Smalltime by Russell Shorto

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 


Maybe I’m a little biased because I love history, met the author, AND love history surrounding my hometown (and places near the Burgh) - but this book for sure is a 5 ⭐️ read! I’ll keep this review short and sweet, as I feel it’s necessary to read it for yourself to get the full feel and story. 

This Memoir is about the mob life in Johnstown, PA, told by the Grandson of one of the men in charge. Through accurate historical research, the story unfolds on what times where like for “The Greatest Generation”. Through numbers running, money, sex, and even a murder - this tell-all is an exciting page turner! 

I loved how Russell Shorto approaches the topic in a way that keeps things accurate, but explains the historical importance and tells the story in terms anyone can understand. His retelling is gripping, at times comical, and ends emotionally. 

The ONLY downfall for me was due to traditional Sicilian naming; a lot of names overlap in the book and sometimes I was a bit confused as to who I was reading about! 

I’m looking forward to grabbing some of this author’s other works, as well as looking up some more mob stories!