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The Brooklyn Boys Club
Born and raised in Bensonhurst Brooklyn, Renzo has always been the craziest kid on the block: always first to sink a boat, to steal a car or to egg-bombard an unlucky cop. However, as he grows up, all his "stunts", fearlessness and great personality attracts the attention of underground rulers of the heavily mob-associated neighborhood. Now Renzo and his friends have to decide for themselves if they want to become a part of the "family"... or create their own Brooklyn Boys "family", where the first rule is that there are no rules. Impossible to put down, The Brooklyn Boys Club is like a roller-coaster ride that will open the Italian-American side of New York City to you on a completely different level: you will laugh out loud, you'll hold your breath and in the end you'll fall in love with Renzo and his daredevils, who laugh in the face of danger and never play it safe or by the rules.
212 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2015
About the author
Ellie Midwood
49 books1,251 followersEllie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author, whose works have been translated into 20 languages. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 25, 2017
Wow! This book was not what I expected when I purchased it. It was actually much better. I was expecting a shoot-em up gangster book filled with territorial and "business" disputes that ended up with bullets flying and bodies being chopped up. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself reading a very well written book from a different perspective- that of young Renzo as he grows up in the heavily mob populated area of Bensonhurst Brooklyn.
Ellie does an excellent job bringing the reader along with Renzo as he grows and moves up in the mob world he lives in. We are taken along on this incredible journey of living and surviving in a mobster environment, that is the only life young Renzo knows. Unaware of life outside this world of crime, he thinks the only way to succeed in life is to work his way up the ladder. It turns out he is a natural at this and has a special knack for avoiding arrest. He also is very good with his fists, an important skill for surviving in this world.
Ellie takes the reader on a unique journey through this criminal world from the perspective of growing up in it. She brings Renzo and his small group of buddies to life in this book. She introduces us to different characters throughout the book as Renzo gets older and deeper into the criminal world. We experience the honor system and code of ethics these kids grow up with in these neighborhoods. A code that always puts family first and the sacredness of family to them. Or how vengeance is never directed at women and children. She does a great job giving the reader a peek behind the curtain into this dark world.
Ellie does such a good job with the characters and stories that its hard to tell whether the book is historical fiction or historical nonfiction.
Ellie does an excellent job bringing the reader along with Renzo as he grows and moves up in the mob world he lives in. We are taken along on this incredible journey of living and surviving in a mobster environment, that is the only life young Renzo knows. Unaware of life outside this world of crime, he thinks the only way to succeed in life is to work his way up the ladder. It turns out he is a natural at this and has a special knack for avoiding arrest. He also is very good with his fists, an important skill for surviving in this world.
Ellie takes the reader on a unique journey through this criminal world from the perspective of growing up in it. She brings Renzo and his small group of buddies to life in this book. She introduces us to different characters throughout the book as Renzo gets older and deeper into the criminal world. We experience the honor system and code of ethics these kids grow up with in these neighborhoods. A code that always puts family first and the sacredness of family to them. Or how vengeance is never directed at women and children. She does a great job giving the reader a peek behind the curtain into this dark world.
Ellie does such a good job with the characters and stories that its hard to tell whether the book is historical fiction or historical nonfiction.
October 12, 2019
What a Great Story!
I was completely fascinated with this book. It's so well-written that I felt I personally knew the characters. It's a must read, and I'll read it again and again.
I was completely fascinated with this book. It's so well-written that I felt I personally knew the characters. It's a must read, and I'll read it again and again.
May 1, 2015
“The Brooklyn Boys Club” is the story of Renzo, an Italian-American growing up in Bensonhurst. Renzo played a part in the organized crime community with hundreds of other young Italian men growing up in the neighborhood. I enjoyed the way this story was told in a memoir/biographical format. As Renzo spoke I could hear the Italian accent in my mind as I read the words.
Though this book is about a mobster it isn’t a gore-filled crime fest. Criminal activity is certainly a central theme but the story is told in such a way that Renzo and his cohorts are humanized and highly likeable and entertaining fellows. Renzo’s path to becoming a lifetime member of the “Brooklyn Boys Cub” began at a young age. Submerged in a community and subculture it was natural for him to gravitate towards organized crime. However, Renzo wasn’t the monster the media often portrays men such as him as being. There are some real monsters mentioned in this book (Sammy ”The Bull” Gravano is just one example), Renzo was less of a killer and more of a fun loving, thrill seeking, exceptionally intelligent manipulator and talented getaway driver. Renzo is referenced in the book as “One of the toughest guys in Brooklyn with a cute boy’s face, the perfect front man and professional bullshitter.” I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics, both fun-hearted and criminal. His bullshittery is irresistible and his life story is incredibly entertaining. Well-written, well-edited and highly recommended.
Though this book is about a mobster it isn’t a gore-filled crime fest. Criminal activity is certainly a central theme but the story is told in such a way that Renzo and his cohorts are humanized and highly likeable and entertaining fellows. Renzo’s path to becoming a lifetime member of the “Brooklyn Boys Cub” began at a young age. Submerged in a community and subculture it was natural for him to gravitate towards organized crime. However, Renzo wasn’t the monster the media often portrays men such as him as being. There are some real monsters mentioned in this book (Sammy ”The Bull” Gravano is just one example), Renzo was less of a killer and more of a fun loving, thrill seeking, exceptionally intelligent manipulator and talented getaway driver. Renzo is referenced in the book as “One of the toughest guys in Brooklyn with a cute boy’s face, the perfect front man and professional bullshitter.” I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics, both fun-hearted and criminal. His bullshittery is irresistible and his life story is incredibly entertaining. Well-written, well-edited and highly recommended.
May 18, 2015
Being a die hard fan of romance novels, I have read a plethora of books where the hero is nothing less than The Perfect Gentleman. He is kind, caring, sweet, humble and loving. But Ellie Midwood in her story, 'The Brooklyn Boys Club', has us focusing on the exact opposite of The Perfect Gentleman.
Renzo is what you call, an anti-hero.
And he is best one there is.
Having been raised to fend for himself, be tough, be a protector of those lucky enough to be his friends and make a name for himself, Renzo has grown up to be the one who loved taking life by the horns and driving it in whichever direction he sees fit.
More often than not, Renzo takes reckless and ruthless decisions where zero importance is given to the potentially dangerous outcomes. He is the epitome of an adrenaline junkie. Living the rush is his drug and he just wouldn't go without it.
Ellie has penned down an account of the thrilling life Renzo led. She has done an absolutely marvelous job of using humor to guide her words. The stories, incidents and instances cracked me up, despite there being blood involved.
Renzo shows you how to party. Literally. There are sexy girls, brilliant music and gallons of liquor to keep his guests happy.
The Brooklyn Boys Club is a smooth and easy read, and keeps you engaged till the very last page. This is one book I will be popularizing as hard as I possibly can.
Renzo is what you call, an anti-hero.
And he is best one there is.
Having been raised to fend for himself, be tough, be a protector of those lucky enough to be his friends and make a name for himself, Renzo has grown up to be the one who loved taking life by the horns and driving it in whichever direction he sees fit.
More often than not, Renzo takes reckless and ruthless decisions where zero importance is given to the potentially dangerous outcomes. He is the epitome of an adrenaline junkie. Living the rush is his drug and he just wouldn't go without it.
Ellie has penned down an account of the thrilling life Renzo led. She has done an absolutely marvelous job of using humor to guide her words. The stories, incidents and instances cracked me up, despite there being blood involved.
Renzo shows you how to party. Literally. There are sexy girls, brilliant music and gallons of liquor to keep his guests happy.
The Brooklyn Boys Club is a smooth and easy read, and keeps you engaged till the very last page. This is one book I will be popularizing as hard as I possibly can.
May 25, 2015
"The Brooklyn Boys Club" is presided over by a crazy Italian-American named Renzo, who lives life to the fullest each and every day. From a childhood in the Bensonhurst area to adulthood as a businessman, getaway car driver and womanizing party animal, Renzo is a likeable thrillseeker and borderline mobster. If there have been "hits" or serious felonies in his past, Renzo doesn't choose to reveal them in this memoir-like account. But big-time crime isn't necessary to propel the story as Renzo manages to keep everyone in Brooklyn jumping with zany misadventures in sea-faring boats, motorcycles, in cars or on the streets. It seems like he's always one step ahead of the cops, and even when he's not, somehow they look the other way or seem helpless when he pulls pranks like pelting them with crates of eggs. Maybe it's the power and influence of Renzo and those he knows.
Renzo gets older and wiser as the story progresses, but he never really grows up. And that's what makes "The Brooklyn Boys Club" so much fun. In your heart, you know you want to live like that. Author Ellie Midwood has penned a fun-filled account of a wiseguy who fits right into a world where you expect Marlon Brando to walk in any minute, playing his most famous role.
Renzo gets older and wiser as the story progresses, but he never really grows up. And that's what makes "The Brooklyn Boys Club" so much fun. In your heart, you know you want to live like that. Author Ellie Midwood has penned a fun-filled account of a wiseguy who fits right into a world where you expect Marlon Brando to walk in any minute, playing his most famous role.
June 12, 2015
This is the second book I've read by Ellie Midwood. What I love most about her stories is the way she tells them. I don't know how she does it exactly, but I always feel like she's sitting beside me sharing her deepest darkest secrets and wildest tales. I feel like I'm watching the story unfold, like I'm standing close enough to reach out and touch it's characters and hear their thoughts. Like the New York Doll, the Brooklyn Boys Club is gritty but funny, genuine but brutally honest. It is the life story of Renzo, an Italian gangster involved in organized crime. Parts of the story are shocking and heinous, but somehow Ellie allows us to see the human side, the reality of being born into a life of crime. Instead of being the character you love to hate, he's the guy you hate to admit you love. Ms. Midwood has a talent for seeking beauty in the ugliest of situations, and giving us a glimpse into lifestyles so far from the norm. Superb job! Can't wait to see what comes next!!!
May 12, 2015
It is Ellie's skill at accurately tapping into real life stories among particular groups of people that makes her work so intriguing to read. In "The Brooklyn Boys Club," she taps into the reality of wild and dangerous Italian-American youths growing up in Brooklyn and provides the reader with a feeling of authenticity. She gives clear, entertaining glimpses into this oftentimes alluring world. She also does a great job of crafting a really fun ride for the reader. Each story that Renzo recounts is hilarious and entertaining and at times tense and suspenseful. I loved this book. You’ll find yourself reading this one quickly.
April 28, 2015
Ellie is excellent at diving into crazy stories about a Mob family and turning them into a page turner, making your wonder what they will do next. Renzo is learning the business and is always trying to better himself. Whether it's taking boating classes to be "recklessly safe" or learning to to steal cars and outwit cops, he takes his job very seriously. The stories are just hilarious and his friends were just as wide eyed as me when it happened!
Super good and super fast read!! I love Ellie's style of writing and I can't wait to read more of her books!!!
May 22, 2015
Ms. Midwood's follow-up novel to her well-received debut, 'The New York Doll', is a breathless ride through the life and times of Renzo, an underworld wise-guy from the New York Italian-American subculture. Alternately horrifying and humorous, the story comes at you like a swarm of angry bees. The writing is slick and polished, humming with a undercurrent of violence reminiscent of 'Goodfellas'. You will both love and hate the characters - and isn't that was realistic fiction (if indeed one can categorise this as 'fiction') should be like?
A great, meaty read.
A great, meaty read.
January 3, 2016
Much better than I had expected it to be. Reading the prologue I had one idea where the book was going but, although truthful, it didn't quite prepare me for the ride I was on. Renzo is a Italian-American New York mobster and this is about his life, his friends and family and his work ethics. Like many books and films in the genre, what's funny and what isn't, what is good and what is bad, can be found on the same page.
Unusual and classic mobster fare that fans of the genre should not pass by.
Unusual and classic mobster fare that fans of the genre should not pass by.
October 16, 2024
Definitely not what I expected! Despite the violence (mostly fist fighting), following the life of Renzo is absolutely entertaining. I loved the nicknames, the practical jokes, and the crazy misadventures of Renzo and his friends. Renzo was such a good salesman he was able to talk his way out of trouble with the help of his big doughy eyes. It finally took his soulmate and natural aging for him to make some lifestyle changes, but I don't think he ever lot his sense of humor.
April 28, 2015
If you're a fan of "The Godfather" and "The Bronx Tale", this is the book for you.
Born and raised in Bensonhurst Brooklyn, Renzo has always been the craziest kid on the block: always first to sink a boat, to steal a car or to egg-bombard an unlucky cop. However, as he grows up, all his “stunts”, fearlessness and great personality attracts the attention of underground rulers of the heavily mob-associated neighborhood. Now Renzo and his friends have to decide for themselves if they want to become a part of the “family”… or create their own Brooklyn Boys “family”, where the first rule is that there are no rules.
Impossible to put down, The Brooklyn Boys Club is like a roller-coaster ride that will open the Italian-American side of New York City to you on a completely different level: you will laugh out loud, you’ll hold your breath and in the end you’ll fall in love with Renzo and his daredevils, who laugh in the face of danger and never play it safe or by the rules.
Born and raised in Bensonhurst Brooklyn, Renzo has always been the craziest kid on the block: always first to sink a boat, to steal a car or to egg-bombard an unlucky cop. However, as he grows up, all his “stunts”, fearlessness and great personality attracts the attention of underground rulers of the heavily mob-associated neighborhood. Now Renzo and his friends have to decide for themselves if they want to become a part of the “family”… or create their own Brooklyn Boys “family”, where the first rule is that there are no rules.
Impossible to put down, The Brooklyn Boys Club is like a roller-coaster ride that will open the Italian-American side of New York City to you on a completely different level: you will laugh out loud, you’ll hold your breath and in the end you’ll fall in love with Renzo and his daredevils, who laugh in the face of danger and never play it safe or by the rules.
February 5, 2016
To start with I really liked the way Ellie Midwood introduced her main character, Renzo. You really get the feel for him before the story begins on its roller-coaster ride. The prologue states that the stories and characters portrayed are 'real' and based on their confessions. No matter if you believe this or not I am so glad the confessions led to The Brooklyn Boys Club. The secondary characters are also well drawn, the story has been thought out so well that there are no loose threads once you come to a riveting finish.
The tongue in cheek humour and retorts did make me chuckle, especially when they went sailing at night.The plot differs from the heavy drawn out mobster family sagas I usually read. Instead I read a well written story with a believable MC. Such was the writing and narrative I could actually imagine myself in Brooklyn.
The tongue in cheek humour and retorts did make me chuckle, especially when they went sailing at night.The plot differs from the heavy drawn out mobster family sagas I usually read. Instead I read a well written story with a believable MC. Such was the writing and narrative I could actually imagine myself in Brooklyn.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews