The AmerIcan Dream: HisStory in the Making

The AmerIcan Dream is at once an inspiring account of a young mans journey from defendant to defense attorney, a window into the inner workings of one of Miami's most notorious drug rings, and a chilling portrait of the streets that Americas poverty-stricken youth call home.

The hood is an addiction. An addiction that pulls as seductively and fiercely as the drugs hustled on its streets. And living in it is a daily exercise in survival. Raised impoverished in the streets of Miami, David Lee Windecher was only eleven years old when he was arrested for shoplifting. It didn't seem like a big deal at the time, deciding to take what he believed he deserved. But that was the beginning for David. That was the day he started thinking like a hustler. He could stop waiting for the scales to tip in his favor. He could stop going without. He could take what life denied him. And he did. For the next seven years, David fought bitterly against his circumstances at the side of his gang-affiliate brothers. It began with selling dope to help his family eat, but pulled into the dark, seductive life of violence, drugs, money, and notoriety David lost himself to the game. Before he turned eighteen, he had built and masterminded a crime ring, had been arrested thirteen times, and fought daily wars against rival gangs and dirty cops. But deep inside of David, an idealistic boy still dreamed of becoming an attorney and fighting for justice despite race. He was just waiting for someone to believe he existed.

Editorial Reviews

“There are storytellers and then there are those whose lives tell a story. “The AmerIcan Dream” grabs you from the beginning and immediately transports you to a reality beyond your imagination. David Windecher bravely narrates his life story with unparalleled honesty and unabashed emotion leaving the reader lamenting David’s mistakes, grieving for his heartbreaks and rejoicing in his achievements. “The AmerIcan Dream” is an awakening for us all.”
-Ozzie Areu, President, Tyler Perry Studios

"Inspired and chilling by turns... Windecher paints an unflinching portrait of what it's like to be poor, young and tempted by easy money."
-Ana Veciana-Suarez, The Miami Herald

“It’s a coming of age story about perseverance and survival in the face of abject adversity and poverty. It’s a story of redemption and salvation. It’s a story of hope.”
- Bonnie Berman, Host, "Topical Currents," WLRN-FM, NPR Miami

"David Lee Windecher is truly an inspiration to anyone facing serious life challenges. The AmerIcan Dream: HisStory in the Making is a piercing account of life on the streets and the frustrations facing today's impoverished youth. This book is a celebration of beating the odds and taking charge of one's destiny"
- Sherry Boston, Solicitor-General of DeKalb County

" 'The AmerIcan Dream' is a powerful testimonial of the emotional strength and guidance derived from one's faith in God. David recounts his life story with heart breaking, yet encouraging honesty. Too many children are left to navigate the dangerous streets of America's poor neighborhoods. This book opens the window and allows every reader a peek into this dark world and likewise gives us a greater understanding of the challenges facing today's impoverished youth. I believe in my heart it is the duty of every Christian to behold this knowledge and understand that there is hope for everyone. It is through galvanizing stories like David's we will come to understand this hope and begin to help bring the light of the Lord to those in need."
-Michael Cox, Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church, Anniston, Al.