Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 12/11/2011 + 917 more book reviews

"A Bum Deal" chronicles the events in Rufus Hannah's life that result in him living as a homeless alcoholic. While existing with another homeless veteran in La Mesa, Rufus meets a sadistic high school kid who fancies himself an aspiring film maker. In exchange for booze and small sums of money, Rufus and his friend engage in increasingly violent and humiliating "stunts" for the camera, eventually resulting in a fight between the two that leaves one permanently disabled.

The "Bum Fights" video series that resulted garnered much publicity and controversy at the time, so surely some will pick up this book because of the association. Hannah's book is fascinating because he explains how alcoholism and bad decisions led to his participation, and ultimately how ultimately he got sober and turned his life around with the help of his co-author. Hannah's honesty is admirable in that he accepts responsibility for his actions and expresses genuine remorse, although he was also a victim. His descriptions of the sense of humiliation and regret he still faces about the "Bum Fights" videos is gut-wrenching.

Ultimately this story is one of hope, and is very inspirational. I read the book in one sitting, and highly recommend it.

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