J.C. Burkesmith exposes his life, opening up about his experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family, his feelings, and his trials and tribulations that many can relate to. We all face obstacles during our youth, and J.C.'s circumstances are unique yet incredibly relatable. He vividly portrays the timeline in his book, *The Matador and The Mustang*, making it feel as if you are taken back to moments from his youth. I couldn’t put the book down. If I had to sum it up in a few words, I would say it’s inspiring, relatable, and raw. Rarely does someone discuss their upbringing with such truth, and this level of honesty about forgiveness and self-help is cathartic on many levels. I loved the format of the book; it felt very personable and inviting. Great job putting pen to paper, J.C. Burkesmith!
As the author invites you into his world, you experience his journey as he reflects on the events that have shaped his life, particularly those stemming from a dysfunctional family. Through his narrative, you are prompted to consider the importance of forgiveness and the lessons that can lead to personal growth. Readers will find motivation in his story, as it resonates with similar experiences in their own lives. This self-help book, 'The Matador and The Mustang' by J.C. Burkesmith, delivers a powerful message of healing. It's well written and an easy read, making it a highly recommended choice for any adult or older teenager.
It was an easy read that explored life’s journey toward making peace with disappointments, especially in the context of a dysfunctional family. The book emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, which is crucial for personal motivation and growth. It highlights how holding on to anger can stifle individual development and damage good relationships. J.C. Burkesmith’s insights in 'The Matador and The Mustang' are particularly impactful in this regard.
I was drawn to the book by its title, especially the use of the word "dysfunctional." The joke in my family is, "We put the 'fun' in 'dysfunctional family.'" As I read this novel by J.C. Burkesmith, I realized that humor was our way of dealing with trauma: making jokes instead of doing the hard, introspective work required to address it responsibly. Growing up in an impoverished family fraught with alcohol, physical, and mental abuse, I believed such issues only happened to poor, white families like my own. Throughout my life, I thought my family and I were exceptions to the basic human rule that every child should be raised with love, encouragement, and every opportunity to succeed. Providing for your child encompasses more than food, shelter, and warm clothing; it includes the intangibles mentioned above. A parent’s primary objective is to guide, discipline, and ultimately ensure that a child's dreams are fulfilled. Unfortunately, that was not my experience growing up. As I learned from Burkesmith’s narrative, things do not always appear as they seem. My perspective shifted significantly when I discovered that, despite living in a seemingly privileged environment in Malibu, J.C. Burkesmith endured many of the same traumatic experiences my siblings and I faced. The ridicule, torment, and mental cruelty he suffered resonated with me deeply. Burkesmith effectively illustrates that while unfortunate events may be beyond our control, our reactions to them ultimately shape our lives. He spares no detail in recounting his upbringing, and by revealing his familial dysfunctions, he encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships and do the hard work of forgiveness. I found many parallels between Burkesmith and myself: bedwetting, older siblings projecting their frustrations onto him, the pressure to succeed without the right tools, a father living vicariously through him, and coping with failure (and success) through self-medication. This book serves as an immersive read for anyone grappling with an overbearing father, an imperfect family life, or the quest for unattainable approval. It took a life-threatening stroke for Burkesmith to gain the insight and motivation to change his life, shedding the baggage of his past that hindered his true self and relationship with God. He tackled the challenges he faced head-on, knowing what to address and what to let go of. Burkesmith’s brutally honest approach to life reveals that how we respond to our circumstances can either lead us to wallow in misery or empower us with courage and resilience. I admire his choice to confront his past, making him a beacon of hope for others, including me, who are striving to break free from childhood trauma. Too many of us spend years allowing others' harsh judgments and mental cruelty to dictate our self-worth, leading to unfulfilled lives filled with shame. Burkesmith reminds us that we hold the keys to our freedom, giving us permission to pause the chaos and take action. Through discipline and the release of resentment, he illustrates that we can achieve the life he now enjoys. His story of struggle, atonement, forgiveness, and self-love invites us all to pursue the freedom we deserve. From the beautiful beaches of Malibu to the tough streets of East Los Angeles and back, Burkesmith becomes more relatable than I ever expected. You’ll laugh, cry, and cheer for this courageous bed-wetter. Perhaps you will also realize our shared humanity transcends our backgrounds. In the end, this uplifting tale of a remarkable man serves as both an autobiography and a self-help roadmap for anyone facing struggles similar to those Burkesmith endured. He uncovers the lies we tell ourselves daily and offers no excuses for failure. My paperback copy is filled with dog-eared pages and highlights, as I discovered daily motivation and mindset-shifting insights throughout. If this is volume 1, I eagerly await more from this unflinching author.
“I could not put down J.C. Burkesmith's book, The Matador and the Mustang. I read it in just two days. As a mental health professional, I found it to be a raw and honest exploration of personal struggles, particularly within a dysfunctional family context. Burkesmith writes in a clear and engaging fashion, drawing readers close to his innermost challenges with anger, resentment, and ultimately, the journey toward forgiveness. He beautifully illustrates the peace that comes with grace, making this self-help book a valuable resource. I highly recommend it to those grappling with addiction, as well as anyone seeking motivation to improve their family relationships and understand their personal struggles.” — Kirby Palmer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
“The Matador and The Mustang is a heartfelt exploration by J.C. Burkesmith that delves into the complexities of growing up in a dysfunctional family. This work not only reveals a life filled with trials, heartaches, triumphs, and healing, but also serves as a source of motivation and self-help. It carries the reader through tumultuous yet therapeutic waves of cathartic emotion, ultimately leading to forgiveness.”
---- Carl Pulley, Martial Artist
“An extraordinary journey of a young man navigating the challenges of a dysfunctional family and striving for success through motivation and self-help, despite the turmoil that surrounds him. His story reflects themes of forgiveness and resilience, much like those explored in J.C. Burkesmith's work, 'The Matador and The Mustang.'” — John Rhind, C.P.A.
“I finished The Matador and the Mustang by J.C. Burkesmith with tears in my eyes—tears of happiness, sadness, regret, gratitude, and wisdom. This powerful tale delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional family and the journey of forgiveness. It encapsulates all the great and wonderful emotions that a very honest and successful self-help book should provoke from its readers, offering profound motivation and insight.”
— Janet DiTullo, Grandmother
"What a compelling story about overcoming the challenges of a dysfunctional family... Some parts truly brought tears to my eyes. I believe what J.C. Burkesmith has accomplished and how he embraces forgiveness in the face of adversity will serve as a powerful motivation for young people. This resonates with the themes found in 'The Matador and The Mustang,' providing invaluable self-help lessons for all." — Bob Frank, Fisherman
“J.C. Burkesmith’s The Matador and The Mustang offers profound insights into his often-dysfunctional family dynamics and showcases his personal journey of forgiveness and motivation in overcoming these challenges. It's a highly entertaining read that presents a heartwarmingly honest portrayal of life’s many intricacies, making it a valuable self-help resource!” — Frank Morris, Landscaping