The Hooky Bookie Comic

As a college student, Mark Simmons was nearing the completion of the teacher preparation coursework and planning to volunteer for the United States government program called VISTA. When he received an unexpected VISTA rejection, it initiated a dramatic change and guided him to his artistic dream to become a stand-up comedian. Follow his journey from a Los Angeles comedy club jokester to a successful Attendance Counselor aka Hooky Bookie, in the very large and often dangerous Los Angeles Unified School District. This comedic and heart-rending story tells the inspiring transformation of the comic/actor from a Hollywood entertainer to a compassionate advocate of public education for disenfranchised and historically underserved students.

In the extraordinary life of Mark Simmons, a tall 6'6" force of humor and compassion, an epic tale of laughter, inspiration and transformation unfolds. Hailing from Cherokee, Iowa, Mark has traversed the diverse realms of public school education and stand-up comedy. As the son of a small-town grocery store owner, Mark's father foresaw the future of convenience with a delivery service that Jeffrey Bozos of Amazon shamelessly borrowed decades later. Talk about the vagaries of being ahead of the game. From those innovative roots, Mark inherited a legacy of ambition and ingenuity, propelling him towards a life dedicated to bringing joy and guidance to others. Mark's comedic prowess emerged as a beacon of laughter, illuminating the lives of countless individuals in his quest for stardom as an actor and stand-up comedian. Yet, it was his calling as an educator that truly set him on the path of self actualization. For over 35 years, he fearlessly tackled the challenges of serving historically underserved youth in Los Angeles, becoming a transformative figure in their lives. Armed with a teaching credential from California State University-Chico and not one, but two master's degrees from California Lutheran College and California State University-Los Angeles, Mark embodies a tireless pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of his students. Now, as a first-time author, Mark Simmons invites you to join him on an uproarious journey through his experiences in "The Hooky Bookie Comic." This captivating memoir blends humor, insight and a touch of elegance, weaving a tapestry of inspiration that will leave you uplifted and hungry for more. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark is a devoted husband of Joyce and a loving father to Krista and Daniel Simmons. Together, they form a family unit brimming with warmth, compassion and a shared commitment to changing the world, one laugh at a time. Prepare to be swept away by the contagious energy and wisdom of Mark Simmons as he invites you to embrace the extraordinary potential that lies within each of us. "The Hooky Bookie Comic" is not just a book--it's an exhilarating journey that reminds us of the impact we can have on the lives of others. Get ready to laugh, learn and be inspired as you embark on this unforgettable adventure with Mark Simmons, the epitome of wit, compassion and comic brilliance.

Mark Simmons is part comedian, part teacher, part counselor and full-time hero in the pursuit of excellence for the historically underserved youth in Los Angeles, California. With a teaching credential from Cal State Chico and not one, but two master's degrees from California Lutheran College and Cal State University-Los Angeles, he's a knowledge-packed dynamo. Now, as a first time book author, this funnyman extraordinaire invites you to join him on a hilarious adventure in "The Hooky Bookie Comic." When he's not cracking jokes or writing, he's a loving husband to Joyce and a doting dad to Krista and Daniel Simmons. Prepare for a laughter-filled ride.