Mob Daughter

December 12, 2011
Written by Gravano, the daughter of former mob underboss Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, and former New York Times correspondent Pulitzer, the book admits, rather than denies, what published stories have already revealed about her convicted father, who confessed to 19 murders. At age 12, Gravano learned the truth of her father’s profession, the secret meetings, the mob rituals, the bodyguards, and guns in her home in Brooklyn. Life has its perks for a Mafia princess, the respect of her peers, the outings at her father’s New Jersey horse farm, and summers in Cream Ridge, N.J. She remembers fondly the fallen godfather Paul “Big Paulie” Castellano, and John “the Dapper Don” Gotti, who replaced him after his slaying in midtown Manhattan. Family loyalties clash with mob traditions when she speaks bluntly about her father ratting out Gotti in exchange for a 20-year sentence. The story of her later years, complete with prison visits with her father, her criminal exploits, and newfound celebrity on a reality show, Mob Wives, is told with candor and swagger, befitting a daughter of Mafia royalty.

May 15, 2012

Gravano, daughter of former Gambino crime family underboss Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, candidly reflects on growing up in a Mafia family, discovering at age 12 that her father was a gangster, and the inevitable trials and prison visits. She also discusses her own criminal activities (selling drugs) and her feelings about Sammy's decision to testify against crime boss John Gotti. Gravano narrates here, and while some listeners may find her delivery amateurish, it brings authenticity to her story. VERDICT For fans of Gravano's reality TV series Mob Wives and true crime aficionados. ["While not a literary masterpiece, this book is a fun, quick read--perfect for the beach. A companion that will be popular with fans of the television show," read the review of the New York Times best-selling St. Martin's hc, LJ 2/15/12.--Ed.]--Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.