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pause_theframe's review against another edition
5.0
This is a very deep, dark book about just how brutal life can be and how you can come out the other side. The details are written exceptionally well and really bring to life just how cruel the world can be, to people of any age. From the ‘father figure’ he makes when living rough to the young boy himself, the world doesn’t see the age, but the cruel ways continue.
We read along as the cruel upbringing leads to a life the boy may not have once considered, but he thrives. He continues to live and make a life for himself, despite all the odds against him. When he gets massively knocked down again, it is so brutal I was blown away by the amount of emotion, fear and sadness, that I felt for this, now, young man.
The author had a way of taking some dark and creating a beauty to it. It was brought to life, showing just how one can survive and maintain a life, even in the worst conditions. I was instantly drawn to the main character and felt for him. I wanted to see hime succeed and loved watching as he grew and showed his intellect and tenacity, evening if he made mistakes.
Overall, this is a brutal read, but one filled with hope, just not the kind you are used to. I loved it!
We read along as the cruel upbringing leads to a life the boy may not have once considered, but he thrives. He continues to live and make a life for himself, despite all the odds against him. When he gets massively knocked down again, it is so brutal I was blown away by the amount of emotion, fear and sadness, that I felt for this, now, young man.
The author had a way of taking some dark and creating a beauty to it. It was brought to life, showing just how one can survive and maintain a life, even in the worst conditions. I was instantly drawn to the main character and felt for him. I wanted to see hime succeed and loved watching as he grew and showed his intellect and tenacity, evening if he made mistakes.
Overall, this is a brutal read, but one filled with hope, just not the kind you are used to. I loved it!
sea_caummisar's review against another edition
4.0
This book is pretty good. If you keep up with my reads, you know I like my Fiction brutal. Now, this isn't extreme horror brutal, but it does have a couple of scenes that are pretty violent. And I love that. The story itself is WOW. Could actually be someone's real life. From being bullied as child, beaten by their father, kicked out of the house at a young age, raped in juvie, joining a gang, then ultimately becoming a gangster. This is a long story, and covers so much of Tony's life. So much happens. I feel like parts of it were a little too long, but in the end it s worth reading. I recommend for anybody who likes this kind of storyline to read this book. I can see how this is realistic fiction. I think I may be a Paige Dearth fan now
tiffanykb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
wannabekingpin's review against another edition
4.0
On my good consciousness I cannot express my full opinion here, so the rest is at: NightModeReading. 4 out of 5 due to mobster part being interesting, and the separations between mobsters and gangsters being so distinct and well written. Author knows her stuff, she does. What she needs is a very good editor, that's all!
alsudik's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cocorazz's review against another edition
1.0
I couldn’t finish this book. Stopped about a fourth of the way through. Writing style was not my cup of tea.
kaylakaotik's review against another edition
5.0
I have to admit that I almost decided against this book because of the cover. Honestly, it kind of creeps me out. Maybe it's the dead eyes or something. I don't know. Anyway, I pushed past the creepy cover and gave Born Mobster a chance since it sounded like something I'd enjoy.
Before I go any further, I want to throw out a warning. This book has some pretty disturbing elements. It was definitely more raw than I was prepared for. Abuse, both physical and sexual, play a strong role throughout the book. While it was hard to read at times, it felt necessary to tell Tony's story.
That being said, I really loved this book. While I might have questioned whether some parts were a bit too over the top, nothing was so unbelievable that the story was ruined for me. It was a strong, powerful story that will stick with me.
Don't let the creepy cover throw you off. This is an outstanding book with quality writing that keeps you turning the page until the very end.
* This book was received from Fiction with Meaning, LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *
Before I go any further, I want to throw out a warning. This book has some pretty disturbing elements. It was definitely more raw than I was prepared for. Abuse, both physical and sexual, play a strong role throughout the book. While it was hard to read at times, it felt necessary to tell Tony's story.
That being said, I really loved this book. While I might have questioned whether some parts were a bit too over the top, nothing was so unbelievable that the story was ruined for me. It was a strong, powerful story that will stick with me.
Don't let the creepy cover throw you off. This is an outstanding book with quality writing that keeps you turning the page until the very end.
* This book was received from Fiction with Meaning, LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *
michellet85's review against another edition
4.0
Tony Bruno is a great character. A likable guy who makes an appearance in multiple books after this one. Devastating, a little heartwarming, this story like all of Paige's books I have read pulls on your heartstrings. Not suitable for readers triggered by sexual abuse, abuse, or violence in general.
fondarush's review against another edition
3.0
Received from the author through Goodreads... I'm not going to reiterate the story, as many people have done it. I gave this review 4 stars for keeping the momentum going and being a good story about why this kid went bad because that's all he could be if he wanted to survive. The one star I left out was for inconsistent language (Tony's, and yeah, that gets me), corny situation with the girlfriend-become-wife, and Tony finding what he needed when he needed it (a place to stay, a way to make a little money, etc.). I don't understand when this story was supposed to have occurred, because how could someone make a dollar an hour washing dishes, but then use current slang? I thought it was in the 50s or 60s, but then something else made me think it was in the 10s. People couldn't throw their kids out of the house now and get away with it, but 50 to 70 years ago they might have been able to. The timeline also confused me, because I thought too much time passed for Kate to be making a decision about going back to school or getting her GED. I'm not going to go back through the whole book and find those incidents, but I do believe that time warped a few times. I was also that disappointed that Tony didn't become more refined in his speech because of the examples he was given as he matured, like Salvatore and his father, and Big Paulie, to name a few. And, who would use the words fuck and shit in their wedding vows? Good gravy! Anyway...the pace kept me reading, and I hope to read other books from this author, if for no other reason but to compare the writing from one book to the next.
lynwarner's review
3.0
Good story
This book has several marks of a good novel—interesting storyline, good pacing and sympathetic characters. The too frequent use of alternate spelling to show the regional accent was a bit annoying and could probably have been conveyed in a more subtle manner. Two important characters, Donata and Ruth, just disappear towards the end of the story with no explanation for their absence. I’m not sure I would read another novel by this author. As I said the story is good but the writing could use improvement.
This book has several marks of a good novel—interesting storyline, good pacing and sympathetic characters. The too frequent use of alternate spelling to show the regional accent was a bit annoying and could probably have been conveyed in a more subtle manner. Two important characters, Donata and Ruth, just disappear towards the end of the story with no explanation for their absence. I’m not sure I would read another novel by this author. As I said the story is good but the writing could use improvement.