Author: Genyc79

Blogger, IT Admin, Nyctophile, Explorer and Brooklynite in the city that never sleeps.

Greg Scarpa, Legendary Evil: The Many Faces of a Mafia Killer – Jonathan Dyer

On By Genyc79In Biographies, Investigative Report2 Comments

The Italian American mafia or “La Cosa Nostra”, became firmly entrenched in American society as immigrants from Italy to their newfound home. On the streets of New York City, a young mobster named Charles “Lucky” Luciano (1897-1962) realized that the constant violence among gangsters was no good for business and envisioned a “commission” to rule mob affairs. Luciano’s vision became a reality and the “Five Families” are now a permanent part of the city’s history. One of these families, the Colombos led by the mob boss Joseph Colombo (1923-1978), is noted for its civil wars, and members who have turned state’s evidence. One of them was not only a ruthless killer, but a bigamist and Federal Bureau of Information (“FBI”) informant. In Brooklyn, Gregory Scarpa, Sr. (1928-1994) became known as the “Grim Reaper” and throughout his career, he would prove more than once that the name had been earned. Author Jonathan Dyer explores the life of the mobster who terrorized adversaries and sent shockwaves through mafia circles.

I previously reviewed Peter Lance’s ‘Deal With The Devil: The FBI’s Secret Thirty-Year Relationship With A Mafia Killer‘ which chronicles Scarpa’s role as an informant. The book is particularly good, and Dyer uses it here as a source for what is a more complete picture of Scarpa’s life. Aside from Lance’s book, I had viewed documentaries on Scarpa and I have also read the book ‘The Mafia Hitman’s Daughter‘ by Linda Scarpa and Linda Rosencranci. His daughter’s book is eye opening and shows the effects life in the mafia has on family members. This book is a mix of both with additional exhaustive research. And the result is a book which will stand the test of time. Dyer provides a raw and unfiltered look at Scarpa’s violent and tragic life. 

Following the early discussion of Scarpa’s early life, the story changes when he meets his first wife Concetta “Connie” Farace (1931-2012). The story is routine, with Scarpa earning his stripes on the street and Connie bearing the couple’s children. However, the story takes a sharp left turn when the FBI institutes the Top Echelon Criminal Informant (TECI) program. This new pilot program by the bureau would find a willing participant in Greg Scarpa who soon joins and begins a thirty-year relationship with the “Hoover” boys. And if that is not shocking enough, the book takes another turn when he meets a teenage girl whom he would remain with for twenty-five years while taking on yet another wife, resulting in a love story completely off the rails. Added to the mix is his protege Larry Mazza, whose role in the couple’s lives is surreal. You must read it to believe it.

In what becomes a strange paradox, Scarpa feeds the FBI crucial information on mafia activity while at the same time engaging in criminal enterprises. In one instance, what should have been an air-tight case against Scarpa and his co-conspirators for a counterfeit money scheme was dismissed under mysterious circumstances. The dismissal raises the unanswered question, was the FBI protecting its asset? As for Scarpa, he continued to enjoy his relationship with the bureau while wreaking havoc in the streets. However, he is credited with assisting the FBI on high profile cases. The only issue is that only one out of the three presented by Dyer seems to be the most plausible. Dyer breaks down each alleged assist by Scarpa and uses the process of elimination to assess which account has the most credibility. But it is not long before the story takes on more bizarre twists and turns.

Scarpa’s relationship with his children is interesting and highlights the contradiction which exists in his story. While he was easily killing fathers and husbands, he went to extreme lengths to protect his own. Each child carries their own scars and trauma in the book. Linda has spoken for herself, but Gregory, Jr., and Joey (1971-1995) are not as fortunate. Gregory Jr. was released from prison in November 2020 and has remained out of the public light. Joey met a horrific death, and the story as told by Dyer is heartbreaking and disturbing. Gregory Jr. was closest to their father and that devotion would earn him a staggering prison sentence and demons to haunt him for the rest of his life.

As the story progresses, Scarpa continues his pattern of manipulation and exploitation but receives a life diagnosis when he goes into the hospital to treat a bleeding ulcer. A tainted blood transfusion leaves Scarpa infected with a disease that changed life as we knew it during the 1980s. And this is where the downfall ofthe mobster begins. His physical decline and power struggle within the Colombo family between supporters of Carmine “The Snake” Persico (1933-2019) and Victor “Vic” Orena, intensifies the suspense as mob hits, criminal indictments and mortality take their toll on all involved. And throughout all, Scarpa remains a gangster to the core. The story is insane and will leave readers shaking their heads at Scarpa’s escapades and violence which ensued. But as the saying goes, every gravy train reaches its destination, and Scarpa finds his meal ticket with the FBI set to expire. And when the government came for justice, Scarpa found himself persona non grata in law enforcement circles. A shocking admission in open court would forever change the way his contemporaries viewed him and cement his legacy in the annals of mafia history. 

Dyer’s account of Scarpa’s life is well-written and well-researched. It is full of information and cross-referenced. It is still a new release, and I am sure readers with a soft spot for mafia history will be interested in what the author has to say. After finishing the book, I did not have any strong emotions towards Scarpa but could see that his life and the lives of those around him became dysfunctional due the mafia’s grip on them. Another former Colombo member Michael Franzese who has gained a new following online once said that the mob destroyed lives. He is absolute correct. If you are a mafia aficionado or in search of an informative book about the streets of New York City and its Five Families, you will enjoy this. 

“He was neither God nor devil. He was, like the rest of us, mortal, distinguished from most of his fellow human beings by his unlimited capacity for evil. His existence was terrifying during his life, and the story of his life is a frightening reminder of the human capacity for betrayal and deceit, for duplicity and greed, for violence and death.” – Jonathan Dyer 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FDSNQPCZ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ WildBlue Press (22 July 2025)

Hellhound on his Trail: The Electrifying Account of the Largest Manhunt in American History – Hampton Sides

On By Genyc79In American History, Investigative ReportLeave a comment

At 6:05 p.m., on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was standing on a second-floor balcony of the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee when witnesses say they heard a sound like a car backfire. To the members of his entourage, the reality was far more terrifying and instantly grim. The civil rights icon had been shot by a high-powered rifle and was clinging to life as he was rushed to a local hospital. He later succumbed to his wounds, leaving behind his grieving widow Coretta Scott King (1927-2006) and four children. In Washington, D.C., President Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) was briefed on the situation and at the Justice Department, Attorney General Ramsey Clark (1927-2021) made it clear to Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) director J. Edgar Hoover (1896-1972) that the bureau must take control over the investigation into the murder. Fears of nationwide unrest gripped officials, and law enforcement realized that the killer must be apprehended as soon as possible. The roads leading to that fateful evening in Memphis, and the worldwide manhunt for James Earl Ray (1928-1998) form the crux of this national bestseller that will have you at the edge of your seat.

The first half of the book is composed of two timelines. We are introduced to Eric S. Galt, Ray’s persona as he crosses from Mexico back into the United States. Instantly we can see that Galt is an unlikeable figure who drifts from one place to the next. The author does a masterful job at retracing his steps and presenting them in the smooth narrative format found in the book. As I read, I could see that Galt is strange and nothing good follows him. The second timeline revisits the final months in Dr. King’s life. The tremendous strain his work had on his personal life and health is evident. Further, scrutiny by the FBI was persistent, and J. Edgar Hoover was determined to expose the man he called a “fraud”. The reasons for Hoover’s animosity towards King are examined in the book and left up to the reader to decide. I can say that Dr. King had his flaws like everyone else. But he did not know that a drifter using the stolen identity of Eric Galt was also making his way to Memphis, Tennessee and that they both had a date with destiny.

As Sides moves between the two timelines, you can see that they are bound to intersect. And like dominoes falling, one event after another sets the stage for April 4. I must warn readers that the shooting and aftermath are graphic and will be unsettling. In fact, what Sides explains will send chills down your spine. The murder of Dr. King was nothing short of brutal and cold-blooded. However, that is far from the end of the story. In the wake of the gunfire, Dr. King’s aides scramble to make sense of what happened, and emergency personnel do their best to aid the fallen leader. But his wounds proved to be too severe and after reading the book, death was likely the better option for him. The author’s description of the bullet’s impact will clarify the severity of the wounds. As Dr. King lay dying in the emergency room, the FBI was gearing up for the largest manhunt in American history. And the author takes us on the journey from Memphis to the United Kingdom.

In the middle of all that is happening, there is still the story of America at that time. Sides revisits our nation’s history during a turbulent time when change was both needed and scary. Sides discusses the political climate including Johnson’s decision in March 1968 not to seek or accept his party’s nomination for president of the United States as the Vietnam War becomes an anchor around his neck. The entry of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (1925-1968) into the presidential race became Johnson’s worst nightmare and gave millions of Americans a new found hope for the future. But the push for civil rights and an end to the war in Vietnam had America on edge, and what becomes clear is that the 1960s was a dangerous time in the United States. Eric Galt, whom authorities would learn was James Earl Ray, nearly sent an entire country over the edge with one rifle shot. Within hours, the FBI was on the case.

After the FBI assumes the lead role in the investigation, the book shifts gears as the bureau engages in an all-out effort to find the killer. It is one of the FBI’s shining moments. I was speechless at the savvy skills of special agents and the speed at which they accumulated evidence and added information in an era before modern-day technology. Readers who love crime investigations will find this section of the book irresistible. I was rooting for the agents as they turned over new leads and pieced together the life of James Earl Ray. The information they uncover regarding his family history is crucial and should not be overlooked. I previously was unaware of these details and learning the new facts provided a better sense of how and why James Earl Ray grew into the person that he was. That in no way excuses his actions, and Ray was his own worst enemy. And though he had a head start on the bureau, he engineered his own downfall across the Atlantic Ocean.

In America, mourners focused on paying their respects to Dr. King, whose funeral was a monumental event in the nation’s history. But it was not without its detractors, and no story about Dr. King or the movement would be complete without a word on former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace (1919-1998). He appears in the story, but this is not a biography of him, but rather a discussion of how Wallace’s rhetoric helped create people like James Earl Ray. In later years, Wallace changed his tune and disavowed his former segregationist stance. But others did not, and some of them appear in the story but only briefly. The focus remains on capturing Ray who first fled to Canada before landing in Portugal. But it was the United Kingdom where his train to freedom was derailed.

I could only shake my head as I read of Ray’s time in the United Kingdom under a fake name and passport. Lack of money and a concrete exit plan take their toll, and a series of actions by him on the streets of London are insane. I honestly could not believe anyone could be either that bold or careless, but such is the case here. His sloppiness and eagle-eyed British investigators help bring the international saga to an end but even while in custody, Ray proves to be more moronic. In fact, investigators are surprised at his off-the-cuff statements and cannot believe the cognitive dissonance. The book concludes as he returns to America after losing the fight against extradition. His trial and conviction are not discussed here, the author’s focus was on the events leading up to the crime, the crime itself and the manhunt. But as an added bonus, the epilogue contains a story from 1977 where Ray is serving time in prison and finds a way to escape from the facility. The unbelievable story will have readers shaking their heads. Thankfully, he was found and returned to prison to serve out the life sentence he received. On April 23, 1998, James Earl Ray died at Nashville Memorial Hospital in Madison, Tennessee at the age of seventy from complications due to Hepatitis C.

If you need an enjoyable book about the murder of Martin Luther King and the manhunt for James Earl Ray, you will love this.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0036S4BX0
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vintage, April 20, 2010

Overland Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America – Candacy A. Taylor

On By Genyc79In Civil Rights MovementLeave a comment

In March of this year, my family and I embarked on a road trip to Maryland for a cousin’s baby shower. On Interstate 95, we made a couple of expected stops for hungry stomachs and full bladders. The rest stops were filled with people from all backgrounds, stopping briefly before continuing to destinations across America. Sadly, there was a time when rest stops looked completely different, and for non-white travelers, the interstate highway system was frightening and dangerous. Jim Crow was alive and strong, and across the nation, change was coming but at a slow pace. However, that did not stop millions of people from driving across America, and to aid black Americans, a useful tool called the “Green Book” provided information which could save one’s life. Author Candacy Taylor looks at the Green Book and how it aided black people brave enough to set out on a classic American road trip. 

I was familiar with the Green Book but admittedly, there was much I did not know. So, I made the purchase and started reading instantly. Before I continue, I should point out that this book may cause you to feel angry and feel a sense of outrage. I say this because today it is unconceivable to think that a person of Indian or Chinese descent cannot use a rest stop on an interstate highway because of how they look. But, several decades ago they would have been forced to suffer indignity and humiliation due to restrictive laws which enforce segregation, and the threat of violence from people determined to maintain a social order they saw as being right for everyone. However, the United States was changing, and the movement for civil rights continued to grow. But until legislation guaranteed equal rights, creative tools were needed to navigate society. 

The Green Book was the creation of Victor Hugo Green (1892-1960), a gentleman I knew little about before reading the book. Taylor focuses on his life which begins in New York City. Green had realized that the automobile was going to change America, and black motorists needed both help and protection on the road. In 1936, the first Green Book was born but that was only the beginning. In fact, the author takes us a long journey which focuses not only on the book for travelers, but America’s past and how discrimination affected its citizens. And what she discusses enhances the importance of the book.

Undoubtedly, there are dark moments in the story, but there are bright spots as well. In fact, both white and black Americans played a role in affecting change, and the importance of Esso (ExxonMobil) gas stations and the foresight of the Chrysler Motor Company should not be overlooked. The Green Book is paramount in the account, and the information it provided was invaluable. Imagine wanting to take a road trip but having no idea whether an area is safe because of your ethnicity or needing a restroom and having to use the woods or drive an extra one hundred miles miles because every sign you see says, “no colored allowed”. It seems surreal today, but it should be a reminder of the freedoms we take for granted.

The automobile changed life for millions of Americans, but it also introduced new challenges and dangers which took time to resolve and answer. However, as the author tells the story of the lifesaving book, there is another element to the picture that should not be overlooked. Black Americans began to purchase automobiles, and it was a step up in class. But it did not go unnoticed and the reaction to upward mobility of blacks is a crucial aspect of the Green Book story and shows that America was not only confronting the issue of race but also the issue of class. Further, World War II had opened a door for blacks which they were determined to walk through. It should be noted that there were black people who did not want integration, but not for reasons one may suspect. 

Today, most of the locations in the Green Book are gone, and the book itself has been long out of publication. Its demise is due to several factors, and one adds a twist of irony to the initial need for it. Although the book is now gone, its role and importance in the lives of black people traveling America’s roads will never be forgotten. And if we continue to move forward, we will never need the Green Book again. But to do that, we must always remember where we came from and how far we have progressed. This book fills in the gaps that may be missing for some. 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07QDK1MFD
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Holiday House, January 28, 2020

The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation’s Call to Greatness – Harlow Giles Unger

On By Genyc79In American History, BiographiesLeave a comment

On September 3, 1783, representatives of United States, Great Britain, Spain, and France signed the Treaty of Paris which officially concluded the American Revolutionary War and recognized the newly formed nation of former British colonies. The founding fathers of the United States soon realized that a monumental task lay before them, and they wasted no time in creating the country they had envisioned as the movement for independence gained momentum. Among the men whose vision shaped the America we know today was James Monroe (1758-1831) who served as America’s fifth president. Having outlived his contemporaries, he is accurately referred to as the last founding father by author Harlow Giles Unger who returns with another engaging biography of an American leader. 

I previously reviewed Unger’s biography of President John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), a book which I could not put down as I read the life story of an American figure who helped change the course of history. Adams makes an appearance in this book as well, when President Monroe entrusts him with tasks crucial to America’s development. However, the focus of this story is on Monroe and his incredible life. I approached the book with limited information on Monroe. In school, his name was remembered for the policy which bears his name, the Monroe Doctrine. The story behind Monroe’s 1823 congressional address in which he laid forth the doctrine’s goals is told within, providing readers with an inside look into the thought process behind the actions of the Monroe Administration. 

Monroe’s story begins in Westmoreland County, Virginia in 1758 as American patriots are beginning to question British rule. The growing young man bears witness to British encroachment, and when the war for independence begins, Monroe joins the Continental Army under the leadership of America’s first President George Washington (1732-1799). The two would go on to have a lasting friendship which is discussed by the author. Monroe also found company in mentor and fellow President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) who remains a close confidant of Monroe through the rest of the book following their initial acquaintance. Sadly, the same cannot be said of former President James Madison (1751-1836) whose friendship with Monroe took an unexpected turn. The details are contained within, and it is interesting to see the bonds between the men who were responsible for shaping the nation known globally as the United States of America. 

While Monroe was making a name for himself in politics, he also believed in family. He and wife Elizabeth (1768-1830) were deeply in love and she was equally effective at foreign policy as her husband. Her actions regarding the pending fate of Adrienne de La Fayette (1759-1807) in France will surprise readers. She is also remembered as an elegant first lady, and the reasons why are explained in the story. As for James Monroe, building America was paramount, and in 1803, he played a prominent role in the Louisiana Purchase which tripled the size the of the United States overnight. Readers interested in the deal will appreciate this section of the book as the back door dealings spearheaded by Monroe result in a land grab that is still shocking to this day. But while America was growing, England had not forgotten its former colonies, nor its conflict with France, and all hell breaks loose during the War of 1812. The buildup to the conflict is important and Unger explains the events thoroughly and at the right pace. The suspense is gripping, and readers will see the conflict looming in the distance as Europe becomes more unsettled. It would not be the last time that a war in Europe brought America into the conflict. 

Following the war, Monroe returned to the State Department, and in 1816 he makes a decision that changes his life forever when he decides to run for president. With hindsight we know he was successful, and the focus here is on his presidency and his accomplishments as commander-in-chief. However, there is the elephant in the room in every story of America’s early days and that is the issue of slavery. Surprisingly, there is not much about it in the book and early administrations sought to avoid the issue altogether. However, Monroe would be forced to confront the matter during the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Monroe’s position on the matter was unsurprising because he was a slave owner himself just as several founding fathers were. Monroe did see slavery as a threat to the future of the nation and realized that freedom could not exist with enslaved people, but he also reaped the benefits from being a slave owner and believed in the rights of pro-slavery states. He did endorse one plan to rectify wrongs done to African slaves, and it explains the existence of Monrovia, Liberia. The issue of slavery would be decided forty-five years later when the first Republican president did what no leader before him had dared to do.

After departing the White House, Monroe’s life returned to a sense of normalcy, but he faded away from public light and found himself to be a symbol of a bygone era in American history. His legacy had been cemented but the United States was on a new course, chartered by President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) who remains one of the most controversial leaders in American history. His story is a roller coaster ride on its own and I strongly recommend Jon Meachem’s ‘American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House‘ which is a good source of information about Jackson’s command of the United States. As time passes, Monroe’s life changes and on July 4, 1831, he takes his final breath in New York at the age of seventy-three, leaving behind a legacy which shaped American foreign policy for years to come. If you are searching for an enjoyable book regarding America’s founding fathers, this biography of James Monroe will be a fitting addition to your library.

“The most beloved president after Washington, Monroe was the only president other than Washington to win reelection unopposed.“

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002RBWF26
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing, April 8, 2025 

Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base – Annie Jacobsen

On By Genyc79In American History, Investigative ReportLeave a comment

Of all the military installations, few are as mysterious as Area 51 which is located at Groom Lake in southern Nevada. The secretive military base has been the subject of rumors that the United States Government is holding the remains of an unidentified flying object (“UFO”) and extraterrestrial lifeforms. The theories are entertaining but remain unproven. This raises the question of what is Area 51? Annie Jacobsen, author of the best-selling book ‘Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America‘, takes us on a deep dive into the history of Area 51 to reveal as much as possible about America’s most controversial and mysterious military base.

Prior to reading this book, I did not have any pre-conceived ideas about Area 51. Of course, I have heard and read of rumors that the United States Government is concealing alien lifeform and protecting dark secrets. The allegations are unfounded, but what we do know is that the area is heavily guarded and trespassing is forbidden. As a primer to the story to be told, Jacobsen discusses the controversial Robert “Bob” Lazar, a noted conspiracy theorist whose claims regarding secretive government operations have earned him an audience of likeminded individuals. To some he is a tin foil loyalist but was he completely off the mark? Well, the truth is complex but not as sensational as we might hope.

Looking back at the book, the crux of the story is the finale of World War II. We go back in time to 1945 when Allied commanders are on the brink of a Nazi defeat and a battered Japanese military. The development of the Manhattan Project was pivotal to the use of Little Boy and Fat Man against Japan in August 1945, and they were no secret to Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin (1878-1953). His counterpart in America, President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), had been thrust into the role of commander-in-chief following the death of his predecessor Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), and quickly learned of America’s secret weapon. Stalin’s infiltration of America’s military secrets set the stage for the next four decades and paved the way for the growth of Area 51, where research and development reached new heights.

The success of the atomic bombs Little Boy and Fat Man had convinced even the most pessimistic generals that air combat was equally as important as ground troops. But before the story kicks into high gear with the Cold War, Jacobsen discusses an incident in Roswell, New Mexico in July 1947 that provided the spark to the rumors of a hidden UFO. The incident reappears later in the story with a plausible explanation for its origins and a surprising revelation about the aviation parts discovered. However, some mystery remains as to what really happened in Roswell. Whatever took place was serious enough to warrant the attention of the United States military and America’s intelligence apparatus. Both would play crucial roles in the development of Area 51.

The book is engaging from start to finish, but Area 51’s story takes on a new dimension when Central Intelligence Agency (“CIA”) operative Richard M. Bissell, Jr. (1909-1994) is assigned control over the base, to the objection of Air Force Gen. Curtis E. Lemay (1906-1990), former commander of the Strategic Air Command and legendary veteran of World War II. Their feud would eventually come to a head in April 1961, when a new President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) agreed to a CIA mission doomed from the start. But while America was focused on Cuba, the Soviets continued their space program and surveillance on adversaries. The cat and mouse game between America and Russia heats up with U-2 spy flights, espionage, and the belief on both sides of a nuclear confrontation. In hindsight we know that nuclear war did not take place, but that did not stop research and development at Area 51. In fact, the bag of tricks only grew as innovative technology emerged to transform America’s military.

The U-2 spy flights, and the capture of Francis Gary Powers (1929-1977) are also discussed, and both are well-known historical events, but I found the section regarding the development of the aircraft interesting. The engineering behind the new stealth aircraft is surreal, but also not without tragedy through trial and error. Powers’ capture and ordeal made headlines around the world, but they did not stop operations at Area 51. Bissell was removed in 1961 following the Bay of Pigs disaster, but that did not stop Area 51. In fact, defense contractors found a new market as Soviet aggression increased, and a war loomed in Southeast Asia. And in the years to come, a modern technology known as a drone aircraft would take to the skies and change warfare forever. The development of the drone is another interesting section in the book, and we turned the corner with its introduction and use.

While I read, I realized that the book was more important than just Area 51. In fact, it is full of historical information, and Jacobsen’s writing style keeps the narrative going at the right pace. I was aware of some events discussed in the book, but I also learned added information about the height of the Cold War, and classified information which had remained hidden for decades. The more I read, the less I was focused on the existence of aliens or spaceships. It was clear that Area 51 was more than a dumping ground for UFOs. It is a core part of America’s defense and a hub of top-secret activity only those with a certain clearance level are allowed to see. I believe that some secrets of Area 51 will remain hidden for assorted reasons. However, I do not think it is because of sensational claims by conspiracy theorists but instead feel that its importance to the nation’s defense is far too critical to allow compromise. Area 51 will remain off-limits. But Jacobsen has revealed a wealth of information about the mysterious location in southern Nevada.

Readers looking for gossip about hidden aliens, UFOs and other strange items may be disappointed here, but readers interested in facts about the base, and its role in the Cold War and America’s defense network, will appreciate Jacobsen’s work. She admits that she could not learn everything about Area 51, and to be fair there are no public tours of the facility. However, this book is a thorough account of its existence, development, and importance to national security. I would have liked to learn more about engineer and scientist Vannevar Bush (1890-1974), a co-founder of Raytheon and will have to add a biography of him to my reading list. But in regard to Area 51, this book is exactly what I needed. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004THU68Q
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 17, 2011

The Fighting Bunch: The Battle of Athens and How World War II Veterans Won the Only Successful Armed Rebellion Since the Revolution – Chris DeRose

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

When I saw the name Athens on the cover of this book I was surprised at first. Of course, I knew of Athens, Greece, but knew nothing about the city of the same name in Tennessee, a state I visited in October of last year. But such is the beauty and benefits of books. The story told within this book by Chris DeRose is of the “Battle of Athens” which took place between August 1 – 2, 1946. But what makes the story even more interesting is that the insurrection which took place was executed by American veterans of World War II who had become disillusioned and aghast at the corruption and voting suppression in Athens. This is a book of many stories which all culminated in that hot August night when Americans reclaimed the democracy they fought and died for across Europe and the Pacific.

At first, I could not believe that the insurrection occurred. The idea seemed surreal, and I had never heard of this event in school, nor had I seen anything about it online. However, not only did it occur, but it remains one of the rare times when Americans openly rebelled against a local government. In Athens, a political machine existed with a strong alliance between the powerful E.H. Crump (1854-1974) of Memphis, Senator Paul Cantrell (1895-1962), and local Sheriff Pat Mansfield. All the tricks known for voter suppression and grifting are on full display, and I found myself speechless at the brazen corruption. Political violence, intimidation, extortion, and outright fraud are rife early in the story. But what they did not know at the time was that their days were numbered. However, before we reach the climactic battle in August 1946, the author introduces the major players who lead the charge to retake Athens. And to do that, we go back in time to World War II. 

The back stories of the men who returned to Athens are equally as important as the fallout to come. I was glued to the pages as I read of their experiences in combat, as the Allied forces took on the Axis powers. The past comes alive as we learn of the deadly battles they survived, and the mental and physical scars they carried with them as they returned home to America. Putting the events in Athens aside, their stories could be a book of their own. They each return home changed men who had seen the horrors of war. We follow them as they adjust to society after the military, but it soon becomes apparent that in Athens, there is something very rotten taking place. The GIs have a plan of their own and form a non-partisan party to take on the machine. At the forefront is a veteran named Bill White who becomes the driving force to elect the veterans’ candidate and fellow veteran Knox Henry (d.1952). The powers in control pay little attention to the veterans at first but it soon becomes clear that a rigged election is not on the table. And when the machine pushes back against the GIs, the veterans realize that they may be home, but another war must be fought. The story picks up pace as the GIs turn the City of Athens upside down. 

White and his fellow veterans go to work dismantling the corrupt machine piece by piece. The collapse of Cantrell’s fiefdom is swift and ugly and leaves the corrupt politician with no choice but to exit quickly. However, White and the other veterans were far from done and left no stone unturned as they unseated and removed every politician and law enforcement official who had made their lives a living hell. As I read, it felt as if I were watching a feature film due to the author’s brilliant re-telling of the events. The narrative flows at the right pace with the right amount of suspense added in. Yet, I still could not wrap my head around the fact that this event happened in 1946. It is a story that should be told in classrooms across America. And the story should remove any doubt as to how precious and sacred democracy is. Following the downfall of the machine, the author provides a recap of events and an epilogue which should satisfy readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found inspiration in the veterans’ call to action to push back against a corrupt system which was nothing short of tyranny. If you are looking for a delightful book about Americans standing up for their rights and our democratic processes, this book is highly recommended. 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084M1Y65B
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, 2020

 

Just as I Am – Cicely Tyson with Michelle Burford

On By Genyc79In Autobiography, BiographiesLeave a comment

At the age of ninety-six, actress Cicely Tyson (1924-2021) was able to look back on a journey which no one could have predicted. And when she passed on January 28, 2021, it was another reminder of the mortality which confronts us all. However, there is much to celebrate about her life which she recalls in this autobiography presented to us with the help of author Michelle Burford. The cover caught my attention and once I began, I could not put it down. 

Following a recap of the family’s origins in the small Caribbean nation of Nevis, the story moves to New York City where her parents William (1897-1961) and Fredricka Theodosia Tyson (1897-1974) raise three children in a section of Manhattan Island known as Harlem. Their story is an immigrant tale, and young Cicely soon learns the cruelty of racial discrimination and witnesses the turmoil brewing between her parents. Unbeknownst to her at the time, the actions of her father would come back to play a role in her own life many years later. Cicely, sister Emily (1926-1999), and brother Melrose (1922-1991) each find ways to cope with the strains of family life. The maturing Cicely proves to be the one with the most to learn, and meeting with a pastor’s son named Kenneth throws a curve ball into the story that I did not see coming. And it forces Cicely to evolve from a teenage schoolgirl to an adult very quickly. 

Life becomes complicated for Cicely but eventually stabilizes for her and daughter Joan whom she adores. There are the typical worries about finances, security, and long-term goals. But an unexpected opportunity arises when she decides to answer a call for potential models. One thing leads to the next, and she catches the eye of someone who has connections in the film industry. However, Cicely is skeptical and does not see herself as a Hollywood talent. But she soon comes to terms with it and this quote from her stayed with me long after finishing the book: 

“My mother understood what I didn’t yet at the time, that there’s a path in this life with your name on it. What God means for you to have, no one can take away from you. It’s already yours. Our mission, as God’s children, is to surrender to what he has ordained—and to freely let all else just pass us by.”

As her Hollywood career takes off and the accolades come in, the story changes gears again with the entry of jazz musician Miles Dewey Davis, III (1926-1991). Readers familiar with Davis’s story will know it was beyond wild, but Tyson provides an interesting firsthand account of his battles with substance abuse which Miles himself discussed in his autobiography written with Quincy Troupe. Their story is an unusual account, and their romance did not develop instantly. In fact, Davis was with someone else when they first met. But fate had its own plans, and they would reconnect, find true love with each other, and walk down the aisle to exchange wedding vows. But behind the public image of the sharply dressed power couple, there were dark times due to Davis’s destructive lifestyle. The incidents which occur are surreal but highlight the seriousness of Davis’s condition. Their marriage was a roller coaster ride, and even after separating they remained closed. Tyson comments on an attempt by Miles to reconcile later in life as he continued to deteriorate caught my attention because his proposal instantly puts her on guard and signals that he was dealing with something just as dangerous as drug addiction. 

While Davis comes in and out of the story, Tyson continues to rise as a Hollywood star, and she explains the stories behind her iconic roles and friendships with stars of the past who are no longer with us. It is a fascinating look at the motion picture industry and the challenges faced by black women who find themselves in tinsel town. She waged a constant battle against the stereotypical portrayals of black women and that is part of her enduring legacy. Despite the sexual predators, offensive scripts, and rigors of the entertainment industry, she kept rising as a star and mastering her craft. And in her advanced years, she continued to appear in front of the camera to keep moving forward in life. This is one of the best autobiographies I have read. I only wish it were longer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Tyson’s life and the people who were part of it. Recently, I was eager for another biography to read, and this book was just what I needed. 

“To examine, to question, to discover and evolve—that is what it means to be alive. The day we cease to explore is the day we begin to wilt. I share my testimony in these pages not because I have reached any lasting conclusions, but because I have so much to understand. I am as inquisitive about life now as I was as a child. My story will never be finished, nor should it be. For as long as God grants me breath, I will be living—and writing—my next chapter.” – Cicely Tyson 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08425MPGS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins Publishers, 2021 

Handsome Johnny: The Life and Death of Johnny Rosselli: Gentleman Gangster, Hollywood Producer, CIA Assassin – Lee Server

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On August 7, 1976, a fifty-five-gallon drum was found floating in Dumfoundling Bay near Miami, Florida. Upon closer inspection, authorities were shocked to discover human remains which had been packed inside of the drum with the victim’s legs completely severed. The body was later identified as Johnny “Handsome” Roselli (1905-1976), a well-known Italian American crime figure who had made a fortune in Hollywood and worked with factions within the United States Government to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro (1926-2016).  Roselli’s death was as mysterious as his life as a powerful figure in the criminal underworld. Author Lee Server explores his life in this interesting biography which gave me chills.

I knew of Johnny Roselli before reading the book due to his name appearing in books regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963). The Kennedy family makes their appearance in this book as well, when young Jack finds friends in Las Vegas through his connection to singer Frank Sinatra (1915-1998). But before we reach Roselli’s time on the West Coast, we first learn of his early life in Esperia, Italy, and the family’s migration to Boston, Massachusetts. At first it is a standard immigrant tale of the times but when Roselli’s father passes away, life for young Filippo Sacco as he was known then, is never the same. A stepfather enters the picture, but another curveball is thrown at the reader when we learn of the insanity surrounding his mother’s new love. I was speechless as I read this section, but I was not surprised that young Filippo soon found himself on the wrong side of the law which required an exit stage left.

Chicago is what you would expect, full of gangsters, corrupt politicians, and violence galore. And Johnny steps right into, engaging with some of the most dangerous figures in the annals of organized crime, including Alphonse “Al” Capone (1899-1947) and Frank Nitti (1886-1943). Eventually Chicago loses its luster, and an invitation to come out to California arrives. Seizing the moment, Roselli agrees and the biography changes gears as we revisit the golden age of Hollywood, Las Vegas, and their dark secrets. There is a lot to unpack but the author’s writing style is smooth and engaging, and I found myself soaking up the information as the pages went by. He provides the right amount of attention to each subject without affecting the pace of the book. Roselli was firmly entrenched in the film scene and found himself surrounded by the biggest names in the industry. Yet, no one knew anything about his past. He remained a mystery even to those who knew him well. But that anonymity and steady cash flow were derailed when Castro and his revolutionaries took over Cuba. Roselli may not have known it at the time, but his role in the efforts to silence Castro would seal his own fate in ways he could not have predicted.

When the decision is made to covertly approach the mafia to help oust Castro, the story morphs into a surreal tale of strange alliances, double crosses, and secret agreements. This part of the book is wild, and only the beginning. Roselli’s role and the fallout from the failed attempts to topple Castro are discussed in numerous books regarding Kennedy’s murder but Server provides a good summary of what happened to keep the focus on Roselli’s life story. However, what he does discuss is enough to leave readers with enough information to piece together the picture of the intelligence community’s desire to eliminate Castro. The White House was aware of the plans in store for Castro’s domain, and Roselli found himself in a usual position along with mobster Salvatore “Sam” Giacana (1908-1975), who plays a significant role in Roselli’s story and the Castro plots. There is also a discussion of the 1960 election which remains controversial due to claims that it was “fixed” for Kennedy’s win. When the covert plans between the mafia and government agencies are discovered, both Giacana and Roselli soon realize their lives will never be the same after the Government turned its attention to both.

Roselli finds himself on the radar of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) which begins to investigate his background, and what they find regarding his emigration to America comes back to haunt Roselli’s every move. I was not aware of this part of his story and could not help but think it is something we are currently seeing today as background checks take on a more serious nature. Criminal charges and a conviction for an unrelated issue arise, and following several years of incarceration, Roselli is freed in 1973. The author traces his steps as he relocates from California to Florida where his sister and husband reside. His life calms down as he keeps a low profile, but the past was not done with him. He had become a key witness for committees investigating the intelligence community and its bags of tricks. On July 28, 1976, Roselli took his sister’s car and left the house, never to be seen alive again. The author rightfully explains the gruesome death and the discovery of his remains, but the book does not go into motive or suspects. Instead, it concludes right after his body is given to his relatives. I think a discussion about the crime and who wanted him dead would have been beneficial, but the book is still a great read.

Johnny Roselli’s death remains unsolved, but there are theories as to who killed him. Personally, my first guess would be the mafia itself who saw him as a liability. The manner of his death and sudden disappearance have the markings of a mob hit. Whether that is what happened is unknown, but readers can come to their own conclusions. His death was tragic, but his life was anything but ordinary. He lived fast, spent lavishly, enjoyed access to powerful people, and died violently as powerful people covered their tracks and tied up loose ends. However, Roselli did leave his mark on Hollywood and in American history for better and worse. This is his story and a look at the Italian American mafia whose influence in the United States continues to fascinate readers and moviegoers alike.

ASIN‏ : B00AAYF9MK
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, November 13, 2018

Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D’Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia – Jerry Capeci and Tom Robbins

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On September 27, 1963, underworld crime figure Joseph M. Valachi (1904-1971) arrived as the U.S. Capitol to provide testimony to the Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labor or Management Field, formally known as the “McClellan Committee” due to the presence of its chairman, Senator John L. McClellan (1896-1977). Valachi’s testimony was eye opening and exposed secrets of La Cosa Nostra, loosely translated to “our thing” from the Sicilian dialect. Never before had a rank-and-file member of the Italian American mafia revealed what Valachi disclosed in an open hearing. But over the next forty years, more mobsters would agree to tell what they knew and become cooperating witnesses in federal investigations. Among them was Alphonse “Little Al” D’Arco (1932-2019), a former acting boss of the Lucchese Crime Family in New York City. This is his life story, told to authors Jerry Capeci and Tom Robbins. 

As a native New Yorker, I do have a soft spot for books regarding the Italian American mafia due to my childhood when the mob was all over the five boroughs. D’Arco’s name was familiar to me but I was unaware of his story likely due to his low profile. In fact, prior to his deception, few people outside of the mob and select law enforcement officials knew who he was. But looks can be misleading and some of the most powerful mobsters moved very carefully behind the scenes. The Lucchese family has had its share of press and was portrayed in the 1990 blockbuster film ‘Goodfellas‘ by award-winning director Martin Scorsese. The film continues to stand the test of time, but the real story is darker, grittier, and far more complex. D’Arco’s input sheds light on some things not shown on screen, but the crux of the book is his time in the life, and his decision to become a government witness. 

The story begins in Brooklyn, New York, and has the feel of a classic immigrant experience when parents left everything at home and emigrated to America in search of a better life. Their children, often born in America, did not always see things the same way and soon learned that the streets could provide more money than their parents would ever see in their lives. But before we reach D’Arco’s entry into La Cosa Nostra, we first revisit his time in the military and his marriage to wife Dolores, with whom he had five children. With each new child came more pressure to earn money and a meeting with Lucchese member Vittorio “Vic” Amuso (b. 1934), sets D’Arco on the path that would lead to his downfall and permanently change his family’s life.   

I instantly noticed that D’Arco did not have the vices I had expected in a mob biography. Aside from the money-making schemes he participated in, he does not come across like the gangster we envision when thinking of the mafia. But despite his gentle appearance, he was no pushover and did business with gangsters who found killing to be second nature. What is also interesting is that D’Arco and his sons ran legitimate businesses. And although they did not make him rich, it was steady money and showed that D’Arco was not an illiterate street thug but a highly intelligent and easygoing person who was surrounded by the dark figures in organized crime. As the story progresses, scores of mob figures enter the picture, and I found myself glued to the book as I read of their associations and the issues within the Lucchese family. 

Earlier I mentioned the film ‘Goodfellas’ and although D’Arco is not shown in the film, he did associate with the people we see in the movie such as James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke (1931-1996), Thomas DeSimone  (1946-1979), Henry Hill (1943-2012) and Paul Vario (1914-1988) who was D’Arco’s captain. All are discussed in the book, but Vario is the most relevant as captain, and unlike the others, D’Arco was a made member. Burke, Hill, and DeSimone were not. On a side note, D’Arco comments on the fate of DeSimone and his disappearance in January 1979. It is not known exactly when he was murdered but what we do know is that the Lufthansa heist at John F. Kennedy International Airport occurred on December 11, 1978 and by January 14, 1979, DeSimone had vanished and was reported missing, never to be seen again. There is no smoking gun, but if D’Arco was truthful which I do not doubt, what he says does match the statements of other former mobsters. And what he says about Jimmy matches Hill’s assessment. There are also Paulie’s sons Lenny (1946-1973) and Peter who was very important in the family. Lenny Vario died in October 1973 after suffering severe burns under mysterious circumstances in July of that year. D’Arco makes a comment about what really happened, but to this day the full story behind Lenny Vario’s death remains unknown. Frankly, the real Goodfellas were nowhere as glamorous as their Hollywood versions. 

Combined with the drama surrounding Vario, the Gambinos and Genovese families, D’Arco also has to contend with Vic Amuso and his underboss Anthony “Gaspipe” Casso (1942-2020), who was by far one of the most dangerous mobsters in New York City history. The two bosses eventually become fugitives, and communicate through D’Arco who becomes the acting boss, but their actions and decisions they make are strange, and leave D’Arco puzzled at times. But he follows orders while making mental notes of the paranoia spreading through the family. Murder became a constant tool and the instructions to murder men he once called friends leaves him with an uneasy feeling in his stomach. And it is not long before he begins to see that his own days are numbered. It is at this point that the writing is on the wall, and his choice to turn on the mafia deals a blow to La Cosa Nostra from which it would never recover. Along with him is son Joseph whose time in the life also ended as Uncle Sam became their new extended family. 

It was apparent that leaving the life was the most difficult Al and his son Joseph would ever make and there are no winners in the story. Everyone suffers and a key takeaway from this book is that life in the mob was destructive to families and it ruined lives. But D’Arco was able to live out his days in the witness protection program, far away from the people who began to plot his demise. On March 28, 2019, he died at the age of eighty-six, but his story has been captured infinitely in this book which peels back the layers on life in the mafia. If you need a good book about the mob and its impact on those in and outside of the life, this is a good addition to the reading list. 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00C74VCC2
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Dunne Books, 2013

 

Wilson – A. Scott Berg

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Recently, I was in the mood for a good biography and saw this book for sale in my list of recommendations. I thought about current events, and the discussions regarding the system of checks and balances within the United States Government. Like millions of other Americans, I knew the name of the nation’s twenty-eighth President Thomas Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), but did not know the story of his life. I have seen comments on social media about the pros and cons of his time in office but thought that it was crucial to learn for myself the impact he had on the United States of America. This biography by A. Scott Berg is thorough, well-written and has a beautifully flowing narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish. I came away from the book with a range of feelings but also with a deeper understanding of American history.

This book is long, well over seven hundred pages, but at no point did I feel a sense of boredom. In fact, the opposite occurred, and I found myself eager to keep reading as Wilson’s life moves forward until the end. As the story begins, the author points out that although Wilson was not born in the American South, he was a Southerner and had sympathy towards the region. That is not to say he was a supporter of the Confederacy, but his upbringing in the South impacted his decisions later in life, which are explained in the book. From the beginning, religion is a significant aspect of the story with Wilson clinging to his faith through all trials and tribulations. Today we would call it prudence, but in Wilson’s era the bond between politician and the gospel were deeply intertwined. Wilson was not fanatical, but his daily routine removes any doubt that he believed in the Lord’s book.

Wilson was exceptionally bright, and I was not surprised by his academic advancement in the book. I was not aware that he served as president of Princeton University. That part of the story is fascinating, and his endeavors to move the school forward pay off exponentially. But his time as president is not without its difficulties, and we see in the story that even on campus, politics in administration are a source of consternation. However, Wilson remains steadfast and attracts the eye of political donors who see in him a candidate for public office. And it is at this point in the book where the story changes gears.

Politics is not on his radar, and today we would call Wilson a “book worm”. We would also call him “progressive” in some ways and “regressive” in others. The public soon learned when he was elected Governor of New Jersey. This section of the biography moves quickly, and the reason is that Wilson was in office briefly before he takes another leap to the White House in 1912. That story is surreal, and I am sure for Wilson it was mind boggling to be on the brink of becoming the nation’s commander-in-chief. He went on to win the election but also inherited much larger problems not only affecting New Jersey, but the entire country. At his side is first wife Ellen (1861-1914) who bears him three daughters and proves to be the source of support Wilson needs as the rigors of the oval office take their toll. Wilson proves to be a competent leader, well-liked across the nation and blessed with oratorical skills paralleled by few. But tragedy strikes in 1914, leaving him a shell of himself. This is compounded by health issues, one of which returns later in life to wreak havoc on his body. The health episodes occur quite early in his life and never go completely away. The lack of television and social media made it easier to safeguard the physical issues which were significant. And during the last year of his presidency, the secrecy went to new levels as the public remained in the dark about Wilson’s fading health.

A second wife Edith (1872-1961) becomes the rock in Wilson’s life and from all accounts, they enjoyed a happy union like his first marriage. Edith would outlive Wilson by thirty-seven years and even attend the inauguration of another president blessed with the gift of speechmaking. However, there was another woman in his life named Mary Hulbert Peck (d. 1939). The the jury is still out on whether she was his mistress and while the author suggests that it was not an “affair” in the way we think of it, the truth remains unknown. What we learn in the story is that Wilson wrote her letters, sent books, and remained in contact with her throughout his life. But his wives met Ms. Peck and Wilson never hid his affection for them from her. This part of the story is curious but there is no smoking gun.

Wilson’s presidency is the crux of the book and paramount during this time was World War I, a conflict in America had remained neutral until 1917.  Wilson lays out the case for America’s involvement. It is interesting, and an eerie premonition of what would happen in 1941, as another president and Wilson protege Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) gave a moving speech in the wake of the Japanese attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base. Following the allied victory, Wilson is convinced another world war is lurking in the future and throws his support behind the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. But first he had to convince America that both were in its best interest, and to do so, he embarks on a cross-country tour speaking directly to American about the future of the planet. I found this part to be absolute gold because it is no frills, just the president speaking to the people in the way only Wilson could do. But for all his successes and crowd moving, Wilson failed in other areas.

I had once heard that Wilson “segregated” Washington. While he did not give any such orders himself, his decisions did result in re-segregation of the federal workforce, and his justification for allowing it to happen is beyond short-sighted. Wilson was undoubtedly a product of his times, and had Southern beliefs when he came to race relations although he did not believe in slavery and wanted blacks to excel in life. However, he fell short of being the progressive president he was seen as by many when failing to confront racial discrimination headfirst. The author pulls no punches about Wilson’s shortcomings when it comes to African Americans, and the missed opportunities to correct the nation’s wrongs. Added to this is the screening at the White House of a film which reinforced the vision of the Confederacy and set blacks back decades. To be fair, the author shows no proof that Wilson was a supporter of the film, nor did he promote it but regrettably kept silent. While I read, I had hoped to see a statement condemning the film, but it never came. For Wilson, racial discrimination was a problem, but it would always take a back seat to world issues. I should point out that he made the mistake of surrounding himself with people who had no desire to see blacks ever have success in America. Frankly, his cabinet had its share of white supremacists. And one of Wilson’s subordinates marries the first couple’s youngest daughter, which adds a layer of complexity to his second term and personal life.

Health remains a constant issue in the book, and Wilson’s decline is evident as the story progresses. After leaving Washington, D.C., he makes several public appearances as discussed by the author, but the Woodrow Wilson of old is long gone. Left behind was a senior ravaged by strokes and the stress of the presidency. Edith does her best to keep him in good spirits but father time spares no one and the former president takes his last breath on February 3, 1924. The last moments of his life are without fanfare, and when he makes his departure, it marks the end of an incredible life that I enjoyed reading about. I neither admired nor despised Wilson but did feel he could have achieved greater ideas and goals. But I also reminded myself that the world was a different place in 1924. But the past is always prologue. This biography is a fair look at the life of Woodrow Wilson and America under his watch. If you are watching the world’s events and want to know more about how we reached this point, this book is a good addition to every library.

ASIN : B00B1FG7QO
Publisher: Berkley, September 10, 2013