This was the first OC book I ever read. There is alot of good info, as was posted before, about the early years. Joe Bonanno controled the commission, along with Mangano, Profaci, Gagliano and Magadinno, from the late 30's to the late 50's. He was very well respected among bosses from around the country, and represented Colorado, and San Jose at commision meetings. He had territories in Montreal, NYC, California, and Arizona. The book dwells on his victories, but not his defeats. He also maintains that he never dealt drugs, which is hard to believe, as his underboss Lilo Galante was heavily involved in heroin, as well as other capos. He also claims to have been kidnapped by his cousin, but it is beielved that he faked that in order to avoid the grand juries looking for him. His dissapearing act also confused his own family and made the other bosses nervous.

Overall it is a good book to read.

One thing to remember, all mafia books, whether about the boss or an associate, have the same theme. The subject was always smarter than those around him and was more powerful and respected. In addtition they mostly try to appear to have done more than they have, and to have been involved with the most important events that occoured.