Confessions of a Master Jewel Thief

Have you read this book "Confessions of a Master Jewel Thief" by Bill Mason, and more, probably, some who could actually type, Lee Gruenfeld? It shouldn't even be called that: how is a "master jewel thief" defined as someone who picks locks (or cuts glass) on condos while people are away and simply TAKES things considered a master thief? He literally walks into homes, takes things, and considers himself someone of importance because he does so? Where is the impressiveness? Where is there any allusion to skill? Don't look for it; I'm not sure you will find it. It is a man who thinks taking candy from a baby is at all challenging, yet he seems so proud of himself. Really? And then he blames (always complains) the police for putting him into jail. Like dont you know if you do these things, there are repercussions? I am no pro-nanny state enthusiast. I detest most things left, some of which may border of antigovernment, but never would I deny the social or personal responsibility inherent in a world where you do not live alone. He blames others for the repercussions of his mistakes. Who would do that? Certainly not a person I would align myself with in species. He has this attitude that people were out to get him. This was not 1950's People Republic of China. What he did--oh let me cut the glass on this widow's apartment and take her diamonds an emeralds--is nothing short of being greedy, bored, and selfish. That is all human, but what is not is to try to deny that you were at fault, and the is the center of his book--blame not me, blame the police! It might be one of the stupidest arguments I have ever read. Yet, worst of all, he hurts people without teaching. The only real reason I see for hurting people is to teach them. One mght spank a child, or severely criticize, or say "you are wrong." One might induce feelings of pain and hate, but there is a point: let me show you what you might not learn with this being struck so severely. He does not do that. He hurts without teaching, and considers himself proud. He literally has just taken from other people. Something a small child, or anyone with legs or arms, is capable of. He uses the constitution to protect himself, having no deeper thought that it was created to serve a republic. It was not created to be USED. But that is what he does. Again, I lean towards the right, politically, so this is not a commentary about tougher laws. I do not want more laws imposed. I find it silly. Men like this make me think human beings are even sillier. Really? Stealing 3 million in diamonds makes you think you are an OK person? And then to hurt without teaching...? And then to blame others when you know you were the one that made mistakes? I have no problem with making mistakes (lord knows I have made more than a few!), but to blame others when you knew you were making the mistake is just so stupid it is beyond reason. It does make me embarrassed to be a human being. I've never read a book so lacking in honesty, and might--still do on un-erasable levels--feel sorry for him.

Mason's story is captivating and addresses a part of humanity that is outside of social norms in a legally governed society yet relatable on a real level. Whether "right" or "wrong" doesn't really matter, because the sad truth is everything is subjective and can be rationalized. Reality is stranger than fiction.

An exciting true crime thriller.