Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob
by Russell Shorto
Inside look at small town/smalltime mobsters (3/14/2021)
I chose this book because I am personally familiar with Johnstown, PA. Having visited the town many times on our way to the Poconos, I was very interested in finding out more.
The memoir is a fascinating look into the life of a mobster through the eyes of his family and friends. There is also a little mystery/who-done-it woven into the pages. This story might have never been told if it wasn't for a persistent cousin.
I found it very thought provoking. Watching the memories being colored by stories told.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to peek behind the curtain of the smalltime mob.
Three Many Cooks: One Mom, Two Daughters: Their Shared Stories of Food, Faith & Family
by Pam Anderson, Maggy Keet & Sharon Damelio
Three Many Cooks (3/12/2015)
I could relate to this book in more ways than one! I also have daughters and was laughing out loud at times.
I enjoyed the stories each had to tell, I especially LOVED the recipes that were included. That was a nice bonus!
Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by Claire & Mia Fontaine
have mother, will travel, eye opening memoir (7/14/2012)
Being a mother of three teen girls, I was excited to delve into this book. Claire and Mia Fontaine did not disappoint.
I was not riveted to my seat by any means but did experience quite a few Ah-Ha moments.
I found it very inspiring when in Nepal, Clair actually took a minute to realize how lucky she is to have food, freedom, family and good health. We are so quick to complain here in the United States, when actually we are spoiled.
I was very moved to read Mia's realization of exactly how much she had hurt her mother with her actions. It seemed to me that by the end of the book, Mia is finally growing up.
As a mother, it really hit home for me the amount of my time that could be better put to use, if I focused more and didn't get distracted. This is not a new realization for me, but a kick in the pants for me to start living!
This book was very inspiring to me and I am happy that I read it.
More than once, I was nodding my head in agreement and laughing out loud to both Mia and Claire, happy that they brought me along for the ride.
I would recommend this book for anyone over the age of 25.
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