The Good, the Bad and the Forgiven

by Michael Franzese

Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York's violent and feared Colombo crime family. Intelligent, handsome and ambitious, he quickly rose within the ranks of organized crime. It was a life filled with power, luxury...and deadly violence.Then an innocent young woman walked into Michael's life. Her exotic beauty captivated him...Her faith in God saved him. It's a story with a powerful Nothing is too bad that it can't be forgiven - life can begin again.

Genres: Biography, Crime

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Michael Franzese (born May 27, 1951) is an American former New York mobster and caporegime of the Colombo crime family, and son of former underboss John Franzese. Franzese was enrolled in a pre-med program at Hofstra University, but dropped out to make money for his family after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery in 1967. He eventually helped implement a scheme to defraud the federal government out of gasoline taxes in the early 1980s.

By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese had claimed that at the height of his career, he was making up to $8 million per week. In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. Soon after, he retired to California and is now a motivational speaker and writer.

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-mobster Michael Franzese takes you on a journey from the mob, to prison, and to a bold new life. This is his testimony of how he found Jesus and learned that no matter how bad a person is, he can be forgiven.

The facts he gave for why Jesus is the true son of God and how the Bible is not a fraud were straight up legit -- no arguments. I didn't feel pressured into thinking anything at all. Read chapter 10: "The Evidence" and be completely blown away. He knows what he's talking about therefore he knows his purpose in life. Read this and be inspired to find yours.

[David Blynov · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be divided into two sections: the first explores how Franzese was "born again" into the mob life; the second is about how he was "born again" again, but this time, into the Christian life. Franzese's testimony is truly powerful. Worth the read :)

4.2/5

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has honestly been one of the best books i’ve ever read. It shows a testimony that we would have never heard of, and is so interesting and inspiring to read about. If you are a christian or just interested in the cover i would definitely suggest you read it. It will change your life for the better!! He is able to explain bible topics in such a simple and refreshing way like he says this about lukewarm Christans “I either believe Him when He proclaims that he is the Son of God and accept that He truly is the Savior of the world or I do not. There is no provision to “sit on the fence.” I am either for Him or against Him.” I truly know that this book didn’t find you by accident and i do hope and pray that you read it!!

[Karen Strumlak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Michael on the radio speaking about this book so I bought it. If I wasn't already a follower of Jesus, this book would convince me to truly be a child of God. He secures all the truths I believe in and proves beyond a doubt the truths and power of our Bible. Great story of his transformation from a mob boss to a man living for God and loving others.

[Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

A "Come to Christ" story from an ex-mafia boss. There are some worthy elements and I stayed engaged, although the story is quite predictable.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting book in telling how he turned his life around.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has a really great focus of him going from a mob boss to a Christian. Phenominal book.