The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid's Story of Addiction and Redemption

by Jim Wahlberg

The Big Hustle is the story of a redeemed life and a family's healing. This is the no-holds-barred, unvarnished, and sometimes brutal true story of Jim Wahlberg, the fifth of nine kids growing up in a working-class Irish Catholic neighborhood outside of Boston, hustling for attention any way he could get it, which led him to the biggest hustle of his life. Against all odds he got clean, he got out, and he got the girl. Jim dedicated his new life as a former addict to working with addicts, and for years has spread the word that recovery is possible.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Autobiography, Memoir, Faith, Christian

168 pages, Hardcover

Published August 14, 2020

About the author

Jim is the fifth oldest Wahlberg. Like his brothers Donny and Mark, Jim recovered from his tough upbringing in the streets of Dorchester to become producer, writer, and director of films, including The Circle of Addiction, What About the Kids?, and The Lookalike. Jim is the executive director of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, created to improve the quality of life for inner city youth through a working partnership with other youth organizations.



Jim and his wife live in South Florida and have three children.

Reviews

[Jim Sano · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife recommended this book for our parish book group, so I decided to check it out. Writing stories set in Boston about the journey of men from brokenness to wholeness and the power of faith and those God's places on our path to make that journey, I wanted to hear Jim Wahlberg's real story. As I read, I could only say, 'Wow.' For much of Jim's life most people would have said he was 'too far gone' to ever make it out of the hole he had dug, the substance abuse and prison time that gripped his life - but, through Jim's completely honest and compelling story, I was able to experience nothing short of a miracle through the grace of God and Jim's willingness to keep moving forward. Just the photos alone show a remarkable transformation and the testimony of what is possible. The great thing is that Jim is now dedicated to being there for others traveling that difficult journey toward hope and love. Thank you, Jim, for sharing your story in such a powerful way.

[Tim Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it fast because it was a good read. In some ways the younger me would have been displeased with my reading a book with a heavy god message, but I suppose there was some hustling going on. We learn about another Wahlberg’s early life and times and by page 80 we are traveling to a holy pilgrimage site with two men, a father and son in recovery. What the younger me may have missed was the necessity of helping people find a better way of life be that in recovery or service or (the payoff of the hustle) both!

[Kara Merrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t write a lot of reviews on here anymore, but had to for The Big Hustle. Jim Wahlberg’s honesty in sharing his story is impactful. You might see his last name and assume fame & fortune saved him as a young adult and then made his life as a husband and father easy street. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Thank you for sharing your story and for sharing the ultimate answer to all of hurts in life.

[Cathy Parsloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing account of one man's heartbreaking childhood, addiction, and finding God. I am Boston born and raised, and Irish Catholic, so much of this book resonated with me. Although addiction has not afflicted my family, there have been hard times when I needed to depend on God to get me through. This book opened my eyes to what addiction does to both the addict and the family. I am grateful to the author for getting the word out.

[Russ Sepielli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

What an incredible story! I knew the author lived in South Florida where I live and knew he was a man of faith, but had no idea of his faith journey. The book was recommended on one of the Catholic websites that I visit daily. I’m an Emmaus sister and know the power of that retreat. This is posted under my husbands name but he hasn’t read this book yet. We will both pray for Jim’s mission and his continued walk with the Lord.

[Deborah722mac.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

I was raised in the 50s 60s and 70s. Fortunately I was able to stay away from drugs Because I was so afraid of what might happen to me ..... This book brought memories back to me. I am grateful to Jesus because he brought me back to reality. I became Catholic in 1996. It was the smartest and most important decision I've made in my !I've. Thank you Jesus.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, followed by the guidance and love from our blessed Mother Mary. Thanks be to God.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previous reviews to mine call it raw and gritty. So true!

This wasn't quite the book I was expecting. It was even harder. While we all know the last name (and I'm the target demographic for NKOTB) this was truly God's work. Jim and Daniel should have ended up statistics. It's a miracle that he is alive today. It's a miracle that he overcame his challenges. While it's a short book for page numbers, it packs quite the emotional punch.

[Anthony Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything/ Everything is possible with God’s help. Just ask!!

Is this a book of fiction? Is this a hustle? I think not. And for those of us who are sinners and know it we see ourselves and join in praying for God’s presence in every moment of our life. We pray for those who cannot see themselves in this moment of truth.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story of suffering and redemption. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's struggling with any kind of addiction and who may be struggling with their faith. Even to anyone who has family members that are struggling with addiction. Jim Wahlberg isn't speaking AT you in this book. He is speaking TO you.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. Who needs fiction when you have the Wahlberg family. After reading this memoir, I thanked God for the parents He gave me, and my "normal" family life. Drug addiction, alcoholism, you name it, Jim Wahlberg experienced it. From being homeless as a young teen, to his prison stints, he bares all. And, amazingly enough, his God and Catholic faith helped save his life.

[Claire McGarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for Christmas, and chewed through it in a day! It is raw, inspiring, and a true testament to what God can do if we let Him. Thank you Jim Wahlberg for this book, and all the work you do to help others struggling with drug addiction.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wahlberg is very real in this work. He's honest, and doesn't sugarcoat his life story. Best of all, he says he is a work in progress (as we all are) rather than boasting that he is incapable of error after his recovery and reversion to Catholicism.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled on this book mentioned in a Catholic newsletter. I was curious because of the author's link to Mark Wahlberg and Mother Teresa, but ended up reading and finishing the book because of Jim Wahlberg's inspiring journey.

[Tim briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Jim is a guy from the same city and I enjoy following his work he does across the world.
He's simply a Miracle

[John Albrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a GoodRead! Thanks to the author for sharing his very personal journey!

[Eileen Mangiacapre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addiction/recovery story you must read!

Engrossed in this story from the first line to the last! Jim tells his personal story of addiction, recovery and faith.

[Stephanie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and Gritty

I read it from a Boston street kids perspective. Raw, gritty, emotional, and inspiring. God does amazing things even for the worst dinners

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gritty, open look at a young man's path into addiction, crime, and prison, then to faith and a chance at a new life dedicated to helping others in recovery.

[Doris M. Champagne]

Good read. Recommend.

One of the best books ever. So proud of you and how great our God is. Praying that your good work in helping addicts continues. God Bless You, Jim Wahlberg.

[Shelly Fitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read! Jim talks about his life as an addict and how he recovered through the power of Jesus.

[Priscilla Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story - good read and worth sharing with others who may benefit from the story!

[Joanne C Arsenault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Never knew about this Wahlberg brother. It is a great story of survival. Happy to hear about his recovery and that he is still on the right road

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. Read this book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful.

[Tricia Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

This book kept me engaged. I had a hard time putting it down because I needed to get some things done. I enjoyed the whole book.

[Julie aka Booklass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, raw, honest and real. Would like to share wirh my adult children.

[Ann-Marie DeStefano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great witness story of Jim Wahlberg’s struggle with addiction, recovery, conversion and resulting ministry. Quick and inspirational.

[Patsy Bishop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as inspirational as I thought it was going to be. Not a bad book, but don't expect big things. Happy he turned his life around.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and gives hope that people can overcome their addictions with God’s help and can be healed by his grace and mercy.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

a story of Miracles

Hugely inspirational tale of hope and the lesson that nothing is impossible with God. Very straightforward telling of a life almost lost but found by the Grace of God. Thank you Jim. Im sure we can’t count the amount of people that have been helped by your story.