I Make My Own Rules

James Todd Smith, AKA LL Cool J, lays bare his heart and soul in this engaging and candid autobiography. He tells of his somewhat traumatic childhood that was filled with domestic violence, and the affect that it continues to have on his life. He also gives a realistic, behind the scenes, view of the music industry-the sex, groupies, and drugs. With emotion he tells of a time in his life that he was not proud of, a time when he was young, immature, and had plenty of money to throw around. Smith uses his life to teach the lesson to youngsters that we all make mistakes and to view them as a learning experience. The book also shares some of LL Cool J's opinions about the current state of rap, the murders of Biggie Smalls and Tupac, and other pertinent issues.This book is exciting, inspiring, and heartfelt. It tells a story of one man's obstacles and triumphs to go from a troubled boy to a multi-platinum-recording artist and actor. Readers will walk away from this book with a true sense of both James Todd Smith and LL Cool J. I highly recommend this work.*Note this refers to the Parent Advisory EditionReviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyyof The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I am not a book reader. I don't like to read for personal enjoyment at all. Just to prove it I would rather clean the bathroom of my home than read a book. The only time I would be seen at a library is if I had to get a book for a class assignment in school. That is about to change 'cause a couple of weeks ago I was told I had to read a book for my Senior English class. The assignment was to read any book that we wanted and I chose "I Make My Own Rules" by L. L. Cool J. This book was very deep. It will take you into the life, struggle, pain, and rebuilding of James Todd "L. L. Cool J" Smith. From times before he was born to his climb up the latter of fame to his descent toward the pit of greed and darkness back up to the light. The book was not just for the sake of writing a book nor was it just for getting everything that has happened to him out in the open. It was a personal testimony or a written speech for the reader and youth that he feels would help in their quest to grow. If there was a way for him to reach one person and to help them see that you don't have to settle for less, or that there is more to life than what is offered, then he has done his job. "I Make My Own Rules" was an excellent book. Now having read it, I want to start personal reading and I will start with books like these. Even though this book dealt more with negative parts of his life, it gets his points across about being true to yourself and to others. By telling you about himself and what he has been through, there is the hope that you will see his mistakes and learn from them as he has. The point of view is from first person and well he speaks in a mild slang sort of tone which is makes it very easy for just about any person to read. He wants his reader to think about some of the things that they are doing or about to do and whether if they are worth the pain and struggle that sometimes come from our everyday mistakes. This book was a good one.

I really enjoyed I Make My Own Rules by LL Cool J and Karen Hunter. The book was very interesting and caught my attention. The book was easy to follow and while reading the book, I felt like he was talking to me one on one. I recommend this book to teens growing up in a situation beyond their control because this book is proof nothing is too hard to overcome with self-determination

This book is a must read. I have been a fan of LL Cool J since his first song Radio. I read the book in one day (8 hrs to be exact) I just couldn't put it down. I felt his joy and pain. I just can't believe what his father but most his stepfather did to him. His "Father" song is the best. I love that song. It just makes you think that there are a lot of people out there, but he overcame it all. He wanted to be somebody and be the best that he could. I commend you for being a good great rap artist, a husband and a father. I love you LL Cool J and I hope to one day meet you. It has been one of my dreams and I hope that one day it comes true. Keep it real baby. Love ya Annette S.

If you are an aspiring artist this book is a must-read. You can't front on LL. He's been doing this for over 13 years professionally and this book proves that. The book is written very well with humor to keep the reader entertained. While parents may not want thier children to read the sex chapters those too teach a lesson. This book chronicles his journey from a child into manhood. He also discusses some of the politics of the entertainment business. You have to read this atleast once.