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wannabekingpin's review against another edition
5.0
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: If you’re wondering where you’ve heard the name or seen the face – Carlo Rizzi from Godfather, and many more. A real life mobster in a movie about mobsters, and he wasn’t even the only one. Gianni Russo tells us in detail how the movie got produced, what events took place, and what people got to be in it. Being a business man at the core, he also mentions what markup he made on soda cans he was selling to the crews. From estrangement with his parents, to first business ventures re-selling pens, to meeting a mobster who’ll become a father figure, to making it in the world. Gianni Russo leaves us with words: “yes, you can“, so if you needed any more motivation…
My Opinion: It was funny to read about the need to fake danger for the bright stars rubbing shoulders with mobsters, wanting to imagine they’re part of this thrilling world. From trash bags filled with newspapers, to introductions. Even more fun was to read about all the people Gianni Russo knew, such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and so on, what where they like. There’s many historical events too, mob orchestrated happenings involving politicians, assassinations, and such. And while I wish he would’ve spoken out about some issues, instead of just glossing over them, I enjoyed the book, and the people I get to know in it. Some things will never look the same ever again.
I never know how to rate a memoir. It’s one thing to rate a creation, a whole other to rate someone’s life. So, taking in writing, and how captivating it was, I give it a 5 out of 5.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: If you’re wondering where you’ve heard the name or seen the face – Carlo Rizzi from Godfather, and many more. A real life mobster in a movie about mobsters, and he wasn’t even the only one. Gianni Russo tells us in detail how the movie got produced, what events took place, and what people got to be in it. Being a business man at the core, he also mentions what markup he made on soda cans he was selling to the crews. From estrangement with his parents, to first business ventures re-selling pens, to meeting a mobster who’ll become a father figure, to making it in the world. Gianni Russo leaves us with words: “yes, you can“, so if you needed any more motivation…
My Opinion: It was funny to read about the need to fake danger for the bright stars rubbing shoulders with mobsters, wanting to imagine they’re part of this thrilling world. From trash bags filled with newspapers, to introductions. Even more fun was to read about all the people Gianni Russo knew, such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and so on, what where they like. There’s many historical events too, mob orchestrated happenings involving politicians, assassinations, and such. And while I wish he would’ve spoken out about some issues, instead of just glossing over them, I enjoyed the book, and the people I get to know in it. Some things will never look the same ever again.
I never know how to rate a memoir. It’s one thing to rate a creation, a whole other to rate someone’s life. So, taking in writing, and how captivating it was, I give it a 5 out of 5.
jakewritesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t doubt that 70–80% of the stories in this book are bull but it’s still an entertaining read and well-written compared to most mafia memoirs.
alexpiatt's review against another edition
4.0
Is half this book made up? Probably. Was it thoroughly entertaining? Absolutely.
flthomc's review against another edition
4.0
Regardless if you believe all the stories told here, Russo lead a very interesting life and is a GREAT reader
xxstefaniereadsxx's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I got this book when Audible had a sale, and it was entertaining to listen to while I played my games at night. My problem with this book was that it seemed fantastical to the point of disbelief. I would suggest reading this with several grains of salt.
l_pefley's review against another edition
5.0
Very interesting read. Especially regarding the Kennedys. Also many interesting bits about Brando.
wine_country_booklover's review
5.0
★★★★★ - 5 stars of pure entertainment
What an entertaining riveting listen. I highly, and I seriously mean HIGHLY, recommend this book and specifically listening to it.
I’m usually not a fan of biography’s but this one is a gem. Gianni Russo narrates his own life story starting out as a young boy in Little Italy, NY.... his experiences with the mafia, acting in The Godfather, his encounters with Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and so many other famous people. Your mouth with drop multiple times with what he shares and the life he’s led. I laughed at some of the best one liners only an Italian from NY can dish out, was struck dumb at some very revealing insights into some pretty heavy political eh... shall we say events in history that he was connected to, and was thoroughly entertained for the entire book. Given the guys ego, and it's a biggy, some of this could all be made up or he had one hell of a life. I'm not even certain all of this really happened to him and around him. It's all quite head shaking. And most if not all of the people he mentioned are long passed and can't corroborate his story.
It may be less stars in book form hence why the Audio, I think, is crucial here.
What an entertaining riveting listen. I highly, and I seriously mean HIGHLY, recommend this book and specifically listening to it.
I’m usually not a fan of biography’s but this one is a gem. Gianni Russo narrates his own life story starting out as a young boy in Little Italy, NY.... his experiences with the mafia, acting in The Godfather, his encounters with Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and so many other famous people. Your mouth with drop multiple times with what he shares and the life he’s led. I laughed at some of the best one liners only an Italian from NY can dish out, was struck dumb at some very revealing insights into some pretty heavy political eh... shall we say events in history that he was connected to, and was thoroughly entertained for the entire book. Given the guys ego, and it's a biggy, some of this could all be made up or he had one hell of a life. I'm not even certain all of this really happened to him and around him. It's all quite head shaking. And most if not all of the people he mentioned are long passed and can't corroborate his story.
It may be less stars in book form hence why the Audio, I think, is crucial here.
mdmama68's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining. Name-dropping. If you like Old Hollywood and Mafia stories it’s a good read.
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