Customer Reviews

Joe Dogs: Joe Dogs

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am not a big "Mafia" fan. I picked this book up because it was on sale at a local bargain store. It turned out to be quite interesting. I am completely amazed at the gall and creativity of the mafia. This book tells how "Joe Dogs" earned his name, became involved in organized crime (he was not born into "the family") and worked his way up to one of the most powerful mob associates in south Florida.

This is not a book for your kids to read. The language is strong and the subjects are often risqué' (Think Joe Pesci in "Goodfellows"). He is very blunt and often unremorseful for what were hideous things that he sometimes did either for the Mafia or on his own.

After an attempt on his life (or almost "Getting Whacked" as he puts is) - he was beaten almost to death with a pipe and baseball bats by his closest mafia ally and some others - he decides to get revenge by becoming an FBI informant. With his help, the FBI was able to prosecute and convict some of the highest members of several crime families, including the Mafia boss who gave the order to have him "whacked".

I found this book to be surprisingly interesting as it presented the world from the point of view of someone who has absolutely no conscience about stealing, cheating on a spouse, or breaking someone's legs for being late on loan shark payments. It is a little bit "Jerry Springer" and a little bit "The Godfather". The end result is a book that, for all of its crassness and gore, is very insightful and interesting.

If you like this book, you will probably like "My Life in the Mob" by Vincent Charles Teresa, another mob member that turned "stoolie".

This is another Italian mafia book from a street soldier's point of view from him doing well to being almost beat to death. Wiseguy is a better street soldier book, but this is good and it is worth reading if you have some free time. Always some action going on.

This book gives an excellent up close account of the life of a mobster. It tells, in his own words, of his high and low points of his affiliation with the mafia. This a facinating story. Joe Dogs is one you won't be able to put down.

Joe Iannuzzi provides a look at mafia life not always glamorized by the media. Joe is lower level mobster, and is always trying to impress and provide his 'boss' with money. This book provides a realistic look at the in's and out's of mafia life as seen through the eyes of a lower ranking member. It is an entertaining, good read.

I love books about the mob and I read all the ones I can find. This book stands out as one of the best. I liked it better than Wiseguy and Sammy The Bull's book as it was more down to Earth than either of those... if that makes sense. What you get here is a straight forward account of what this guy's life was like as a lower level mobster. If these stories are your cup of tea, look no further, get this book. Watch what happens when his life is on the line and he decides to drop the dime on everyone. It's a basic case of "What would you do?" Nobody can blame Joe Dogs for saving his own life after he was betrayed and almost killed. This is a fast paced book and an easy read. You'll find the stories he tells are well crafted and believable, honest and often brutal. If you like mob books... oh you gotta read this.

Iannuzzi paints a picture of mafia life as only an ex-gangster could. The reader is pulled into the violent and, seemingly, glamorous life of the underworld. Iannuzzi is sincere and personal. The reader will find that Joe Dogs still likes to flash his mafioso badge as a tough guy. Anyone interested in this genre should look into "Boss of Bosses" a well written account of Big Paulie Castellano. "Joe Dogs" is a breath of Florida sunshine in a culture that seems to believe that Gotti was the only member of the Gambino Family.

This book covers Joe Iannuzzi's life in organized crime. I'm no expert on organized crime by any stretch, so I can't speak to the authenticity. One must always consider the motive of the author when reading such a book.

That said, it is unquestionably an active and interesting read; a lot of exciting things happen, and a lot of intimate details are provided. Iannuzzi certainly doesn't overglorify himself, admitting to various behaviors I personally wouldn't want to be guilty of. It's as credible as any organized crime book.

Joe Dogs is a great read for mob nuts such as myself. But if you like suspense novels, you would enjoy this book. What a ride! Joe Dogs starts off as a knockaround guy under the thumb of maniac Tommy Agro(a soldier in the Gambino family, under the thumb of Capo Joe Piney Armone). He eventually becomes the big loan shark man for the Gambinos in Florida, until his money starts to dry up. Joe didn't grow up in the mob,therefore he was in awe of being a mobster, so he was blind sided by what happened next. Entertaining from cover to cover. It also further illustrates the amount of heat and pressure Paul Castellano was facing just before he was killed by John Gotti. You won't be dissappointed.