Stepson to the Mob: A Memoir of Decisions, Deception, and a Mother’s Deep Devotion

by Marc Bradley

From the time I was old enough to form my first memory, my childhood was already headed down the inevitable path of dysfunction. With divorce in the books and a new man in the house, these events actually turned out to be the easy part. The hard part was absolutely everything else that followed.

From the depths of addiction to the height of recovery. From a life-threatening diagnosis to the ultimate loss of a lifetime, my story will take you through a journey of one mother’s love for her two young boys and the relentless courage to protect us, at any cost, from the very danger that she unwittingly had a hand in creating. It was a danger that would force us to disappear without a trace, from the only home we ever knew to a small town that no one could even pronounce. And as our lives were so quickly being turned upside down, all reasons for this upheaval could only point to one the new man in the house.

As the secrets began to pile up, there seemed to be far more questions than answers. The pressure to keep these secrets from us would inevitably take its toll, and by the time the truth was finally revealed, the emotional damage had already been done.

No matter what degree of dysfunction that was dealt us, as two innocent boys from Chicago, thanks to our mother’s unwavering love, we always had one thing to hold on to—hope. Hope of a second chance. Hope of a fresh start. The hope of a better ending to our story than the tragic beginning we were so unfairly given.

116 pages, Hardcover

Published April 11, 2022

Reviews

[Niki Maloney]

It is hard to rate this book because it is someone’s life-story. The author does a good job of giving you important details without the drudgery of everyday life. Sometimes I was left wanting to know more, but as you read you realize this is really his mom’s story as much as it’s his. The voice is definitely authentic but it could have used a professional editor to help smooth out some rough writing.

Overall a quick and easy read that reminds you, be kind to those around you because you never really know their story.

[Jerry]

“Stepson to a Mob” is a memoir about the author's childhood and the challenges he faced growing up, including divorce, dysfunction, addiction, and loss. Marc’s mother is depicted as a loving and courageous figure who did her best to protect her children. The family was forced to move to a small town and keep secrets, and the emotional toll of this is described. The book emphasizes the hope that Marc held onto throughout his difficult childhood.

Overall the book is very touching and emotional, i will truly recommend reading it .. these kinds of book are some hidden gems which needs to be highlighted and bought to people’s attention!

[Amy Harrison]

A true story of surviving a traumatic childhood

What a great story of the love between a mother and her children. Even in times when she was making bad decisions for herself, she still protected her son's.
being from Topeka Kansas, and knowing several of the people and places mentioned in this book it brought me back to my own crazy life in the 80s and 90s. Great job Bradley! Your Mom would be very proud of you!

[Lynn Southgate]

Very simple writing but somewhat interesting.