This Family of Mine: What It Was Like Growing Up Gotti

I cannot WAIT to read this. After watching her story on lifetime in excited to read her words.

Victoria Gotti wrote this book with obvious love and adoration for her father but never does she put on rose tinted glasses to paint her father as anything other than the true John Gotti, warts and all. There were many times throughout the book that I was expecting denials and excuses over some of the more famous incidents in Gotti's criminal career but Victoria was honest or at least honest to the best of her knowledge. She takes us through a journey of her father's pitiful childhood which really makes you understand how criminals are made not born. Her mother's childhood was just as sad. She also takes us through her own journey of very serious health problems, an ex husband who had some major psychological problems and the heartbreak of watching her brother struggle along as he followed the footsteps of his father. For all the wannabe's out there and those who envied the fame, glamour and wealth, I don't know many people who would want to trade places with her after reading her book. Say what you want about the criminal John Gotti but as a Dad he was great. I've read a hundred books like this but Victoria is a very talented writer and brings her own unique perspective to a story we were all dying to hear. Too bad MacKenzie Phillips didn't have a father like John Gotti.

I have to admit not only was the book a wonderful read but I was totally impressed with Victoria Gotti's skill as a writer. She really paints a picture in your head. From the opening pages describing the cemetary gate and surroundings to the upbringing and family dynamics of the Gotti family. I could not put the book down and Ms Gotti's interviews with 48 hours was an impressive backdrop as well. My only complaint, which is not the authors fault so it does not affect my rating is the Kindle Price of the book. I noticed that the hardback and Kindle price are only some change apart. That in my opinion, is ridiculous. Since when does the ebook cost as much? Other then that I would get it and plan to sit down with no interruptions you will NOT want to put it down. One last thing, I commented under the post but I am going to convey the short version here of the negative review (as of now there is only one) posted. NOTHING annoys me more then people who rate low based on their FEELINGS about the subject matter. I have no problem with bad reviews if you have read the book, however as you can see this person didn't and for some reason believes we are rating his feelings about subject.. it brings ratings down and is beyond idiotic. Feel free to ignore this and other reviews like it (I am sure there will be more) and read it for yourself, you are sure to learn alot and find this an entertaining biography.

I give Victoria Gotti credit...Do not underestimate her - she IS a good writer. I also have her out-of-print book "Superstar" and at first I thought I wasn't going to get into reading the book but I did. The family history and struggles in her current memoir to just survive when she was growing up I can relate to. What drew me in was her living in Brooklyn and Queens (I currently live in Queens still even though I am Brooklyn born). Who isn't interested in reading about the Mafia? A thumbs up on this one.

Finally a factual and truthful book about John Gotti! I could not put it down!

Gotti is forthcoming and brutally honest in telling the real truth about growing up in one of Americas most famous families. I found this book to be a quick and fast-paced yarn that left me crying, laughing and wanting more....It is also well written and quick moving--I strongly suggest this book for anyone who enjoys memoirs and family drama.