The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself

"The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself," by Rodney Mullen, is an honest, raw look into the life of one of skateboarding's patron figures and into the sport itself. Let me just say that if you don't know who Rodney Mullen is, just go to Google or YouTube and search his name. He is one of the most innovative pioneers of modern skateboarding. He's been skating professionally since the late 70's as a freestyler and many of the tricks he invented led to what modern street skaters are doing today. He continues to invent new tricks with his style of skating that is truly unique, a blend of technical and street style.This book is his autobiography, a story which reveals so much more about the man who is responsible for more of modern skateboarding's development than most pro skaters involved in the sport today. It's also a very inspiring story about Mullen's own personal challenges with family, personality disorders and many challenges that helped to shape him into the man he became.It was not long into reading that Rodney reveals himself to be the very intelligent but socially awkward person that initially led him to the skateboard culture as a kid. We also see how his character is shaped by the influence of a very driven and structurally rigid father who pushes him to excel in life to the point of eventually mandating Rodney's retirement from professional skateboarding at age 16 because he decides it's taking over too much of Rodney's life and doesn't hold a future for him. We read as Rodney learns how to cope with these and many other challenges and eventually becomes a multimillionaire through co-founding one of the most successful skateboard companies of the 90's and continues to cast an influence over the skateboarding industry well into the new millennium, a full 30 years after he first stepped foot on a skateboard."The Mutt" is a casual read and took me only three and a half weeks to complete, compared with a book of similar size that took me more than three months to finish before reading this one. Rodney clearly has the writing style of an analytical thinker, recounting vivid details of his life in a meaningful story telling fashion. At time I could barely put it down without reading three to four chapters at once.As a high school teenager I remember being introduced to Rodney Mullen via pictures in skateboarding magazines. I'll never forget that one of my favorite skateboarding videos was the Rodney Mullen vs. Daewon Song video in late 90's. It was really exciting to dig back into so many memories of my own past as I read about someone who influenced my growing up in a small way. After reading his story, it became clear that his influence was actually not as small as I thought.Particularly encouraging about this book is the way Mullen describes the learning process he's gone through in life with regard to dealing with problems, or more specifically learning to deal with them. I know that many young people in the skateboarding community use their sport as an outlet. While outlets can certainly be positive, they often serve instead as a way of not dealing with life problems. In this book Rodney shows how he had actually exhibited that same pattern, but over time began to learn how to deal with the many issues in his life rather than just avoiding them through skating.I would very much recommend this book to anybody who's been involved with skateboarding in their lifetime as you will certainly appreciate the story of Rodney Mullen. I'd also recommend this as a good read for people who simply appreciate seeing how others resolve many of life's common struggles. You won't be able to put it down quickly.

This book by Rodney Mullen is as amazing as his skating. What an amazing life and national treasure.

I read this book over ten years ago and I ended up using it as target practice for my pellet gun. Not sure why I did that because it was and still is one of my favorite books of all time. I fell in love with Rodney Mullen from the famous skateboarding game Tony Hawk Pro Skater. From the moment I watched him skate I knew I was witnessing a special person. Something about him was very intriguing and this book really brought to light what that was. Its not just his skating but its how he thinks and how he carries himself as a human.Once you've read threw this book you'll find the title to be so much more appropriate and meaningful. From the first chapter I was hooked and drew so many parallels to my own life it was impossible to put it down. The way it is written is poetic and flowy, similar to Rodney's skateboarding. The descriptions of the settings will place you right along side Rodney, from His parents house, to the skateparks and to the streets where Rodney grew.I am so excited to be able to read this book for a second time! There are so many dimensions to it I am sure there are going to be some lessons I will learn as an older man. I love skateboarding so much and I am so happy that people like Rodney are apart of a hobby this is so near and dear to my heart.

I've never read something this impactful.If you ever skated seriously or know someone who does/did- buy yourself or them this book. Trust the reviews; it really is that good. This is a rare book that opens the floodgates of skateboard history (and our own memories of our personal skate journey*) and reveals a hidden promise most of us have long forgotten.*I remember, after getting stoked about skating after watching the film KIDS and being blown away by dudes ollie'ing down 10 sets and sliding down handrails when they are watching a skate video at someone's apartment early in the film. My father, not very keen on the skateboard idea as he wanted me to play normal sports like basketball and football, was kind enough to help me put my first board together. But there was no shoppe in town yet to figure out even the most basic concepts and the internet was still in its AOL infancy. And so we inadvertently put the trucks on backwards... :)There is no better feeling than, after thinking I was doomed to being the most uncoordinated skater ever and that this magical culture probably wasn't worth my time or within my grasp.... figuring out that, "hey Daaaaaaaaaaaaaad? I think we have the trucks on backwards." :)Go skate. NOW.

First off, I'm not a huge reader of books unless it's a very specific topic I'm extremely interested in. That being said I ran across this here on Amazon and gave it a shot. I'm a couple years older than Rodney, but also started skating in the 70 's and followed the ups and downs of skating ever since. Was fascinated when I saw him perform on a beta tape of a contest in the 80's....magical. It wasn't until I heard him speak on the Bones Brigade reunion dvd that he really piqued my interest. Soft, but very well spoken I was touched and hung off of every word he said in his part of that dvd. The book itself is extremely well written and gives a great deal of insight into Rodney's upbringing and life and times skating and just plain being Rodney. From being a kid with a skateboard to successful businessman, this book covers it all and was an easy read for me since I was so interested in learning about Rodney. The parts of the book revolving around his mom are especially touching. So many great experiences and life's trials and tribulations. Lots of neat explanations on trick learning and creations too. Mr Mullen definitely deserves the grand title of the "Godfather of skateboarding". Look him up on YouTube, you won't be disappointed, oh yeah, buy this book too!