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.
lex_p_riot's review against another edition
4.0
Is half this book made up? Probably. Was it thoroughly entertaining? Absolutely.
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.
la_jax's review against another edition
4.0
I’d give this 4.5 stars if I could. I enjoyed Mr. Russo’s memoir far more than I’d anticipated; it stands as a testament to truth being stranger than fiction. It would be poetic justice for someone to transform the written narrative of a real life wiseguy-turned-Hollywood actor into a biopic film (so meta!). By intent or by chance, the story of Russo’s incredible life unfolds like a highly entertaining film and, as written, can be easily adapted into a screenplay.
Until—if ever—this hypothetical film adaption becomes reality, the author-narrated audiobook is surely the next best thing.
Until—if ever—this hypothetical film adaption becomes reality, the author-narrated audiobook is surely the next best thing.
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