The Good, the Bad and the Forgiven [Paperback]

Michael Franzese (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2009

Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York's violent and feared Colombo crime family. Intelligent, handsome and ambitious, he quickly rose within the ranks of organized crime. It was a life filled with power, luxury...and deadly violence.Then an innocent young woman walked into Michael's life. Her exotic beauty captivated him...Her faith in God saved him. It's a story with a powerful lesson: Nothing is too bad that it can't be forgiven - life can begin again.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

MICHAEL FRANZESE grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York's violent and feared Colombo crime family. Intelligent, handsome and ambitious, he quickly rose within the ranks of organized crime. Franzese at his most affluent generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. Fourteen law enforcement agencies poured money into a taskforce with a sole objective--bring down the sophisticated young mobster. IT WAS A LIFE FILLED WITH POWER, LUXURY ...AND DEADLY VIOLENCE. Then an innocent young woman walked into Michael's life. Her exotic beauty captivated him. Her faith in God brought him home. Come along on Michael's journey--from the mob, to prison, to a brave new life. It's a story that will inspire you and give you hope. It's a story with a powerful lesson: No one is so bad that they can't be forgiven--life can begin again.

About the Author

Michael Franzese was "one of the biggest money earners the Mob had seen since Al Capone" and the youngest individual on Fortune magazine's list of The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses, ranking #18, just five behind John Gotti. Today, Michael is a follower of Jesus Christ, dubbed "The Born Again Don" and a man on a mission. The story of his conversion is a testament of God's willingness to reach into the heart of any man, regardless of their past or the present condition of their lives.

Michael's testimony describes his very own Damascus Road experience, from his early days in the Mob and rise to power to God's leading him to do the unthinkable: quit the Mob and follow Jesus. Determined to use the experiences of his former life for the benefit of others, Michael's compelling testimony explodes from a deep passion to inspire others to make positive changes in their lives against intimidating odds. Michael's amazing story and engaging delivery have brought record attendance to events all over the country. He candidly explains how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, three major racketeering indictments, five criminal trials, seven years in prison and a Mafia death sentence. His unique perspective and direct approach captivates all kinds of audiences, from teens to athletes to business execs to the average seeker trying to make it on his/her own in the world. Michael's theme always hits home: "You can't escape the long arm of the law--and you sure can't escape the longer arm of the Lord."

Franzese is the author of the autobiographical Quitting the Mob and Blood Covenant. His most recent release is I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse, which features insider business tips that helped Michael make millions (minus the illegal part)!

Michael's compelling story of transformation has been featured through both Christian and general high profile media. Most recently, he was featured on The 700 Club, 100 Huntley Street, Billy Graham's Decision Today Radio, Family Network "Open House", Daystar Network, LeSea Broadcasting "Harvest", TBN Praise the Lord & Damascus Road, Life Today with James Roberson. He has also been featured in Life Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated, GQ, L.A Times, 48 Hours, The Today Show, Nightline, ABC Primetime, NBC Nightly News, ESPN, HBO Real Sports, Jim Rome Show, PBS "All Things Considered", the prestigious "The Eleventh Hour" for PBS, with guests Dennis Weaver and Jeb Magruder and was featured in the March 2003 issue of Cigar Aficionado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 157 pages
• Publisher: Outreach Publishing (August 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978715330
• ISBN-13: 978-0978715335
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Memoirs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Story of Life Change, August 20, 2009

By 

Chad Cannon "live98king" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Good, the Bad and the Forgiven (Paperback)

This is one of the best books I've read in the past 5 years. This book is a must read for anyone and such a quick read. I highly encourage you to share with your friends and family. Michael Franzese shares his unique transformation from a Former Mobster to now a man changed by grace. I assure you that you won't be disappointed with this read.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Good, the Bad, and the Forgiven, February 4, 2011

By 

Don A. - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Good, the Bad and the Forgiven (Paperback)

This is a fascinating, easy read on how a leader in the Mob finds a Christian wife and is eventually chosen by God Almighty to enter a new life as a born-again Christian speaking all over the USA to all sorts of people and organizations. What he discovered while in prison is covered in 11 pages that one could easily use in spreading the Gospel. Don A.The Good, the Bad and the Forgiven

5.0 out of 5 stars The Good, The Bad, The Forgiven, July 6, 2010

By 

RStanley68 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Good, the Bad and the Forgiven (Paperback)

Excellent read for such a small book. I am very interested in the Mob life but more importantly amazed by Micheal's turnaround in the Lord Jesus Christ!