Wised Up

Charlie Wilhelm should be admired for his courage and strength when became an informant for the FBI. It takes a strong man to turn away from wealth plus jeopardize the lives of his family and himself to do the right thing. It took a lot of courage for Charlie and Gina to return to the Baltimore area to live. This is NOT just another mob story. Any person who would believe that "Wised Up" is just another mob story, should read the article in the Huntsville Times, dated March 12, 2005. Not only should Charlie be admired and looked up to but so should the rest of his family who stood by him. This book is funny, sad and almost unbelievable at times although I know it is all true. I very much enjoyed reading it and will read it many times again. I highly recommend "Wised Up" as a must read book.

Wised Up by Charlie Wilhelm is a very interesting book of a life I can not imagine. Charlie has a window of opportunity to be a positive influence for others especially children or teens in their formative years. Wised Up is written in a way that makes you feel you are there and experiencing everything Charlie is. Charlie showed great courage in going to the FBI and not asking for witness protectection. How many would have the courage to do that and return to Baltimore to live? Charlie has experienced a life most of us can only read about and not even imagine in our greatest imagination. When a man changes his life so completely, how can anyone say it is just another gangster story? If I could give this book a 10 star rating, I would. Charlie, will there be a sequel or a movie?

Being a very visual person, as I read the book, I could actually see what Charlie Wilhelm was describing at any given event. In fact I felt at times I was actually there watching events unfold. Charlie has such a way with words that he had me laughing so hard at some of the events he described. He make me cry at times and he actually got me upset when describing how the government snafu'ed getting him and his famil new ID's so that he could get a job to support his family while hiding out, all the while cooperating with the FBI. The way the book was written,I was not able to put it down once I started reading it. I took a couple of breaks go give my eyes a rest but had to pick it up and read the book until the last page. After reading the book completly, I felt a numbness that I could not shake, knowing that this is a true story, and how the events unraveled and how Charlie how his family have survived all the odds against them. I have sent this book to friends and would recomend to to all. If Charlie Wilhelm writes another book, I will be the first to purchase it. Sincerely Marilyn Goga

Having grown up in the same neighborhood (Hampden), and lived on the same street (Keswick Rd.) as Charlie Wilhelm, I would never have known the blatant criminal activity he was into, and just feet from my own doorstep.. Hampden was a pool of organized crime, even to this day, like many parts of Baltimore. I know because I lived there. Though I didn't know him personally, Charlie and his crew were well known and feared throughout the community. Only after reading his book would I realize just how far reaching their crimes spanned, even to murder. Lucky for Charlie, he 'Wised Up' before it was too late. Being a resident to the often mean streets of Baltimore myself, I was inspired by Wilhelm's choice to come clean, and amazed at his courage to change even when faced with overwhelming odds and the threat of being killed for his decisions. This is absolutely one of the greatest and most fascinating books I've ever read. I simply couldn't put it down. Charlie's tale of redemption from his criminal life are like that of a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Not only is the book an awesome read, but it is an inspiring story that could help to reach others who want out of their criminal ways. Great job, Charlie!

My first read of this genre of book. AWESOME. I couldn't get my nose out of this book. My life was put on hold for 2 1/2 days because I couldn't put it down. Captivating from the first chapter.