Born to the Mob: The True-Life Story of the Only Man to Work for All Five of New York's Mafia Families

by Fred Rosen and Frankie Saggio

Book Overview

Frankie Saggio reminisces about the era of true wise guys like his Uncle Philly -- a contemporary of Al Capone. After all, it was Frankie's uncle who "taught him the value of a dollar and how to steal it from someone else." Uncle Philly was from a day when being in a mafia family meant being bound by blood and honor, not like modern day families whose only concern is money. For Frankie, the only way to avoid the modern mob treachery is to avoid getting...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560255595
• ISBN13: 9781560255598
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Running Press Adult
• Length: 211 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Very good read

I know I might be breaking omerta but I couldn't put this book down! As a fan of the mafia genre , an I've read close to 50 books about the Italian mob in the United States, this book is in the top 5. I suggest if you like reading about the mob this should be on the top of your list to read. Shout out to Frank Saggio an Fred Rosen on writing this book. On to the next one!

the real story

I read this in two days; it was that good and easy to read. "Born to the Mob" is a real-life Sopranos, much more realistic though. You can hear the wise guy's voice - he obviously can't resist bragging about the scams that have succeeded. What I'm interested in now is what happens next - the ending sort of implies that he's going straight, which seems a stretch given his past. If he DOES go straight, that would be an even better story.I stumbled onto the book because Saggio's cowriter is a true crime author who wrote the cult class "Lobster Boy," a must-read if you're into crime, or the bizarre (or both).

Exciting Reading !

What an exciting and tense life this guy had, a must read not only for the true crime lover.This guy is not stupid,If these people choose the legitimate path in their lives they would be captains of industry.I didn't want it to end.

Better than the sopranos

This was one of the best mob books I have ever read. I found the book to be factual and entertaining. I study the mafia as a hobby and Mr. Saggio's life provided suspense and eye opening facts. A must read.

WoW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found the book to very interesting Especially the part about the attempt on his life, I felt like I was there.I enjoyed many of Fred Rosen's books it was great reading.I really felt like I got to know some of the characters.M.B.

A Real Page Turner!

This book was Astutely researched and engagingly written. I disagree with the gentleman from Kentucky's review I do not think he read the book at all or has read many books, there were some typos some information could possibly get mixed up with information being translated from one author to another especially while the guy is in W.P. and a publisher then re typing the info you have to allow for minor error give us a break KY. I am a criminal justice educator and have studied,read & have seen documentaries on many true crime stories obviously this book was well researched, and as far as Frank Saggio being who he says he is there are public record docs and family members verifying that information to be true in the book. Fred Rosen is an astounding veteran author in True Crime he is new to writing organized crime my applaud to him in writing a well written thouroughly researched book.If you are interested in true crime and family this book had me in suspense, how much more can go wrong to this family right to the very end of the book. Two Thumbs up!