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I'm Awesome: One Man's Triumphant Quest to Become the Sweetest Dude Ever – A SiriusXM Radio Host's Inspirational Fight from Addiction to Victory
X Games skateboarder, pro mixed martial arts fighter, and outspoken SiriusXM satellite radio host Jason Ellis shares his jaw-dropping and inspirational life story, from the depths of addiction to the glory of victory to the joys and ordeals of fatherhood. Fans of The Jason Ellis Show and the MMA-meets-music festival "Ellismania" know Ellis as a fearless daredevil—and as the new voice of action sports in America. Now, fans can learn how he got to be the man he is: the struggles, the setbacks, and the fight he put up to make it through to something better. Fans of Griffin Forrest’s Got Fight and Tony Hawk’s Hawk won’t want to miss this unbelievable tell-all from a larger-than-life icon, and a fighter through and through.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2012
About the author
Jason Ellis
3 books12 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Jason Ellis is an Australian professional skateboarder, mixed martial artist, radio host, and actor. Ellis hosts The Jason Ellis Show weekdays on Sirius XM Radio channel Faction (Sirius). Ellis was also the founding member and vocalist for the Comedy Rock/Metal band Taintstick, and released their only album Six Pounds of Sound, on Suburban Noize Records.
Jason Ellis is an Australian professional skateboarder, mixed martial artist, radio host, and actor. Ellis hosts The Jason Ellis Show weekdays on Sirius XM Radio channel Faction (Sirius). Ellis was also the founding member and vocalist for the Comedy Rock/Metal band Taintstick, and released their only album Six Pounds of Sound, on Suburban Noize Records.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 3, 2012
To be honest, I was hoping for more.
Not that Ellis holds anything back, he lays his drug and alcohol addled past right out there in gory details, but falls short in his post-addiction life. One chapter he's hooked then he's just clean; no mention of how or how difficult it was or wasn't. The narrative feels like a drunk telling a story: it randomly wanders from place to place with no reference of when the stories take place. One moment he is in 2004 then he jumps back to 2000, at least as far as the reader can tell.
It wasn't without its surprises, at least for me. I've known of Ellis since the first Tony Hawk Gigantic Skatepark tour back in 2000 and loosely followed him though those events. I had no idea that he was blasted as he was during those times. To hear how much he consumed was shocking to me; maybe it wouldn't be to a die hard Ellis fan, but to a more casual observer it was surprising.
If you like stories of heavy drug use and loads of sexual encounters you will most likely love this book at those tales consume 80% of the text. I did enjoy it for the most part, but felt a bit let down by the randomness of the timeline and the brush over his now clean life. Good for him, though, to put his not so pretty past out there and show he was able to get past his addictions.
Not that Ellis holds anything back, he lays his drug and alcohol addled past right out there in gory details, but falls short in his post-addiction life. One chapter he's hooked then he's just clean; no mention of how or how difficult it was or wasn't. The narrative feels like a drunk telling a story: it randomly wanders from place to place with no reference of when the stories take place. One moment he is in 2004 then he jumps back to 2000, at least as far as the reader can tell.
It wasn't without its surprises, at least for me. I've known of Ellis since the first Tony Hawk Gigantic Skatepark tour back in 2000 and loosely followed him though those events. I had no idea that he was blasted as he was during those times. To hear how much he consumed was shocking to me; maybe it wouldn't be to a die hard Ellis fan, but to a more casual observer it was surprising.
If you like stories of heavy drug use and loads of sexual encounters you will most likely love this book at those tales consume 80% of the text. I did enjoy it for the most part, but felt a bit let down by the randomness of the timeline and the brush over his now clean life. Good for him, though, to put his not so pretty past out there and show he was able to get past his addictions.
January 20, 2020
I found this book to be interesting and especially inspiring for those who might come from similar family backgrounds or who have addictive personalities.
Unfortunately I was under the impression that this was a new book that addressed him being bisexual and it was not. I should have checked the copyright date.
Interesting life story, nonetheless.
Update: The book I was looking for (with the rest of his life story) is called Still Awesome. Apparently, it can only be ordered from JasonEllisBook.com. I’ve ordered mine.
Unfortunately I was under the impression that this was a new book that addressed him being bisexual and it was not. I should have checked the copyright date.
Interesting life story, nonetheless.
Update: The book I was looking for (with the rest of his life story) is called Still Awesome. Apparently, it can only be ordered from JasonEllisBook.com. I’ve ordered mine.
January 20, 2017
Because I like Jason Ellis from Siruis and Skateboarding I really liked this book.
Very funny.
However if you do not like any of this - it may not be the book for you.
If you do like his show, his past, I think this may be your speed.
Very funny.
However if you do not like any of this - it may not be the book for you.
If you do like his show, his past, I think this may be your speed.
January 10, 2024
It is not high brow literature, but it never claimed to be and isn’t supposed to be. It is enjoyable, interesting, and if you’re an Ellis fan very likely something that you’ll enjoy. Ellis rules, can recommend.
February 20, 2018
Was really into his radio show at the time of reading... not a bad book- gives some good insight
August 21, 2018
Not as good as his other book.
November 17, 2018
Simply awesome
September 22, 2019
Jason Ellis is a skateboard legend, not a writer. With that being said, the book was an interesting look into Jason's life and was an easy read. I am looking forward to his next book.
May 28, 2020
Started out all right, and ended ok. The middle part was basically one big train of the same thoughts over and over again.
February 28, 2017
It was definitely what I expected from Ellis! Rambling, funny, and just shows he is crazier than he think's he is.
May 23, 2012
Honest. That is the best way to describe not only this book but Jason Ellis. In the age where "everyone gets a trophy" Jason Ellis stands out because he is honest. He is honest to himself, and that honesty carries over to his radio show, and his book. Because he is willing to admit that he screws up, he can tell others when they are screwing up and not come off like a hypocrite. Ellis is just like you and me, he gets happy, sad, scared, upset, confused, lazy, and he talks about such a wide range of emotions that his fans can actually relate. And that is how he sucks you into his world, because we all share those different emotions. I find my self actually caring about this flawed individual and keep wanting to find out more so the pages turn easily in this book.
Jason walks you through his dysfunctional life from an early age, and how it shaped him. Like most I learned of Ellis from his radio show and have worked backward to hear about his skateboarding fame. It was nice to go back and see how the events of his life shaped the man man he has become today, especially filling in all the blanks of how good he really was at skating. There are some wild stories in the early part of the book, but it takes a really depressing turn in the middle. Listening to Ellis lament the time he wasted on drugs and alcohol got a bit heavier, especially once the topic of his brother and father dying were discussed. The book goes a bit deeper than just the funny skateboarder with an accent stuff, which made it a bit better than I expected.
If you have ever heard the radio show this book will not disappoint.
Jason walks you through his dysfunctional life from an early age, and how it shaped him. Like most I learned of Ellis from his radio show and have worked backward to hear about his skateboarding fame. It was nice to go back and see how the events of his life shaped the man man he has become today, especially filling in all the blanks of how good he really was at skating. There are some wild stories in the early part of the book, but it takes a really depressing turn in the middle. Listening to Ellis lament the time he wasted on drugs and alcohol got a bit heavier, especially once the topic of his brother and father dying were discussed. The book goes a bit deeper than just the funny skateboarder with an accent stuff, which made it a bit better than I expected.
If you have ever heard the radio show this book will not disappoint.
September 7, 2014
The primary reason I read this book was because a neighbor informed me "it is the only book I've ever read cover to cover" and then lent it to me. I had no idea who Jason Ellis is (and still really don't, ha!), but I was very curious what kind of book someone who never reads, reads!
So, I've been contemplating rating the book from two different perspectives- one from my typical perspective (mine!), but the other from the perspective of maybe someone more like my neighbor, the kind of person who doesn't spend much of their leisure time reading...
My perspective- 1 star. I struggled to get through the first chapter aaaand then all the other ones! The book was poorly written and seriously lacking in substance and I definitely do not recommend anyone wasting their time on this book!
Other perspective- Great book! Maybe 4 stars- Jason is very straightforward with his numerous struggles with relationships, substances, personal growth and some kinds of mental illnesses (anxiety and addiction at the least are mentioned). This book gives cool insight on how someone could actually be ill from addiction- he had so much potential with skateboarding but he makes it clear addiction was really in control of his life. I find it rare to find a book written by someone with both a crappy childhood and also a limited education, so it was an interesting read in that sense...
So, I've been contemplating rating the book from two different perspectives- one from my typical perspective (mine!), but the other from the perspective of maybe someone more like my neighbor, the kind of person who doesn't spend much of their leisure time reading...
My perspective- 1 star. I struggled to get through the first chapter aaaand then all the other ones! The book was poorly written and seriously lacking in substance and I definitely do not recommend anyone wasting their time on this book!
Other perspective- Great book! Maybe 4 stars- Jason is very straightforward with his numerous struggles with relationships, substances, personal growth and some kinds of mental illnesses (anxiety and addiction at the least are mentioned). This book gives cool insight on how someone could actually be ill from addiction- he had so much potential with skateboarding but he makes it clear addiction was really in control of his life. I find it rare to find a book written by someone with both a crappy childhood and also a limited education, so it was an interesting read in that sense...
November 15, 2012
I'm a big fan of Sirius/XM radio channel Faction where Jason Ellis has a show. When I saw his bio at the library I picked it up.
Jason's on air bud helped him to write the book so you can really get to hear it in his voice as there probably wasn't too many changes made in the edit. The grammar isn't the greatest but I enjoyed hearing stories of Jason growing up in Australia and the drama with his family. Jason's life is filled with a lot of tales of sex, drugs and excess. There isn't much complexity to this book as it just jumps from one story to the next. He does touch on adventures he has with his fellow Bones Brigade skaters and other people in the skating world. Depth would have made the book a lot better but I give it 4 stars for being what it is.
Jason's on air bud helped him to write the book so you can really get to hear it in his voice as there probably wasn't too many changes made in the edit. The grammar isn't the greatest but I enjoyed hearing stories of Jason growing up in Australia and the drama with his family. Jason's life is filled with a lot of tales of sex, drugs and excess. There isn't much complexity to this book as it just jumps from one story to the next. He does touch on adventures he has with his fellow Bones Brigade skaters and other people in the skating world. Depth would have made the book a lot better but I give it 4 stars for being what it is.
May 21, 2013
I came into this book with certain expectations. I was hoping this book would be much more about the hard work and ups and downs of working towards one's dreams. Given the title "I'm Awesome: One Man's Triumphant Quest to Become the Sweetest Dude Ever" I don't think that was a far gone conclusion.
What is however is a very entertaining autobiography full of stories of drug use, competition, and rising from the ashes. I give it 4 stars because it was compelling and I read it in one sitting. That's me doing my best to be objective because at the end of the day I wanted this to be something completely different.
This books is great. Very funny, very honest, and full of interesting anecdotes. Still glad I read it.
What is however is a very entertaining autobiography full of stories of drug use, competition, and rising from the ashes. I give it 4 stars because it was compelling and I read it in one sitting. That's me doing my best to be objective because at the end of the day I wanted this to be something completely different.
This books is great. Very funny, very honest, and full of interesting anecdotes. Still glad I read it.
August 12, 2012
This isn't the kind of book I normally read. It caught my eye on the "New" book shelf at the library, and I was intrigued by the bad boy changes into good guy summary on the jacket. I was immediately pulled into the story of Jason's life. I connected with his childhood issues and life/relationship struggles. He does a good job of explaining human (male) behavior that I didn't understand until I read his perspective on it. It is a very inspiring story, reinforcing my belief that no matter where you come from, and although sometimes we can be our worse enemy, we also have the ability to change and redirect our lives.
August 26, 2015
While this is a book about Jason's life it has a very different view to how he is now. If you listen to the radio show now you know that a lot has changed since this book was written. While it doesn't show his current views on his past it is interesting to see the evolution of where he was when he wrote this book and to where he is today and how things have changed so much in such a short amount of time.
June 1, 2013
Absolute garbage if you want to hear how someone came to their fame this is not the book, all he talks about is banging hookers, and doing every drug you can think of. I was a big fan but not so much anymore the guy is a loser. The book is pointless do not read especially if you are a fan because you won't be when you are done.
January 18, 2016
I'm a HUGE Ellis fan. This bio was pretty much what you'd expect from Ellis. Entertaining, funny, sad, and honest. There's skateboarding glory, personal struggle, and the beginning of maturity. The bio ends just as his radio career is beginning to take off and before his divorce. I can't wait to read the follow up- especially now that he's found his voice. Red Dragons!
June 18, 2012
Was pretty much what I expected, a look into the life of the guy whom entertains me on my rides to/from work. Just wished he had delved into the bits closer to current times in his life....been only listening to him for 6months or so.
July 7, 2012
I was hoping for more. I'm a fan of Ellis but I feel like I have heard more in depth versions of half of these stories listening to his radio show. The writing wasn't all that great and j felt like I was reading a slightly better Tucker Max book.
October 24, 2013
It pains me to give my fellow Wolfknives only two stars, but Mr Ellis and Mr. Tully's respective talents lay within different mediums. "I'm Awesome" is entertaining enough, but as a work of literature it is on the lower end of adequate.
January 5, 2015
This book will definitely not be for everyone. I love the Jason Ellis Show on Sirius XM so this was a must read for me. It was interesting to see more of Jason Ellis' life beyond just the funny dude on the radio. If you listen to/enjoy his show, definitely give this book a shot.
October 2, 2014
We all have a story. His is a roller coaster.
October 7, 2012
I wish he had gone into how he paid for his health care in the States with all his STD's.
April 4, 2013
Although I haven't listened in awhile, Ellismate's radio show is definitely one of my favorite guilty pleasures. This book does not disappoint. Red Dragons!
March 31, 2013
Fun and easy to read. Not exactly a literary masterpiece, but it IS a biography of a pro skateboarder-turned-radio jockey. Makes for good "light reading".
May 20, 2013
Love Ellismate! This gave interesting insight into a unique life.
February 12, 2014
Heard his interview on Stern which was very dynamic. So I did expect a lot more punch from the book. It was ok but not as raw as the interview lead me to believe
April 14, 2014
Easy read, not much substance, not well written to sy the least. The shoddy writing may be the reason this book is so enjoyable though.
April 22, 2014
Only book ever that I refused to finish. I have no respect for this guy... there wasn't much to begin with, anyway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews