I Make My Own Rules by Karen Hunter, L. L. Cool J, LL Cool J (1997)

I originally had my own copy of this book-and reread it several times!This copy I WON'T be giving up.
I Like how LL tells it straight: about his childhood, his career, his temptations and triumphs, and his dreams and goals. He gives you an insider's view on what it's like to be young, gifted, famous, and caught up in the whirlwind called the entertainment business. Well worth the read for anyone looking for a niche in this business. All that glitters is not necessarily gold-or platinum.
LL endured a childhood that could have embittered or twisted him for life, but he shows how passion for a dream, and the power of God, can bring one through the trials to the triumphs. A true inspiration. I came to admire LL for opening the book of his life and the door of his heart so that others have a chance to see him as rapper, actor, husband, father, and human being. Through this book I raged at the abuse he endured in his childhood, and cheered every time a new album went platinum. Snippets from his lyrics were inspired by various events in his life.
Newscasters laughed at the debut of "Radio" and his stage name "Ladies Love Cool James". They were ready to dismiss him as "just another gangsta rapper". They can't dismiss him now; when he enters the scene, he gets R-E-S-P-E-C-T and admiration, yet remains humble and gracious. Today he is fit and still fab at forty, with the best of his career still ahead of him.
It was a pleasure to "get to know" this amazing person and I look forward to an opportunity to personally meet this Platinum Pillar of hip-hop.
Elizabeth Ficklin-83 Brookwood Road Mercerville, NJ 08619-Tel. (609)-587-8021