Game Changer

My Journey from the Streets to Your Video Game Console

De: Shawn 'Solo' Fonteno, Yusuf Jah

Narrado por: Shawn 'Solo' Fonteno

Former gang-banger-turned-professional-performer Shawn "Solo" Fonteno, beloved by millions of Grand Theft Auto V fans as the actor behind lead character Franklin Clinton, has released an inspiring new memoir documenting his rise from a troubled family life and immersion in gang culture to worldwide superstardom.

In the memoir, Fonteno opens up on his trauma-filled early childhood including the loss of parental figures to drug addiction, near-death experiences, and the risk-taking behaviors that developed throughout his teen years and early adulthood—chapters of his life he’s relieved to close—as well as his experiences entering the entertainment industry in the hopes of inspiring at-risk youth with his story.

Shawn’s adverse childhood experiences gave Fonteno the attributes required to portray the kind of character Rockstar Games sought to create with Franklin Clinton in Grand Theft Auto V—a young, smart, and opportunistic street hustler determined to seek a better life for himself. Shawn’s combination of street cred, lived experience, and the skill and confidence to perform under pressure gave Shawn unique insights into the character’s arc over the course of the story.

Upon its release in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V was the highest-grossing entertainment property of all time. The game has gone on to sell over 155 million units worldwide, and with Franklin’s recent return as part of The Contract, the latest blockbuster update to Grand Theft Auto Online, Shawn’s character is more popular than ever.

©2021 Shawn Fonteno (P)2022 Shawn Fonteno

good

good book 10/10 highly recommend listen in car, listen in shower, listen while playing GTA V and will be listening while playing GTA VI

Authentic, original, outstanding, best book ever…

So… this book was so amazing. I am sure that I am amongst the rest of the people who learned of this man through the game GTA 5. I never knew 13 years ago that game character was a replica of an actual person. I thought Franklin Clinton was just someone Rockstar drew up and used as a fictional character. I later learned just a week ago that this man Shawn Solo Fonteno is the voice, character, and live human form of that character on the game. I also just learned this week that I seen this man before in the Wash and Three Strikes. Ok back to the book. This book is a 10/10. I am actually stuck at 20 minutes left of the book for 2 days now because I dont want to have to deal with the fact that the book has come to an end. I feel like I actually know this man now after reading this book. He told his life story so well and I love the fact that he chose to narrate his book, which made it even better which is what made it a complete 10/10. He narrated so well and he allowed us as readers to be able to place our selves in his shoes throughout the book. He wasn’t just narating he was going over things he went through with us. I cried during this audiobook because it is saddening that he had to go through so many of these things and the fact that he said he would not do those things all over again is what hurt the most. This man went through so much pain, trauma, and Hell, I know he wished so many of those things were dreams. I really would love for him to do another book. I REALLLYY want someone to turn this into a movie but I dont want Shawn to play in it at all because he has been through enough and I dont want him to have to try to relive those things again, but this would be a great movie. I am soo glad I learned this guy was an actual person and even more glad that he is still with us today after all he’s been through. May God continue to bless him and his family. If you made it to the end of my review and you are thinking about reading/listening to this book pleaseee do and I advise you to do the audiobook because what better person to tell you HIS story than the man himself SHAWN SOLO FONTENO AKA YA BOY FRANKLIN CLINTON. Thank you for this great read I am going to listen to this audiobook again for the second time. Ohhh and one thing I felt betrayed when you didn’t tell us about you having kids Shawn you just cut straight to the incident that occured and that’s how we found out . Just joking but I think it would have been great for you to add in how you felt when you found out your girl got pregnant and how it was in the hospital room, etc. It’s not a bad thing to share some of the good things that happened in your life it would have have made the book longer and better. Still a 10/10 book.

Empowering story

One of the best books I’ve read so far a amazing zero to hero story with some real sad times. A great book definitely deserves a read.

Wtf

Best book ever it has everything u need like a mantra great book word t

his rise to greatness

Shawn's story was amazing from the fall and the return shawn I understand you congratulations on your success you, Ned, Gerald, and steven. and mire blessings to come to yall

Very good book.

This is a good book written by a real dude. I had a chance to meet Solo back in the day. He was acting as Kam’s manager and I hired them to do a show for me back when Whoop Whoop came out. He was solid and they rocked my club. I’m proud of him and glad I could support him by buying this book.

One of the best most inspiring stories I've heard

I am a big fan of GTA series and this book was even better than I imagined.
This is such an amazing story told by a respectful, humble, passionate and inspiring person.
At first, it can be heard as a sad and shocking one. But as it goes on it can be heard as a lesson and an inspiration to find something more to your life, to choose a much better path.
Moreover, the background sound effects and emotion in Shawn's voice makes this much more immersive.
I greatly appreciate Shawn Fonteno for writing and telling this story to everybody.

Loved it

Awesome story from beginning to finish. Thank you Shawn for sharing your life with us.

Must listen.

Man, this book is amazing. The way Solo reads and tells his stories, you know he poured his heart into this and you can’t help but to get emotionally invested. I look at him through a different lens now and I hope his story inspire those that came from the same background as him to keep believing and keep fighting.

Man vs. 3D World

Love it. Really put a lot of stuff into perspective for me. From
Beyond just the game. New found appreciation for Franklin.