Quick Take

A young mafioso being groomed for leadership spends his nights at the Stork Club in New York City, rubbing elbows with the likes of Tony Bennett, Marilyn Monroe, and Mickey Mantle...Two proud men, one named Bonanno, the other named Kennedy, dream of their sons taking over their dynasties-each taking a different, but equally powerful pat...A sudden spray of bullets rips through the salon in Manhattan's Park Sheraton Hotel; moments later, a major figure on the organized crime scene-slumped over in midshave-lies dead in his barber chair...These are stories not from Mafia movies, but from real life...a way of life which may be gone, but is long from forgotten. Bill Bonanno is the authentic article-born into a powerful mob Family and married into another, he has seen it all. Widely reputed to be the model for Michael Corleone in The Godfather, Bonanno tells the astounding story which only he can tell in Bound By of the Five Families and their stormy infighting for control over organized crime; of his father's close friendship with Joe Kennedy and the truth about JFK's assassination; and of a world born of respect and loyalty...and etched in violence and blood.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Bound by Honor: A Mafioso's Story

Introduction

"Bound by Honor: A Mafioso's Story" by Bill Bonanno is a captivating book that delves into the world of organized crime and the Mafia. Through the eyes of a young mafioso, Bill Bonanno, readers gain an authentic and unfiltered perspective on the inner workings of the Mafia and its infamous history. In this article, we will explore the book's summary, author, analysis of views, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommendation.

About Bill Bonanno

Bill Bonanno, the author of "Bound by Honor: A Mafioso's Story," is widely reputed to be the model for Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Born into a powerful Mafia family and married into another, Bill Bonanno has seen it all. With his firsthand experiences and insider knowledge, he provides a unique perspective on the Mafia's traditions, honor, and the stormy infighting for control over organized crime.

Analysis of Views

The Banana Wars among the American mafia: Readers appreciate the book's exploration of the Banana Wars among the American mafia. These wars involved internal conflicts and violence that ultimately led to the decline of the American mafia. Bill Bonanno's account of these events sheds light on how external factors such as government intervention and assassinations played a role in the Mafia's downfall.
Honor in a chaotic world: The book delves into the concept of honor in a chaotic and violent world. Readers appreciate Bill Bonanno's storytelling about the Bonanno Crime family and their adherence to traditional values despite the turbulent nature of their world. This aspect of the book resonates with readers who are interested in understanding the Mafia's code of conduct.
Political corruption: Many readers find the information on government involvement with the Mafia fascinating. Bill Bonanno provides insights into how political corruption at the highest levels of local and national government influenced the Mafia's operations. This aspect of the book adds depth to readers' understanding of the Mafia's relationship with politics.
Unique perspective: Bill Bonanno's unique perspective as a member of a powerful Mafia family sets this book apart from other works on organized crime. Readers appreciate his personal experiences and insights, which provide a fresh perspective on the Mafia's history and traditions.
Slow pacing: Some readers find the book slow-paced, with too many nonsensical details that leave them twiddling their thumbs. They feel that certain sections could have been condensed or edited for better flow and overall enjoyment.

Reasons for Recommendation

Insider account: "Bound by Honor" offers an authentic and firsthand account of life as a mafioso, providing readers with an inside look at the Mafia's world. Bill Bonanno's personal experiences make this book a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the Mafia's history and traditions.
Unique themes: The book covers three big themes: the Banana Wars among American mafia, the decline of the American mafia, and the assassination of JFK. The interrelation between these themes adds depth to readers' understanding of organized crime and its impact on society.
Historical context: Bill Bonanno's storytelling brings historical context to life, shedding light on political corruption at high levels and providing insights into significant events such as JFK's assassination. This historical context adds value to readers' understanding of organized crime's influence on American society.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Self-aggrandizement: Some readers find Bill Bonanno's self-aggrandizing anecdotes distracting and unappealing. They feel that he overemphasizes his family's importance and downplays their involvement in violence, which creates contradictions and raises questions about his credibility as a narrator.
Lack of objectivity: A few readers feel that Bill Bonanno's book lacks objectivity, as he presents his family as honorable and traditional while simultaneously claiming that they were hardly violent. This inconsistency may leave readers questioning his credibility and undermine their trust in his account.

Conclusion

"Bound by Honor: A Mafioso's Story" by Bill Bonanno offers an authentic and captivating glimpse into the world of organized crime and the Mafia. With its exploration of themes such as the Banana Wars, decline of the American mafia, and JFK's assassination, this book provides readers with a unique perspective on a fascinating but often misunderstood subject. While some readers appreciate its insider account and historical context, others find it slow-paced and marred by self-aggrandizement. Overall, "Bound by Honor" offers a compelling read for those interested in understanding the Mafia's history and traditions from an insider's perspective.