Key Takeaways
1. Hustle is a Double-Edged Sword: Motivation Matters
The hustle nearly killed me in the early parts of my life, but the hustle also saved me in the end.
Early hustle. Joey Diaz's upbringing instilled a strong work ethic, or "hustle," learned from his mother's relentless pursuit of financial stability. This drive initially led him down a path of crime and addiction, highlighting the importance of ethical motivation. Hustling, in itself, is neither good nor bad, but the intention behind it determines its impact.
Dark paths. Diaz's warped motivation for hustling led him to drug dealing, robberies, and even kidnapping, showcasing the destructive potential of unchecked ambition. His early life was a "shitshow" fueled by a desire for quick money and a disregard for consequences. This period underscores the need for a moral compass to guide one's actions.
Redemption through comedy. Comedy became Diaz's saving grace, providing a positive outlet for his hustle and transforming his past failures into relatable stories. His ability to connect with audiences through his experiences demonstrates the power of finding a constructive purpose for one's drive and energy.
2. Early Exposure Shapes a Life: The Bar and Beyond
My mother didn’t believe in day care, so when we first moved to the United States, she brought me to the bar with her every day and then back again at night.
Barroom upbringing. Diaz's childhood in his mother's bar exposed him to a world of adult vices, gambling, and street smarts. This unconventional upbringing shaped his worldview and provided him with early lessons in survival and social dynamics. The bar was his classroom, and the patrons were his teachers.
Friendships and drugs. His mother's friendship with Zoraida, a drug dealer, normalized cocaine use and introduced him to a criminal element. These early exposures blurred the lines between right and wrong, contributing to his later struggles with addiction and crime. The influence of his environment cannot be overstated.
Female influence. Raised primarily around women, Diaz developed a deep appreciation and comfort with the opposite sex. This early exposure shaped his understanding of relationships and his respect for women, providing a positive counterpoint to the negative influences in his life.
3. Toughness is Learned: From Lunchbox Brawls to Street Smarts
Now I was dead set on never getting my ass kicked again.
Central Park fight. A humiliating experience on his first day of school, where he was beaten up for his Cuban lunchbox, ignited a fire in Diaz to become tough. This incident marked a turning point, pushing him to seek out ways to defend himself and navigate the harsh realities of the streets. The desire to avoid future victimization became a driving force.
Santeria and street life. His involvement with Santeria, through his godmother Beva, provided a spiritual grounding and a connection to his Cuban heritage. Simultaneously, his exposure to street life on 148th Street taught him the rules of survival and the importance of hustle. These contrasting influences shaped his complex character.
Bruce Lee inspiration. Bruce Lee's success as an immigrant who conquered the world of martial arts inspired Diaz to believe he could also overcome his challenges. Lee's example provided a model for self-improvement and a belief in the power of hard work and determination.
4. The Stepfather's Influence: Violence and Protection
We hopped in the car afterwards, went down to the Hudson River, and tossed the gun in the water together like a family.
Juan's presence. The arrival of his stepfather, Juan, brought a new level of intensity and violence into Diaz's life. Juan's no-nonsense attitude and willingness to use force to protect his family instilled a sense of fear and respect. Juan was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes.
Lessons in violence. Witnessing Juan's violent acts, including shooting a man in the leg and beating a cab driver, normalized violence as a means of resolving conflict. These experiences shaped Diaz's understanding of power and the consequences of disrespect. The line between justice and brutality became blurred.
Cuban heritage. Juan's strong belief system and dedication to his Cuban heritage instilled a sense of pride and cultural identity in Diaz. Juan's defense of San Lazaro's day and his violent reaction to animal abuse demonstrated the importance of upholding one's values.
5. Sex, Love, and Loss: Navigating Early Relationships
Women have the power to take a motherfucker down.
Early encounters. Diaz's early experiences with sex, including a failed attempt to get a blow job and voyeuristic encounters orchestrated by Puerto Rican Nelson, shaped his understanding of sexuality and relationships. These experiences were often awkward, confusing, and exploitative.
Nikki obsession. His first serious relationship with Nikki consumed his life, leading him to neglect his grades and abandon his other interests. The heartbreak of their breakup taught him the power of women and the potential for love to both elevate and destroy.
Summer school. The fallout from his relationship with Nikki led to academic failure and a summer spent in remedial classes. This experience highlighted the consequences of prioritizing love over responsibility and the importance of maintaining balance in one's life.
6. A Double Life Unravels: Drugs, Crime, and Lost Dreams
I felt like I was living a double life.
Conflicting paths. As Diaz entered high school, he struggled to reconcile his athletic aspirations with his involvement in crime and drug use. The pressure to choose between these conflicting paths created internal conflict and ultimately led him to abandon his dreams of playing basketball.
Basketball dreams. His dreams of playing basketball were crushed when he was benched due to racial prejudice. This injustice fueled his anger and resentment, pushing him further down a path of rebellion and self-destruction. The loss of his athletic aspirations marked a significant turning point.
Karate and crime. While karate provided a sense of discipline and self-defense, it ultimately failed to keep him on the straight and narrow. The allure of easy money and the thrill of criminal activity proved too strong, leading him to fully embrace a life of crime and addiction.
7. Descent into Darkness: Grief, Addiction, and Criminality
After Tati did the ceremony at our house, the house got dark to the core.
Mom's desperation. His mother's financial struggles and desperation to get his sister out of Cuba led her to make a deal with Tati, a dangerous criminal, that brought darkness into their home. This decision marked a turning point, accelerating their descent into chaos and despair.
Tati's influence. Tati's presence brought violence and negativity into their lives, further blurring the lines between right and wrong. The Santeria ceremony gone wrong symbolized the corruption of their values and the consequences of making deals with the devil.
Mom's death. His mother's sudden death plunged Diaz into a state of grief, addiction, and criminal behavior. The loss of his guiding force unleashed his darkest impulses and led him down a path of self-destruction. The world turned black and white.
8. Hitting Rock Bottom: Homelessness and a Glimmer of Hope
I was twenty-one years old, an orphan, and homeless.
Rocket ship refuge. Waking up in a rusty rocket ship in a park symbolized the depths of Diaz's despair and the complete loss of his former life. Homeless and alone, he was forced to confront the consequences of his choices and the wreckage he had created.
Mr. Bender's kindness. The Benders' offer of shelter and support provided a glimmer of hope in his darkest hour. Their kindness and generosity offered a temporary reprieve from his self-destructive path, but ultimately proved insufficient to overcome his addiction and criminal tendencies.
The offer. Mr. T's offer of help and a spot in a detox center provided a potential path to redemption. This act of kindness planted a seed of hope and set the stage for his eventual recovery, but the road ahead would be long and arduous.
9. Finding Redemption: Comedy as a Guiding Light
When I eventually found my stride with comedy, things started to take a turn for the better.
Early comedy. The encouragement from his karate coach and the support of his friends provided a sense of purpose and direction. Comedy became a way to channel his pain and anger into something positive, offering a glimmer of hope for a better future.
The stage. The stage became his sanctuary, a place where he could be himself and connect with others through laughter. His past failures became less important as he found validation and acceptance in the eyes of his audience. The stage was his new home.
Uncle Joey. Growing a fanbase that felt like family provided a sense of belonging and purpose that had been missing in his life. Becoming "Uncle Joey" gave him a new identity and a reason to stay on the right path.
10. The Power of Friendship: Loyalty and Support in Dark Times
My fanbase that quickly felt more like family to me than anything else.
Zoraida's promise. Zoraida's unwavering loyalty and support, even after his mother's death, provided a lifeline during his darkest hours. Her promise to take care of him and her consistent presence in his life demonstrated the true meaning of friendship.
Balzano family. The Balzano family's acceptance and support provided a sense of belonging and stability during a turbulent time. Carmine's mentorship and the family's unwavering loyalty offered a safe haven from the chaos of his life.
Comedy community. The friendships he forged in the comedy community, particularly with Joe Rogan and Marilyn Martinez, provided a sense of camaraderie and support. These relationships offered encouragement, guidance, and a shared understanding of the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in comedy.
11. From Criminal to Comic: A Journey of Transformation
I was lower than low . . . but I came out the other side.
Sobriety and success. Diaz's journey from addiction and crime to sobriety and success as a comedian demonstrates the power of transformation. His ability to overcome his past and find a positive path forward serves as an inspiration to others struggling with similar challenges.
The hustle. His success in comedy is a testament to his relentless work ethic and his willingness to "show the fuck up" and practice his craft. His story highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one's goals.
Second chances. Diaz's life is a testament to the possibility of second chances and the power of finding redemption through purpose and connection. His story offers hope and encouragement to anyone who has made mistakes and is seeking a path to a better future.
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FAQ
1. What’s "Tremendous" by Joey "Coco" Diaz about?
- Memoir of a wild life: "Tremendous" is a raw, unfiltered memoir chronicling Joey Diaz’s journey from a troubled Cuban immigrant childhood through crime, addiction, jail, and ultimately redemption through comedy.
- Themes of survival and hustle: The book explores themes of survival, hustling, family, loss, addiction, and the transformative power of comedy.
- Anecdotal storytelling: Diaz shares outrageous, often hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking stories from his life, including his criminal exploits, time in jail, and rise in the comedy world.
- Message of hope: Despite the darkness, Diaz’s story is ultimately about second chances, resilience, and finding purpose.
2. Why should I read "Tremendous" by Joey Diaz?
- Authentic and unfiltered voice: Joey Diaz’s storytelling is brutally honest, funny, and deeply human, offering a perspective rarely found in celebrity memoirs.
- Inspiration from adversity: Readers see how Diaz overcame immense personal and external obstacles, making it a motivating read for anyone facing tough times.
- Unique insight into comedy: The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the stand-up comedy world, including Diaz’s relationships with major comedians and his path to success.
- Cultural and historical context: Diaz’s experiences as a Cuban immigrant and his immersion in New Jersey and New York’s underbelly offer a vivid slice of American life.
3. What are the key takeaways from "Tremendous" by Joey Diaz?
- Keep showing up: Diaz emphasizes the importance of persistence and “just keep hustling, and doing it with the right intentions,” regardless of setbacks.
- Transformation is possible: No matter how low you get—addiction, crime, homelessness—change is possible with the right motivation and support.
- Comedy as salvation: For Diaz, comedy wasn’t just a career; it was a lifeline that helped him process pain and connect with others.
- Family and loyalty matter: The book highlights the impact of family, both biological and chosen, and the importance of loyalty and friendship.
4. How does Joey Diaz describe his childhood and family in "Tremendous"?
- Cuban immigrant roots: Diaz’s early years were shaped by his mother, a tough Cuban immigrant who ran a bar and illegal gambling operation in New Jersey.
- Exposure to crime and chaos: From a young age, Diaz was surrounded by drugs, violence, and hustling, which normalized criminal behavior for him.
- Loss and trauma: The deaths of his father and later his mother left Diaz orphaned as a teenager, deeply affecting his emotional development.
- Surrogate families: After his mother’s death, Diaz was taken in by various families in his neighborhood, highlighting the importance of community.
5. What role did crime and addiction play in Joey Diaz’s life, according to "Tremendous"?
- Early criminal activity: Diaz began hustling and committing petty crimes as a child, escalating to more serious offenses like robbery and drug dealing as a teen and young adult.
- Addiction struggles: He developed a severe cocaine addiction that fueled his criminal behavior and led to homelessness and jail time.
- Cycle of self-destruction: Diaz describes how crime and addiction became coping mechanisms for his grief and sense of abandonment.
- Turning point: His eventual arrest and time in jail forced him to confront his life choices and set the stage for his transformation.
6. How did Joey Diaz transition from a life of crime to a career in comedy, as told in "Tremendous"?
- Comedy as an outlet: While in jail, Diaz discovered his talent for making people laugh, performing impromptu stand-up for fellow inmates.
- First steps on stage: After his release, he took comedy classes and began performing at open mics, using his life experiences as material.
- Persistence and hustle: Diaz’s relentless work ethic—performing anywhere, anytime—helped him break into the competitive comedy scene.
- Support from others: Key figures like Joe Rogan, Mitzi Shore, and fellow comics played crucial roles in encouraging and mentoring him.
7. What are some of the most memorable stories or moments from "Tremendous" by Joey Diaz?
- Sleeping in a playground rocket ship: Diaz describes being homeless and sleeping in a playground structure after burning all his bridges.
- The kidnapping incident: He recounts a botched drug-related kidnapping in Colorado that led to his arrest and jail sentence.
- Comedy Store breakthrough: Becoming a regular at The Comedy Store in LA was a pivotal moment, marking his acceptance into the comedy elite.
- Quitting cocaine: The story of how the death of a friend and a promise to a dying friend finally led him to quit cocaine for good.
8. What advice or life lessons does Joey Diaz share in "Tremendous"?
- Show up and hustle: Diaz repeatedly stresses the importance of showing up, working hard, and not giving up, no matter how tough things get.
- Own your story: He encourages embracing your past, no matter how messy, and using it as fuel for growth and connection.
- Find your motivation: Diaz credits finding his “why”—comedy—as the key to turning his life around.
- Avoid shortcuts: He warns against the allure of easy money and quick fixes, advocating for honest work and self-improvement.
9. How does "Tremendous" by Joey Diaz portray the world of stand-up comedy?
- Gritty and competitive: The book reveals the harsh realities of the comedy circuit—long hours, little pay, and constant rejection.
- Community and mentorship: Despite the competition, Diaz highlights the camaraderie among comics and the importance of mentors like Mitzi Shore and Joe Rogan.
- Evolution of material: Diaz explains how he found his comedic voice by telling true, often outrageous stories from his life.
- Comedy as therapy: Performing stand-up became a way for Diaz to process trauma and connect with audiences on a deep level.
10. What are the most important relationships in Joey Diaz’s life, as described in "Tremendous"?
- His mother, Denora: The most influential figure in his early life, shaping his toughness and survival instincts.
- Surrogate families: The Benders, Balzanos, and other neighborhood families who took him in after his mother’s death.
- Mentors and friends: Key relationships with Joe Rogan, Mitzi Shore, and fellow comics who supported his comedy career.
- His wife Terrie and daughter Mercy: Diaz credits his wife and second daughter with giving him stability, love, and a true sense of family.
11. What are the best quotes from "Tremendous" by Joey Diaz and what do they mean?
- “Just keep showing up. Just keep hustling, and doing it with the right intentions.” — Diaz’s core philosophy on persistence and integrity.
- “The hustle nearly killed me in the early parts of my life, but the hustle also saved me in the end.” — Reflects the double-edged nature of his relentless drive.
- “Comedy was going to be the thing to keep me alive, even in times I’d be holding on by a thread.” — Shows how comedy became his lifeline.
- “I came back to New Jersey a man.” — Signifies his journey from lost youth to self-acceptance and maturity.
12. How does "Tremendous" by Joey Diaz address the concept of second chances and redemption?
- Personal transformation: Diaz’s life is a testament to the possibility of change, no matter how far gone you feel.
- Making amends: He describes efforts to reconcile with people he hurt, including his daughter Jackie and a man he once kidnapped.
- Fatherhood as redemption: Becoming a father again later in life gave Diaz a chance to do things right and break the cycle of pain.
- Message of hope: The book closes with Diaz’s belief that anyone can find happiness and success, regardless of their past, if they keep hustling with the right intentions.
Review Summary
Tremendous is highly praised by readers for its raw, honest portrayal of Joey Diaz's tumultuous life. Many found it captivating, funny, and heartbreaking. Fans appreciate Diaz's authentic voice and storytelling ability. The audiobook, narrated by Diaz himself, is particularly recommended. Readers were moved by his journey from troubled youth to successful comedian. Some found the content brutal and profanity-laden, but most considered it a fascinating, inspirational read. The book offers insights into Diaz's Cuban immigrant experience, struggles with addiction, and eventual redemption.
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