5 comments about Squeaky: The Life and Times Of Lynette Alice Fromme.

1. Overall, a good effort. Couple of shortcomings in that Fromme's formative years (her childhood) are glossed over pretty quickly, and because of when the book was written (late 1980s), there's little to nothing about her last two decades or so behind bars. Basically, the book really concentrates on Fromme's life from the period of 1970 to 1975, and in particular on the Ford assassination attempt and subsequent trial. Of interest is the period after Manson was sentenced leading up to early 1975, as this is where the author did a good job tracking down people involved with Fromme and fleshed out the holes in the media narrative as to what she was up to between the Manson trial and the attempt on Ford. Not a pro-Manson or pro-Squeaky book, nor is it mired in sensationalism...in fact, the portrait of Fromme is quite a bit different than what I expected it would be.



2. Another great book about the Manson women. Gives insight to the person behind the media stories. Very interesting story. Gives you insight to the person and not the crimes.



3. If you're one of those people who went through a phase where you were trying like hell to figure out why humans like Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme helped turn Charles Manson into a cult leader back in the late 1960s, this book will answer none of your questions. Though it received a lot of great reviews by writers from the best newspapers and magazines, I remain utterly dumbfounded as to why.
   Anyone who has truly wasted a lot of time digging for any information that can be found on "the family" will find this book hollow. Beyond hollow. It doesn't even have an outward form.



4. I've always thought you have to take anything thats been written about the so called "Manson family", whether pro or anti Manson, with a huge grain of salt. This book requires less salt than anything I've read pertaining to the "Manson family" to date.

   The author paints a very sympathetic picture of Fromme. I think the angle he is getting at is Manson was able to influence Fromme because she was looking for a Father figure type because her dad was emotionally abusive, neglectful and he strongly implies that Squeaky was sexually abused by him. (which Fromme has denied is true) He also does a lot to show and explain the environmental/ecological activism and theories of the "Manson family", which I found interesting and a lot more well grounded than Bugliosi's screwy "helter skelter" theory. The environmental issues were the main focus and obsession of the "Manson family", not "helter skelter" in my own personal opinion.

   I'm giving this book 4 stars, I'm leaning toward giving it 5 but some the stuff on her trial for attempted murder on former President Gerald Ford drags a little, although some of Frommes wacky courtroom behaviour during the trial is amusing. I personally do not believe she had any intention on shooting Ford either, she was just was trying to draw attention to the environmental issues she was obsessed with.




5. This is a compelling and very informative portrait of one of the more vocal female members of the Manson family, would-be presidential assassin Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme. In late 1969, when Charles Manson and four others were imprisoned for the brutal murders of nine people, Squeaky Fromme became the leader of the Manson clan in Charlie's absence and took to the streets, holding daily vigils outside the courthouse with the other family members who weren't imprisoned. In 1975, while living in Sacramento and preaching about the destruction of the environment with friend Sandra Good, Squeaky aimed a gun at then-president Gerald Ford. In prison for life, this novel details her early life as a dancer with the Westchester Lariats in Redondo Beach, California, her notable High School days, and finally how and when she met Manson and was seduced by his off-the-wall ideologies. It gives an incredible day-by-day account of her highly-publicized trial in which it was to be decided whether or not she actually meant to kill the president. Although not for everyone, this book is a must for true-crime fans and those who want to know what made this fascinating woman tick.

5 comments about Unabomber: The Secret Life of Ted Kaczynski.

1. I found this a fascinating read although not particularly well-written. Some of the chapters read like a series of statements rather than a flowing text. Like many other reviewers, I expected more information about Ted Kaczynski and the actual investigation; still, I was enthralled with the personal reaction of a Lincoln native to Ted Kaczynski's arrest.
   
   I found Waits' shock and dismay entirely believable and human. It is easy, in hindsight, to say, "Why didn't people figure it out?" It is difficult to remember that 25 years doesn't take place in a tidy 100-page summary. We are talking about 9,000 24-hour days during which one man's behavior and the occasional incident take place amidst a thousand incidents, conversations, foibles, habits . . .
   
   I think Chris Waits felt the need to "exorcise" Ted Kaczynski's ghost--to try to understand exactly what he missed while he was getting married and working massive logging jobs, etc. The book is him looking back and trying to piece together these odd disjointed events that seemed, at the time, rather innocuous. Of course, once he puts it all together, it looks obvious, but that's because he has created a tidy narrative for the reader.
   
   Lastly, I didn't think Chris Waits was grandstanding throughout the book. The book is written by Chris Waits AND Dave Shors. Part of the book's uneven tenor, in my opinion, occurs because the reader is not always hearing Chris Waits' voice. Rather, Dave Shors is writing in Chris Waits' "voice". I'm not sure I could guess what Chris Waits REALLY sounds like (other than from his journal entries and a few places that sound like interviews). I think these factors should be taken into consideration when judging the book.



2. 
   A cryptic but scenic window into the clandestine side of the life, times, and the surroundings of the very disturbed mind of the Unabomber. Told by a friend as it was lived secretly by Harvard Math whiz kid and genius UC Berkeley Professor Dr. Theodore Kaczynski for more than 25 years in the mountains and environs of Lincoln, Montana.
   
   The reader should be warned that this book is not high academic political science or a learnt psychology treatise: Just the basic outlines of a life lived on the edge of American civilization: the bare bone facts with occasional speculation as to what Ted was up to, or usually down to, during his hermitically sealed life away from normal society.
   
   Chris Waits came about as close to a friend as Kaczynski was ever likely to have. Yet, for 25 years Kaczynski succeeded in remaining an elusive enigma even to Chris, his only friend and closest neighbor as he went about his calculated mission of committing the most horrendous of evil deeds. Chris helped Ted; allowed him to roam about his gulch; and then after Ted's arrest, helped the FBI uncover a treasure trove of evidence against him -- catalogued and detailed by Ted himself in such a meticulous fashion that only a compulsively twisted mind could have maintained it. Had Ted gone to trial, his own archive would have indicted and convicted him.
   
   It included, among many others things, Ted's secret cabin in which 22,000 pages of notes chronicling every evil deed committed -- including a vast amount of local vandalism was found. It chronicled how and why they were conceived, fashioned and delivered. Plus lists and schemata of his experiments, portions, machining techniques, wiring diagrams, etc. and Ted's own secret classification scheme and evaluation of his handy work: Altogether, a truly astounding window into a very, very disturbed mind.
   
   The book details how a truly evil mind, operating passive aggressively behind a screen of contrived sanctimonious principles about the evils of technology, and on the margins of society, works. All of the well-known clichés about genius being a close cousin of insanity and about its huge capacity for evil apply here. But it must also be said, if only in passing, that another unstated subtext of the book leaves us with a larger more disturbing message about our society in general that cannot continue to be ignored:
   
   It is that the growing isolation, disconnectedness and alienation in American society is becoming the incubator if not the mainspring for turning large reservoirs of passive aggressive hatred, resentment, and thoughts of entitlements and revenge into an engine that drives impulses towards terrorism.
   
   Whether it be a one man terrorist cell as in the case of a Ted Kaczynski or a Timothy McVeigh, and Rudolph Roberts, or a group coalescing around a committed but perhaps misguided idea, such as the white supremacists groups and militia of the Mid-West, larger and larger numbers of people are starting to feel that there is no legitimate avenue of expression or release from what they perceive as the oppressive conditions of our society?
   
   Whenever and wherever passive-aggressive hatred and resentment meets with a "felt sense of entitlement" and this sense is combined with a religious-like (and sometimes even religious) justification that can be used as cover, the jig is up: Any kind of action no matter how evil can then be justified in the name of a supposed higher moral principle.
   
   One can argue that with this tried and true formula, the threats of internal terrorism from the likes of Ted Kaczynskis, Timothy McVeighs, and Rudolph Roberts is equal to that posed by outside groups like al Qaeda.
   
   In the end, Kaczynski's main request, to publish his meandering anti-technology tract was yielded to anyway, but after 25 years, untold mayhem, death and injuries. And then it was agreed to under duress. Why not have a forum and a newspaper devoted exclusively to the open expression of any and all cockamamie ideas and grievances? Would that not serve as a release valve for some of the pent up frustration of the increasing number of alienated activists? This in some weird sense can be seen as enlightened democracy too.
   
   Three stars



3. Although, in general, I enjoyed this book, I (also) got tired of (supposed) writer, Mr. Waits, lauding himself and how (now that he was armchair quarter backing) he knew more than Ted, the FBI and and town locals - combined. He paints himself as the smartest hero in this book - heck, any book. He plays classical piano, speaks several languages and is skilled in most earth sciences. Yet, Mr. Waits never puts two and two together - that when a new weirdo moves into town - construction equipment and cabins start being destroyed, animals begin turning up dead or tortured and at least one person is shot in the back (of this small mountain community) and that it just may be... the NEW LOCAL WEIRDO committing these crimes. Hello! Because the local area and topography itself is so interesting and the little glimpses of Ted are fascinating I was able to make it to the end of this short read. But, I also got tired or hearing Mr. Waits grandstanding.



4. Great job capturing the complexity of the situation and awesome depictions of the wilderness



5. See the title? Well with this book you get to know an awful lot (repeatedly) about how the author new the forests betterthan the unabomber...ad nauseam. This is a book about the author, about 85% and very little about Ted Kaczynski. When you have tired for the umpteenth time of how but for the author we may never have found "Ted's Secret Cabin" you will have to seek out other books to find out about the unabomber.
   Is it me but why have the last two books I bought from American authors (last one supposed to be about Tim McVeigh) all about themselves and not the subject matter? Very very tedious book and to be avoided if you want to know much about the unabomber but great if you want to learn how skillful and terrific the author is.

No comments about The Black Hand: The Bloody Rise and Redemption of "Boxer" Enriquez, a Mexican Mob Killer.

1 comments about The Hoffa Wars: The Rise and Fall of Jimmy Hoffa.

1. The Introduction for "The Hoffa Wars" was Jonathan Kwitney's memory of a search for Jimmy Hoffa at a remote lodge that Hoffa owned a part of. This occured two days after the disappearance and the author participated in the search in Eagle River,WI. It was an entertaining Intro.
   
   Dan Moldea's book was first published in 1978 amid harsh criticism for his suggestion that the trio of Santos Trafficante,Carlos Marcello,and Jimmy Hoffa were responsible for the JFK assassination. In the years since then, that theory has become arguably the most popularly held theory.
   
   The main topic of "The Hoffa Wars" is Jimmy Hoffa himself and the history of the Teamsters Union. A lot of corruption is detailed and Mr. Moldea makes it clear that he is no fan of Hoffa.
   
   This book covers a lot of territory; from Hoffa's early years with the local union to his eventual disappearance.
   The violence among rivals and the circumstances leading to mafia control of some unions is highlighted.
   
   The Nixon bribes, mafia connections, shakedowns during union "organizing" are all discussed in this book.
   
   After reading many books about the JFK assassination, This book is impressive and the author has really done his research.
   
   As far as Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance is concerned....the information that Mr. Moldea provides in this book was confirmed by Frank Sheeran in the book "I Heard You Paint Houses."
   
   The only caveat with this edition is the very small print.
   Despite the volume of the book, it's an easy read with no fluff. I recommend "The Hoffa Wars".

2 comments about Meyer Lansky: The Shadowy Exploits Of New York's Master Manipulator (Amazing Stories).

1. Meyer Lansky was a genius who happened to be a criminal. He is the inventor of the forerunner to today's lottery. He was declared a criminal and we use the same system today claiming that it helps pay for education. Personally, I find his greed refreshing.



2. As a fan of this genre I found Mr. Montague's Meyer Lansky an interesting tale. While the story did not reveal anything new, it was a well done accounting of the Lanksy we have all come to know!

3 comments about The Everything Mafia Book: True Life Accounts of Legendary Figures, Infamous Crime Families, and Chilling Events (Everything Series).

1. This book is an excellent peripheral examination of organized crime from its beginnings to its current state.

   For beginiers, this book will teach lessons and stories about the tentacles of organized crime and explain the overall themes and issues.

   For mafia experts, this book is nothing more than a regurgitation of issues and theories lacking the supporting facts and details of heavy investigation.




2. alot of Books try to paint a certain Picture about the Mafia but this Book just comes at you directly&doesn't miss a beat.you get the 411 on who did what when&where&How.if you are interested on Mafia Culture&whatnot then this is the Book for you.



3. I was drawn to this book because of its catchy cover with the crime scene tape. I was pleased that the interior lived up to the alluring cover with its compelling and informative narrative. I especially appreciated the author's whimsical touch in chronicling the colorful history of a bunch of hoodlums. He displayed a delightful sense of humor without glorifying the mob, as some of these books do. If you are looking for a single title to give you a fast overview of the shadowy Mafia, I highly recommend this book. In addition to Mafia history, there are get quirky chapters devoted to the "Leadership Lessons of Don Corleone" and "The Mafia on Television." Overall, the book was an enjoyable, edifying read from cover to cover, without getting lost in the sometimes intricate world of organized crime.

5 comments about Karla Faye Tucker Set Free: Life and Faith on Death Row.

1. There is so much to say about Karla Faye Tucker, she was a woman who did a complete turn around from who she was in 1983. Set Free is unlike any other recordings of Karla's life, it shows the TRUTH. It was a book not only about Karla, but about the women on Life Row and how they in the end affected others in their transformation. It's a healing book, you realize that no matter how different your life is from hers, you have similar struggles in your walk with the Lord, and you see exactly how Karla got through it which in the end helps you over come obstacles. God bless Linda Strom for writing such a wonderful book about a woman no one will forget. Rest in peace Karla.



2. Karla Faye Tucker A Life Changed By God
   
   Linda Strom has captured the real story of Karla Faye Tucker. As a Member of the Discipleship Unlimited Ministry Team and having the privilege of walking with Dallas and Linda Strom, I had the privilege of meeting Karla Faye. She prayed for me. I was going through a tough time and she knelt at my feet, held my hands and lifted up the requests to God. What is written in this book is the truth. She never denied she was a murderer. When you read of her life before the crime, you will understand what could bring Karla to circumstances, situations and a place of bad choices. She never made excuses for her past. She accepted responsibility for her actions. She met Jesus in the county jail. From that day forward there was a spiritual, mental, emotional and physical transformation that changed Karla and allowed her to touch the lives of so many and share the love of the Lord. Karla had a tough exterior and a rutty complexion when I met her the first time. Right before her execution, I saw a transformed woman of God with a bright smile, a clear and glowing complexion, a woman who spoke scripture and recited Bible verses. She was a totally and committed Christian who knew Jesus had forgiven her. She was at peace. She was ready for what ever God had for her to do on earth and she was also ready to go to Heaven. She said she was the murderer crucified next to Jesus and knew that He paid the price for her sins and was forgiven. In the knowledge of this forgiveness, Karla Faye loved others to the fullest and many loved Karla inside and outside the prison. Her story will live on forever and will be recorded in the Christian history for the future generations. This story will bless you and give you hope to see lives transformed before your very eyes. Our God is a God of forgiveness. Read this book and pray for the lost souls of this world. Believe in miracles and transformed lives. Read and learn about our mighty God.



3. How slick can you get? If I read one more book about some savage
   killer, serial rapist, or habitual pedophile "finding" Jesus AFTER savagely killing several innocent people or raping and killing two dozen young boys over a 10 year period, I'm going to lose my breakfast, lunch, dinner, and TOMORROW'S breakfast too. Karla Faye Tucker truly did get exactly what she deserved; she just got it 14 years too late! This book is so one sided, you'd think her mother wrote it! Save your money for a much less one-sided book, if one ever gets written.
   I imagine that the Lord must be wondering by now, or long before, if some of these types of clowns will ever find him
   B E F O R E they they commit such heinous crimes against their fellow men and women and not try (or seem to) to use it as a crutch to a lighter sentence. Hoo Boy.



4. Great story about a real woman whose face shown with a radiance that only comes through knowing the forgiveness and peace of Christ. The author doesn't sugarcoat the crime, and she doesn't downplay the miracle of transformation that took place in Karla's life.



5. Karla Faye Tucker first became known to the world when she was convicted of the brutal pickax murder of two people in 1984. A brief rundown of her childhood history reveals how Karla found herself on such a violent path, which led her to Death Row and no hope or future. But her story doesn't die there...it is only the beginning. The Karla who was executed on February 3, 1998 was in no way the same woman who entered Death Row 14 years before. She was transformed by God's Spirit shortly after entering prison. This is her story of redemption, hope, faith, grace, and the power of God in a life wholly yielded to Him. I actually found myself jealous of this pickax murderer on Death Row because of the consuming peace, joy, and hope, which filled her life. She even renamed her unit from Death Row to Life Row.

   The author Linda Strom was Karla Faye Tucker's spiritual advisor and dear friend. Linda tells not only Karla's story, but she also tells her own story and the testimonies of many of Karla's fellow Life Row Mates. These testimonies overwhelmed me and revealed that without question, the Spirit of God is able to bring sheer joy out of any person yielded to Him, no matter what their circumstance. It portrays the power of forgiveness...not just the forgiveness of others who have sinned against us, but perhaps even more difficult for some, forgiving ourselves of our own sins and accepting God's forgiveness as well. And these testimonies show vividly that there is nowhere we can go where God is not able to use us. If we are willing, God can and will use us powerfully to change lives and encourage our fellow believers. This is an incredibly joyful, life-changing book, which every believer should read!

5 comments about Monster: My True Story.

1. I APPEAR IN THIS BOOK, BUT WHAT IS STATED ABOUT ME IS NOT TRUE; NOR DID THIS WRITER TRY TO VERIFY ANY TRUTH WITH ME.
   
   AT FIRST BLUSH, IT ALSO APPEARS THIS WRITER SIMPLY COPIED "QUOTES" FROM COURT DOCUMENTS, AND PARROTED "THOSE" AS "AILEEN WUORNOS' WORDS"; AS I SEE STATEMENTS (SUPPOSEDLY OUT OF MS. WURONOS' MOUTH) THAT WERE TAKEN (OUT OF MY MOUTH) FROM MY LEGAL DEPOSITIONS!
   
   TOO BAD THERE IS NO LEGAL RAMIFICATION FOR PLAGERISM FROM DEPOSITIONS, OR THIS WRITER WOULD BE OUT OF A JOB. AND, IN MY OPINION, DESERVINGLY SO, AS THE ONLY TRUTH IN THIS BOOK IS THE SPELLING OF THE AILEEN WUORNOS NAME.
   
   JACKELYN GIROUX



2. I actually met Corky Reid, who thought it strange, that Aileen Wuornos should take the rap for his death, when he was very much alive. Corky turned himself into the police and back to his family, very much alive and NOT THE EIGHTH VICTIM BY WUORNOS!
   How could THIS so called WRITER state he is writing a TRUE STORY, plus from the mouth of Aileen Wuornos (who obviously knew she did not kill Corky Reid!) and have such a BLUNDER as this?! The book should be taken off the shelf, or retitled, in my opinion, as it is not truthful! PLUS, I have read all the BOOKS written about Aileen Wuornos and the only one that makes any REAL STATEMENTS is LETHAL INTENT by Sue Russell, who actually met the people she writes about and QUOTES THEM!



3. i purchased this book written by christopher berry dee,i was very very disappointed as it said on the cover aileen in her own words,there were the odd one or two quotes,as ive read sue russells book lethal intent,i could see alot of similarities in berry dee's book.as for the one of the main topics being corky reid,maybe he should have studied the case more,and not blamed aileen for his disapperance/murder,as he went into hiding to avoid large debts he had incurred.if you want a book given both sides of aileen i would not go for this book,i would purchase sue russells book



4. It seems that the author (and I'm not talking about Aileen here, since she didn't write this book, no matter what Berry-Dee is trying to convince you) has taken lots of newspaper clippings and put this book together in a quick way to make money. Although it's not badly written there is something missing. There is hardly any references to her childhood and very much about her being interviewed. Lots of stuff I believe is taken from Nick Broomfield's Aileen documentaries. It's an ok read and I'm glad I got this one from the library and didn't buy it!



5. I had a great time reading this book. Having seen the movie a few months back I decided to purchase 'Monster' to see what else went on with this story. What a tale! So much more to be known about Wournos and written by a man who has clearly had a lot of experience talking with this woman. Using his extensive interview experience with other serial killers he has created the definitive portrait Aileen Wournos. Those who enjoy reading about this kind of crime should check out 'Talking With Serial Killers' by the same author. Again, using masses of interview material Christopher Berry-Dee has produced an absolutely chilling document. And whats more, this guy can write!

3 comments about Deep Water: Joseph P. Macheca and the Birth of the American Mafia.

1. On a chilly fall night in October 1891, New Orleans Police Chief David Hennessey was shot by unknown assailants near his home, and died several hours later. After a rumor spread that his last words were "Dagoes did it", anti-Italian sentiment seized the city. Nineteen men of Italian birth or descent were accused of orchestrating the chief's murder. When a court of law declared them not guilty, a mob stormed the jail where they were being held and killed eleven of them. Some were beaten and shot, others were hung. This mass lynching remains a dark spot in New Orleans history.
   
   In Deep Water, Hennessy's assassination and the mass slaying of his suspected killers is revisited from the perspective of J.P. Macheca, a fruit-shipping merchant with intricate ties to the city's corrupt Democratic ring and evolving American Mafia. Legend has credited Macheca with being the earliest Mafia `godfather'. Authors Thomas Hunt and Martha Sheldon make a convincing argument for the theory that the lynching of Macheca and ten of his alleged co-conspirators was not a random and rabid act of mob retribution for Hennessey's death, but rather a spectacular execution whose victims had been chosen well in advance.
   
   The book is also an engrossing look at Louisiana history during the Civil War / Reconstruction period. J.P. Macheca fought for the Confederacy, and during the postwar years, he behaved less honourably by moving in Sicilian underworld circles and instigating vicious attacks on African Americans. His fortunes declined when he did not soften his rougher instincts to stay in tune with the gentrification of the times. His export business failed, his old friends and allies abandoned him, and the final stop in his downward spiral was a bullet in the skull.



2. As I was reading Deep Water, I found the book open up to a time long ago but not so far away. It is an insight into how one family affected it's community politically and financially. It is truly an education in the behind the scenes working of the Mafia. How they come together in secret to control everything from the slave trade to fixing elections. The Mafia formed unions to control the ports bringing in food stuffs and guns. Deep Water doesn't stop there. It covers the daily life of a family dealing with jealousy and vengeance. It is a complete work of a time which has been covered up until now.



3. Few incidents in American history have inspired more legend and controversy than the so-called "Mafia Incident" of New Orleans in 1891. Following their acquittal on a charge of assassinating Police Chief David Hennessey, eleven men of Italian extraction were shot or hung in possibly America's worst lynching. The episode nearly led to war with Italy and embellished accounts of the story have appeared in countless books and articles, including Herbert Asbury's The French Quarter and the sensationally embroidered Brothers in Blood by David Leon Chandler. Richard Gambino attempted to debunk the "Mafia" aspect in his book Vendetta, a fine work that's almost convincing in its portrayal of the event as merely the result of anti-Italian bigotry. But all is not as it seems and the investigations of Thomas Hunt, a first-rate organized crime historian, and Martha Macheca Sheldon, a relative of the most prominent lynch victim, have uncovered a compelling reassessment of the case. Joseph Macheca, the fruit-shipping magnate, was neither innocent nor a Sicilian Mafioso but a native-born Louisianan and Confederate war veteran active in both New Orleans politics and crime. Both he and Hennessey come across as less than martyrs but both must be considered in the light of their time, when machine politics was the rule, street duels the norm, and New Orleans still very much a gaudy frontier town. But it now appears there was an early-day Mafia at work, and equally sinister forces within the Democratic Ring and the police department, and that the victims--eleven of the nineteen accused--were very selectively chosen in what was more a political conspiracy than the impassioned mob act portrayed in past accounts. This is a well-written and classic re-appraisal of a celebrated case and essential reading for crime historians. And, yes, this was the birth of the American Mafia.

5 comments about Five-Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History.

1. If you don't find yourself howling out loud at some passages in this book, then you don't get the east coast sense of humor at all ( finding humor in the absurd, the miserable and the horrible). And well, frankly, I question your horrible taste.
   
   Stapinski's book is very moving, funny and well written. Massive corruption, police brutality, toxic waste, armies of invading rats, packs of wild dogs, and mysterious odors - Jersey City had it all. This book sent me into fits.
   
   
   



2. I was amazed by the vehemence of the reviews of this book, both positive and negative. I was also surprised by the number of reviews. I think that, in itself, tells you that the book is worth reading.
   
   Like many of the reviewers, I was born and raised in Jersey City (born in 1955). That would make me ten years older than the author, so our time in Jesey City pretty much paralleled each other. Was my family like Ms. Stapinski's? No. Can I relate to that which she is writing? Absolutely! I grew up in the Heights section of Jersey City on Waverly Street right off of Central Avenue and near Pershing Field. It was not downtown Jersey City, but we had enough characters of our own. For those who grew up in Jesey City and cannot relate to Ms. Stapinski and her story, well, good for you. But if you were not aware of, or did not see the things she writes about in Jersey City, you were either naive, sheltered, or a liar.
   
   In the 1960s and 1970s Jersey City was not a "model city." But then again, what large city was doing well, especially in the 1970s? For all it's faults, I would not have wanted to grow up anywhere else.
   
   "Five Fingered Discount" is one woman's recollection of her childhood. It is not the definitive history of Jersey City. Jersey City is like any other large city; it has it's good points and bad points. If you happen to remember more of the good points, wonderful, but it doesn't mean the bad ones didn't exist. If you know nothing about Jersey City, but would like some interesting reading, I recommend this book. If you are from another large urban area in the U.S., I am sure you will find Ms. Stapinski's story familiar. Jersey City has not cornered the market on urban dysfunction!



3. I was reading some reviews here and was surprised that they found this book "offensive", because either they knew better part of the city or Stapinski's family members stole, could not drive, drank, etc. WHY????? Haven't you stole an ashtray from downtown cafe once? Ever? Or haven't you taken a bunch of ketcup packets from fastfood joint? .. OK, all I'm saying is to lighten up a little. I think tragedies and craziness of her family are written here with great humor and affection. And who doesn't have one crazy person in their family? I could feel lump in my throat when I read the part where her daddy died. If you like to read something filled with morals and displines, then this book is not for you. But if you like to laugh and cry over real people with vivid characters, you should try this one.



4. Stapinski relates growing up in Jersey City in a fresh and honest way. And her recounting of the blighted history of Jersey City politics is a head-shaking hoot. As for the popularity of her opinions about JC and its denizens, well, that has no bearing on whether this book is a great read; it is.
   
   I loved the sheer humanity of this book.



5. I've come to know and appreciate Jersey City on my own, since I became a volunteer historian at The Stanley Theatre 6 years ago. I've had to go the JC Public Library and had the pleasure of going thru the NJ Room, as well as meeting great people (Cynthia, Bruce, and Leon Yost -'Jersey Citians'(?). I've grown up in urban areas (i.e, Newark/Irvington), and now live in the suburbs in another County, but have come to appreciate Jersey City very much.
   
   Jersey City has some wonderful historic sites, as well as areas that have been revitalized by citizens who take pride in their communities. I'm sure that the folks who've taken exception to many aspects of this book have their own arguments, that are probably even valid. But Ms. Stapinski's story is HER family story, the good, bad, and ugly.
   
   There are wonderful Jersey City Arcadia-published books on various historical aspects, but Ms. Stapinski's personal account with "Five Finger Discount" was close to home for me, because my paternal grandfather was somewhat like her Grandpa, and my grandfather was sent to Trenton State Prison in the 1960's for illegal gambling, as well as not naming names.
   
   I also read her "Baby Plays Around" and if nothing else, one has to admit that Ms. Stapinski's candor and raw emotion comes through in both published works.