Not on the Level [Paperback]

Michael V. Maddaloni (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2006 | ISBN-10: 1425908616 | ISBN-13: 978-1425908614

Joe De Falco, a baby boomer, is born to a recently widowed mother after his father is killed in action near the end of World War II. A first-generation Italian-American, he is raised in a traditional Italian home where he comes under the influence of two very different uncles. One, Uncle Tony, is a straight, no-nonsense war hero who believes that institutions such as religion, government, the military, and business are worthy of trust and confidence. The other, Uncle Sal, is a slick, opportunistic, con-artist who believes in crime. As Joe moves through various stages of his life, he carries the conflicting influences of both uncles. Joe, often disillusioned by his own experiences, grows increasingly skeptical of institutions he once felt were trustworthy. Finally, as he confronts the biggest crisis in his life, he draws on lessons learned from his very different uncles.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Authorhouse (March 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1425908616
• ISBN-13: 978-1425908614
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,818,341 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE WHOLE FAMILY ENJOYED THIS BOOK, July 30, 2006

By 

Jack "Jack" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not on the Level (Paperback)

I know I didn't help book sales, but I can say that six members of my family representing three different generations read and enjoyed this book. Our lone copy is now with my next door neighbors. Not on the Level is the most entertaining fiction I have read in the past few years.

Jack Primavera and family

Long Island, NY

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great story told with feeling, July 21, 2006

By 

Jim "Jim Gleason" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not on the Level (Paperback)

If you grew up in Philadelphia, particularly in the post World War II era, and went to Catholic school, you will enjoy this story.

The author's Philadelphia roots come across clearly along with his message- nothing is on the level. Of course, we all know that, don't we. Read this, you won't be sorry.

Jim Gleason

Philadelphia

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Readers will enjoy this book, July 8, 2006

By 

Jennifer Akers - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not on the Level (Paperback)

Raised by a widowed mother, Joe De Falco manages to coast through strict Catholic schooling. He finds guidance from his straight shooting relative, Uncle Tony. As he grows up, De Falco discovers that some problems happen when you do follow the rules. His Uncle Sal can find ways to sideswipe any problem, even if the solution involves something illegal. In Not on the Level, author Michael V. Maddaloni chronicles a man's life and his realization that trusted education, military, and corporate organizations can be corrupt and inefficient.

Joe De Falco joins the Marines upon high school graduation. He knows the military will provide income for otherwise unattainable higher education. He enlists for two years and lands an easy desk job. He bides his time and keeps out of trouble. De Falco congratulates himself for funding college through the G.I. bill and part time summer jobs. His ordinary life takes a twist when a coworker hopes De Falco's Italian-American connections can solve a shady, personal business matter. De Falco turns to his Uncle Sal for advice. The underhanded transaction ignites Uncle Sal's imagination. Uncle Sal spins the deal for their benefit, and De Falco gains a great deal of cash. Despite the rewards, these illegal offshoots are sandwiched into a straight and narrow life. When De Falco applies to become Secret Service agent, will they uncover his secret transactions? Or worse, will he find himself prosecuted for criminal acts?

Maddaloni shares a semi-autobiographical story based on his experience in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Secret Service. The story gets bogged down at times with too many secondary names and more tell than show. I did enjoy reading about the secret life of an agent, covert operations, and Presidential detail. Maddaloni shows great conflict in the fatherless main character who reaches for goals based on his uncles' opposing beliefs. Readers will enjoy the insider look at trustworthy institutions that are Not on the Level.

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