Customer Reviews

Not on the Level

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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

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.
[...]

There isn't any doubt after reading this that is must be based, at least in part, on the actual experiences of the author. If it is, he did a great job taking a shot at those who deserve it in a highly entertaining manner.

Joe Lafranconi
Malden, MA

I was reading this book sitting on the beach with a group of friends. I started reciting some of the stories to my friends and before long I was reading it out loud and everybody was in stitches. The part where De Falco and Uncle Sal conned a guy out of $100K was a riot, so was the part about Marine Corps boot camp. Before we left the beach, everybody wanted to borrow my copy of the book. I finished it in two days.

Bill Augustine
San Diego

Michael Maddaloni's first fiction novel is well written and for baby boomers will bring a rush of memories to mind.

NOT ON THE LEVEL is a welcome break for the detective/forensic/lawyer/disaster books flooding the book stores today. The story of Joe DeFalco flows smoothly from childhood to manhood. From the Altar Boy to the Marine Corps Enlistee to the College Student to the Secret Service Agent to the Business Executive, Joe DeFalco encounters experiences which were not "ON THE LEVEL." As you read this it will recall your own similar experiences.

Sections of the book are very amusing and will bring a smile to any baby boomers face, while others are intriguing and insightful. Intriguing are the Corporate deals of a large pharmaceutical company and intriguing is the life of a Secret Service agent.

Read this book and you won't be disappointed, it is a refreshing story sure to please.

This book reminds me of Nelson De Mille's humor

Also, a good job developing the characters, especially Uncle Sal, and laying things out for easy reading. A nice story no doubt formulated by personal experience.

Chuck Minnich

What a terrific book! A real page turner...... I couldn't put it down. Mr. Maddaloni shared a lot of interesting information all of us have either thought about or actually experienced and perhaps were afraid to verbalize to friends or family. The book is both serious and quite humorous. His style of writing and ease of read reminds me of the likes of Grisham, John Sandford and James Patterson. Frankly, if you DON'T read this wonderful and entertaining book, YOU are "not on the level".

Bill Hershman
Dallas, TX

Wow! What a page turner "Not On The Level" is! I am very impressed with this well-written, entertaining, and thought-provoking book by former Secret Service agent Mike Maddaloni. Uncle Tony and Uncle Sal will be burned into your brain, while Joe De Falco's narration pulls it all together. Get this book asap!

Vince Palamara

Mike Maddaloni nails it! So much that appears legit is so not on the level, especially once you get through all the facades and veneers. I know Mike and worked with him in Philadelphia. What he fictionalizes in this book is how it was, still is and will be until Christ returns. Great job Mike! Fact is I still remember the many not on the level experiences we had.