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bookslifeandeverythingnice's review against another edition
2.0
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. As always, an honest review.
The Corporation is exactly what it sounds like; a story of the Cuban American underworld complete with crime, murder, deception, illegal gambling, and much more. Except to me the story wasn't epic like the title claims. I learned a lot from the book, which I had hoped since it's over 500 pages! Some parts were interesting, but a lot of it was very fact heavy, filled with overwhelming amounts of information. Because of this I could only read 20 to 30 pages at a time, so it took a long while to finish the book.
I thought the content would be different. More of a historical and sociological look at the time and culture of these events/people. Instead it was the life and crime surrounding these mob families. If you're a fan of the criminal life and underworld, then sincerely this book will probably interest you way more than it did me.
I hate saying that I didn't like a book, but I found it to be just okay. There were good and problematic parts. One such aspect was that I didn't connect with the people and events, so I didn't get pulled into the stories of their lives. I could definitely have done without the color photos of crime scenes and dead bodies. It was a bit much, and I'm not the squeamish type.
Overall, The Corporation is not a bad book by any means. Don't let all of my critiques make you think it is. It's just one of those books that I could stop reading in the middle and not care if I finished it. However, if the topics, events and people intrigue you, then know there is a lot of information in the book for you.
The Corporation is exactly what it sounds like; a story of the Cuban American underworld complete with crime, murder, deception, illegal gambling, and much more. Except to me the story wasn't epic like the title claims. I learned a lot from the book, which I had hoped since it's over 500 pages! Some parts were interesting, but a lot of it was very fact heavy, filled with overwhelming amounts of information. Because of this I could only read 20 to 30 pages at a time, so it took a long while to finish the book.
I thought the content would be different. More of a historical and sociological look at the time and culture of these events/people. Instead it was the life and crime surrounding these mob families. If you're a fan of the criminal life and underworld, then sincerely this book will probably interest you way more than it did me.
I hate saying that I didn't like a book, but I found it to be just okay. There were good and problematic parts. One such aspect was that I didn't connect with the people and events, so I didn't get pulled into the stories of their lives. I could definitely have done without the color photos of crime scenes and dead bodies. It was a bit much, and I'm not the squeamish type.
Overall, The Corporation is not a bad book by any means. Don't let all of my critiques make you think it is. It's just one of those books that I could stop reading in the middle and not care if I finished it. However, if the topics, events and people intrigue you, then know there is a lot of information in the book for you.
valkyriejmu's review against another edition
It sounds more interesting than it actually was.
mhalloun's review
5.0
Great deep dive in roots of Miami underworld
T.J. English’s masterful writing makes this historical account an easy read. Highly recommended for anyone interested in organized crime history or just great story telling. English brings the Battles to life and never loses sight of the battle between greed and pride that led to the creation and ultimate downfall of the Corporation.
T.J. English’s masterful writing makes this historical account an easy read. Highly recommended for anyone interested in organized crime history or just great story telling. English brings the Battles to life and never loses sight of the battle between greed and pride that led to the creation and ultimate downfall of the Corporation.
lukeisthename34's review against another edition
4.0
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and could not have been more excited. I started reading English after The Westies and he's just so good. Nothing changes here (though I have to admit to not understanding the history of Cuba as well as I do New York and the Irish mob) but don't worry, he gives it all to you. Another stellar work.
alipickle's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely enthralling book. A unbelievable story very well told. Cant believe the amount of research this must have taken. Will defo try his others.
bookteafull's review
4.0
That moment when my father tells me not to review a book on the Cuban mafia and organized crime because "friends are implicated."
#yikes
#yikes
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