arses) was comical.

One of the saddest parts of the book was the imprisonment of his wife, for involvement with his drug trafficking. She was released after several years, though it was tough on his family.

The story finished on a really happy note. His young son, named after his brother in law Patrick (who ended up snitching on him - shattering for Howard) did not speak for the seven years that Howard spent in prison. He stopped talking when Howard was arrested. When he saw his son again, on his release, "his blue eyes shone, and his soul smiled. He ran towards me. Hi Dad.'

Key messages from the book

I am not sure there are any great messages from Mr Nice. I would say that Howard Marks appears to be an extremely likable individual. That helped in at many times during his life, and was even noted in his trials. I would say that it is important to be a nice person throughout your life, and treat everyone in a courteous and friendly manner.

I would also say that drug trafficking and drug taking are just totally inadvisable. I am totally against drugs, and although I chose to read this book, that was one part of the book that I struggled with. How could you take or sell drugs, regardless of whether or not you thought they should be legalised. Stay away from it, if Jimmy's recommendation.

Readability: 3.5 (out of 5)
Interesting Information: 4 (out of 5)
Overall book quality: 3.5 (out of 5)
Overall: 7.5 (out of 10)

Places visited: 1
People met: 0
Books given away: 1 (to Gemma, my wife)
Books purchased second hand or cheap: 2 (Book 1 and 2)

Until next time, keep reading.

Jimmy A