Crossbearer

by Joe Eszterhas

Book Overview

Joe Eszterhas knew a lot about darkness. Growing up in refugee camps and then in America's back alleys, he used this knowledge, first as a journalist, and then as a wildly successful screenwriter of sexually graphic and violent films like Basic Instinct, Jagged Edge , and Jade . Then, on a hellishly hot day in 2001, desperately battling to survive throat cancer and his addictions to alcohol and cigarettes, Joe Eszterhas found God. Or God found him...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312587589
• ISBN13: 9780312587581
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Not Double Crossed

My young Catholic faith identified with Joe's life. Unlike him, I am not famous, and have not received the grace of a miracle cure. I have received forgiveness for a life unwisely lived however. We are all works in progress if we are honest with ourselves. I think it's to his credit that he doesn't pretend to bear a cross of conformity to please those who would be more comfortable with his conversion story if that were the case. After having read his book when it was newly published I wanted to write to him and thank him for his honesty. I identify more with that virtue, as perfection still seems so far out of reach. Many of the book's details are fuzzy to me now but one part that stands out is his love of his Mother who suffered from mental illness much of her life and died with her rosary. As horrible as life must have been for her she never relinquished the comfort of her belief in Our Blessed Mother. I'm not a professional reviewer but I know there are plenty of seekers who will see hope in their own lives after having read this memoir. We all have our crosses to bear.

Who thought Joe Ezsterhas would ever write this?

This book is an inspiring autobiography of a highly dynamic author whose life has taken bizarre twists and turns. It is an account of a Hungarian refugee who spent his juvenile years in the poor west side of Cleveland, Ohio and later lived the American Dream in Malibu, Maui, and Tiburon. Joe Ezsterhas has now returned to a more affluent suburb of Cleveland following a series of traumatic experiences, marital problems and great disappointments. He is a superb writer, self-taught, emerging from a job as a cub police reporter for the daily newspaper, "The Cleveland Plain Dealer" and then fast becoming the best-paid film scriptwriter of his time. His books, as his movie scripts are set in the dark, seedy side of America, in the alleys, the brothels and cheap show rooms of Las Vegas, Washingon, D.C., and Hollywood. His tough experience, tough attitude and tough life style are documented in an easy to read style. His life turns around, due to three incidents; he comes down with diagnosed incurable throat cancer; has a miraculous cure and he experiences a religious, curbside enlightment when his life is at the bottom ebb. There are very dramatic, emotional sections, especially at the end of the book. Surprisingly the author reveals the innermost secrets of his life. Remember this is the person who wrote the film scripts for"Basic Instinct," "Show Girls," "The Jagged Edge," etc. He is still the same, raw guy, telling it like it is in his brusque, humorous style. This book is not for zealot religious readers or those who are offended by the term "effing", which is the "f" word sanitized. It is for readers who like a book that is "real" and describes life as it is, or as Joe Ezsterhas believes it is. Thanks for telling us your confidential memoir, Joe.

Saved - The Catholic Battle Between Faith and Reason and Temptation

I will not repeat a synopsis of the book, as other reviewers have already done this in great detail. But briefly, Eszterhas (Basic Instinct, Showgirls) describes how he comes to terms with being Catholic and being from Cleveland; two tough things to admit to some days. The book is light on his Catholic journey as a boy, as Eszterhas deals more with reconciling his Hollywood background with his Catholicism. I will take issue with some of the other reviews, in that this book is definitely and explicitly about being Saved and not Being Born Again. Eszterhas makes this point repeatedly, but it is still missed. The other reviewers do make a good point - this is a highly personal Catholic journey and not necessarily a fundamentalist Christian memoir. Those are valid points, but Eszterhas does not mislead on those points. I would have probably given this book 3 or 4 stars, except that I have a bias for all things Northeast Ohio and my wife absolutely loved this book. And who am I to argue with my wife. I think my wife cried when she read it. To understand why she cried, you have to understand the life that Eszterhas has led -- not the Hollywood side but the immigrant, rust belt, and most of all Catholic life. Now, it could be argued that if he had described the emotions or background more fully, it would be easier for those without similar backgrounds to empathize. I would not disagree with that argument. What Eszterhas does well is describe how the Church makes it difficult these days to be Catholic, while at the same time describing the sense of community the Church provides. So, what are the weaknesses? In my view, the book would have benefited from more editing. At times it seems sort of disorganized and stream of consciousness. Eszterhas often seems to describe the joy he feels better than he does the anger and conflict; perhaps that is because he has forgiven and moved on. And maybe that is the main point.

The Greek

Must read! This is a wonderful look into the life of a Hollywood Titan - Joe Eszterhas, and his re-connection with God. As Hollywood's highest paid screenwriter, Mr. Eszterhas gives us a heartfelt and honest look into his personal battle with cancer and how cancer gave him "true life" - spiritual life. Often we forget the power of faith and prayer, only to go back to it when we really need it. We are all guilty of that - that is why this book is a must read. If anything, this book will make you re-examine your own life and hopefully bring you closer to your faith.

A reader

This is an incredible testimony about the healing power of God, told with depth, balance, humor, and honesty by someone who has faced his own mortality. It is also an unforgettable story of a stumbling, ongoing conversion. His attempts to live and practice his faith, from helping others or trying to forgive and reconcile with those he's tangled with in Hollywood, not to mention his son's coach or members of his Catholic congregation in suburban Cleveland, are insightful and speak to everyone trying to apply Christian principles to their daily lives. God has truly blessed Eszterhas, who in turn blesses us with an immensely readable memoir (yes, with some raw language) about this unexpected path his life has taken.