A Goomba's Guide to Life

One of the best friends I ever had was a guy from "the neighborhood" (actually Long Island) who was so obviously Italian-American (and a fair slice Colombian too, if the truth be telt) that he seemed to be a parody of his own lifestyle. Little did I know, he wasn't a self-parody...he was simply A WORLD-CLASS GOOMBA. I had grown up understanding this to be an insult...and under some circumstances, it is...but the truth is that those guys who live The Good Life as gangsters on TV and the movies aren't just the embodiment of some preppy screenwriter's fantasy; they are in fact living arguably the best possible life there is. This book tells you, in some ways more certain than others, just how to live that same life, even if you've no more any Italian blood within your veins than Elvis Presley (solidly honorary Goomba status) or Genghis Khan. It's a fascinating introduction to anyone who's ever been captivated by the lifestyle portrayed onscreen by uber-actors Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, and yes, James Gandolphini and the cast of "The Sopranos", yet was understandably hesitant about embracing the lifestyle most often showcased in their most widely-regarded films or TV shows. In other words, you don't have to be a gangster to be a big shot. You DO have to THINK you're a big shot whether or not you actually ARE before anyone else inside the know will believe that you are or not. My father once told me that ever since the Jazz Age, young black males have been the one group that most young white males most sought to emulate. I don't dispute that, but reading this book should certainly give most impressionable young men cause to pause; the Goomba understands life in a fashion that most anyone else will never completely grasp without serious intervention. Ladies and gentlemen of all ethnicities, I offer "A Goomba's Guide To Life" as the best non-Biblical way to find your way through existance since the Von Hoffman Brothers' "Big Damn Book of Sheer Manliness". You never quite understand completely if the intentions are pure or parodoxic, but they are regardless entertaining; sterotypes are not embraced, but they are certainly not cast aside without all due reverance. A great read, makes me wish even more that I was from "the neighborhood".

I started out a little skeptical, thinking this was just another product tied to the Sopranos name, hoping to snag the fans for their hard earned money. I was wrong! This book is has something for everyone; humor(yea, it's the guy kind, but I have to believe that guys are the target audience), Steve's history, life in the Italian-American neighborhood, an inside look at the Sopranos and recipes(simple, yet very good). What more could you ask for? Now I can't wait for his second book, "The Goomba's Book of Love"!

I'm a literary snob, and when I saw this book on the bookstore counter, I cringed. Schirripa is a terrific actor on The Sopranos, but I immediately figured this was another attempt by a level B celeb to make some extra cash with garbage masquerading as a book. But I opened it and started reading in the check out line and started laughing so hard and loud other customers started rubbernecking. The kind of laughs that bring tears to your eyes and pain to your stomach. This guy is truly funny, and all of his humor is based on truth. The book is also written with tremendous warmth, and could be subtitled "Pasta Fazool for the Goomba Soul." It's actually inspiring. And--how's this for a plus--it contains some fantastic and easy recipes. I feel like I got more than my money's worth from this book--laughs, inspiration, and some great Italian meals.

absolutely loved the book. funny, true, and an excellent celebration of the italian culture in many ways. the book could use a section depicting the characteristics and rituals of goombas from across the country (e.g. Buffalo). otherwise, the book is an exciting tale of being italian. The book also could be classified as a simple self-help book because Steve is right on about good goomba's: we treat people right, we love our family first and foremost, and we have a positive attitude. By the way my son is anthony, my daughter is gabriella, my dad was anthony and my mom was marie. mom just paased away and for her eulogy i ended it with Jerry Vale's "More". This goomba also knows what he's talking about. all the best to my fella goombas!

This is a very funny book. It accurately portrays what it's like being an Italian guy from New York. And let me tell you from experience, it's exactly as fun & funny as Schirripa describes. Another good book about an Italian guy from New York is "No One's Even Bleeding". (Also highly recommended.)