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Politics and Pasta: How I Prosecuted Mobsters, Rebuilt a Dying City, Dined with Sinatra, Spent Five Years in a Federally Funded Gated Community, and Lived to Tell the Tale
An election is a war and "to the victor belongs the spoils." As I learned so well, that's the real democratic process. After all, you'll never see a victorious politician tell his supporters, "I want to thank all of you who worked so hard for my election. However, in the interest of good government, I've decided to give all the jobs to those people who voted against me." My name is Buddy Cianci. I spent almost three decades as mayor of Providence...before leaving for an enforced vacation in a federally funded gated community. When I first took office, Providence was a dying industrial city, and I helped turn it into one of the most desirable places to live in America. I did it by playing the game of hardball politics as well as it has ever been played. My favorite Frank Sinatra lyric is "I did it my way," because that's the only way a mayor can run a city. As I used to tell my staff, "When you spend your weekends kissing elderly women with mustaches, you can make the decisions." If you want to know the truth about how politics is played, you picked the right book. This is the behind-the-locked-door story of how politics in America really works. It's take me a lifetime of successes and failures to write it. It's all in these pages. I have been called many things in my I've been "America's Most Innovative Mayor," a "colorful character," and a convicted felon. But no one has ever called me shy.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 3, 2020
Sorry, Barack Obama—this book is far and away the best political memoir ever written. It's full of incredible details, like the time Buddy Cianci was accused of assaulting his estranged wife's lover with a fireplace log (he says, "it wasn't true—I never hit him with it"), or the time he ended a garbage strike by having shotgun-armed cops ride in trash trucks driven by union scabs. Cianci was corrupt and abusive, and I'm sure 90% of this book is a lie, but boy is it entertaining.
February 5, 2021
Absolutely phenomenal. Hilarious and honest. This should mandatory reading for all RI residents.
January 23, 2016
A pretty entertaining book by the Prince of Providence, former Mayor Buddy Cianci. Mayor Cianci gives an broad brush overview of his colorful career in politics, and takes a couple of get even shots at some of his principal tormenters. You can see the culture clash in this book, as the refined blue bloods of Rhode Island politics (Lincoln and John Chaffee, Lincoln Almond, etc) collectively hold their nose while dealing with the over the top ethnic Mayor of Providence. In the end the establishment got their man, putting Cianci in jail on a RICO charge.
We get the Buddy side of the story, but we also do get an unvarnished view of how his "philosophy" of municipal management was translated into action. There is no question that Providence, under his stewardship, accomplished some significant things that changed the City for the better. Buddy was a broad stroke Mayor, and some of those broad strokes created great and positive change for the City. But not knowing the details, as he ruefully acknowledges, was one of his great weaknesses, and ultimately brought him down.
I do not believe they will be teaching the Buddy Cianci methodology of management at any schools in the near future. Having said that he was undeniably a beloved figure in the City, and can correctly point to some transformative accomplishments. Kicking the fossilized blue blood establishment in the shins has to be worth a few gold stars as well. I never tried the Marinara Sauce Mayor Cianci put out, but the book was entertaining for sure.
We get the Buddy side of the story, but we also do get an unvarnished view of how his "philosophy" of municipal management was translated into action. There is no question that Providence, under his stewardship, accomplished some significant things that changed the City for the better. Buddy was a broad stroke Mayor, and some of those broad strokes created great and positive change for the City. But not knowing the details, as he ruefully acknowledges, was one of his great weaknesses, and ultimately brought him down.
I do not believe they will be teaching the Buddy Cianci methodology of management at any schools in the near future. Having said that he was undeniably a beloved figure in the City, and can correctly point to some transformative accomplishments. Kicking the fossilized blue blood establishment in the shins has to be worth a few gold stars as well. I never tried the Marinara Sauce Mayor Cianci put out, but the book was entertaining for sure.
June 21, 2012
Since I am not a literary guru I am not one to critique on the style of writing and so forth. I would say though, that for me, this autobiography was shooting straight from the hip. It wasn't trying to fluff the facts or seem like a surreal story.
For me the book of Buddy by Buddy is one that is told like you are having a conversation with him about his life. At points I found myself laughing out loud mainly because I grew up listening to him and watching him restore a city. I could actually see the scenarios playing out the way he was telling them. Furthermore I found myself reading parts of the book out loud to people who asked what I was reading. They found it just as funny and they have no point of reference since I now live in LA.
Maybe I am over appreciating the book because I do love my home state and the city of Providence. Nevertheless I don't care it is a great read that makes you laugh. You get to also see the softer side of a man who gave so much to a state from one tiny city.
For me the book of Buddy by Buddy is one that is told like you are having a conversation with him about his life. At points I found myself laughing out loud mainly because I grew up listening to him and watching him restore a city. I could actually see the scenarios playing out the way he was telling them. Furthermore I found myself reading parts of the book out loud to people who asked what I was reading. They found it just as funny and they have no point of reference since I now live in LA.
Maybe I am over appreciating the book because I do love my home state and the city of Providence. Nevertheless I don't care it is a great read that makes you laugh. You get to also see the softer side of a man who gave so much to a state from one tiny city.
June 27, 2026
In short: this is a fun read from a complicated and not entirely trustworthy narrator.
Whether you like or believe him or not doesn't really enter into whether you enjoy the book because Buddy was, ultimately, a charismatic schmoozer.
I will say that it is not expertly written. Though he had assistance (maybe a little, maybe a lot, I don't know) from writer David Fisher, he could have used more of it. The chapters are longer than they need to be with each being a considerable wall of text covering many topics which switch suddenly enough to give you whiplash. But it does read like you're listening to someone reciting their life story to you without stopping for questions or a water break. Honestly, the chapter construction was my only gripe with this book. I would have preferred one or two clearly defined chapters per topic.
As for the content of the book? Thoroughly entertaining and maybe not entirely BS. He does admit some of his own failures, admittedly usually in a way to try to make you like him more. Some claims are so fully outside of the realm of likelihood that I picture Fonzie jumping the shark. Specifically his claim about how he purposefully sent a helicopter into a nose dive to pressure another man into admitting a betrayal. I'll believe that story when I own a flying pig.
But even if you don't believe a single word Cianci says, it's thoroughly entertaining. If Rodney Dangerfield were in politics, Cianci could fill the sudden vacancy in the comedy clubs. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but Buddy appreciated exaggerations. And I think I would have enjoyed the opportunity to meet him.
Whether you like or believe him or not doesn't really enter into whether you enjoy the book because Buddy was, ultimately, a charismatic schmoozer.
I will say that it is not expertly written. Though he had assistance (maybe a little, maybe a lot, I don't know) from writer David Fisher, he could have used more of it. The chapters are longer than they need to be with each being a considerable wall of text covering many topics which switch suddenly enough to give you whiplash. But it does read like you're listening to someone reciting their life story to you without stopping for questions or a water break. Honestly, the chapter construction was my only gripe with this book. I would have preferred one or two clearly defined chapters per topic.
As for the content of the book? Thoroughly entertaining and maybe not entirely BS. He does admit some of his own failures, admittedly usually in a way to try to make you like him more. Some claims are so fully outside of the realm of likelihood that I picture Fonzie jumping the shark. Specifically his claim about how he purposefully sent a helicopter into a nose dive to pressure another man into admitting a betrayal. I'll believe that story when I own a flying pig.
But even if you don't believe a single word Cianci says, it's thoroughly entertaining. If Rodney Dangerfield were in politics, Cianci could fill the sudden vacancy in the comedy clubs. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but Buddy appreciated exaggerations. And I think I would have enjoyed the opportunity to meet him.
November 26, 2025
Fascinating and entertaining
This is the most entertaining book I have read in a long time. I read a lot, about a book every couple of days. Boredom can be a problem. The awful quality of modern writing can detract from enjoyment. This book is fascinating, well written and loaded with humor. The author explains numerous examples of how politics works. I have learned a great deal. The writing is superior to the unfortunate publications of recent decades. Rarely did I struggle to understand. From time to time the author injects excellent humor. I am only halfway through this book and I would describe it as one of the best books of the many thousands I have read.
This is the most entertaining book I have read in a long time. I read a lot, about a book every couple of days. Boredom can be a problem. The awful quality of modern writing can detract from enjoyment. This book is fascinating, well written and loaded with humor. The author explains numerous examples of how politics works. I have learned a great deal. The writing is superior to the unfortunate publications of recent decades. Rarely did I struggle to understand. From time to time the author injects excellent humor. I am only halfway through this book and I would describe it as one of the best books of the many thousands I have read.
January 24, 2023
One of the best political books I’ve ever read. Buddy tells his story, in his words. What I liked about the book is he overviews how politics operates. The good the bad and the ugly. His advice about what to do if elected to office was priceless. Anyone who runs for executive office should read this book for guidance.
May 31, 2017
Didn't know of Buddy Ciani, but really enjoyed his book as an insight to local government. Having worked 38 years in local government, I could attest to the similarities between both governments.
I read like a pretty honest account. He wasn't a saint, but wonder if he deserved imprisonment ??
I read like a pretty honest account. He wasn't a saint, but wonder if he deserved imprisonment ??
July 9, 2020
Couldn't finish this book. While there are some interesting tidbits about Providence the entire story was extremely disingenuous and one sided. The vast majority of the book was Buddy doing what he did best, lying through his teeth to portray himself in the best light possible.
July 28, 2023
Larger than life
Buddy was a central character of the stranger than fiction late 20th century Rhode Island. Although very proud of his ethnicity, he was mayor to the entire city of Providence. His vision lives on through the major physical changes he brought to the city.
Buddy was a central character of the stranger than fiction late 20th century Rhode Island. Although very proud of his ethnicity, he was mayor to the entire city of Providence. His vision lives on through the major physical changes he brought to the city.
April 13, 2025
Spectacular
Love him or hate him, you have to admit he was always a major force in Rhode Island, and specifically Providence.
Personally, I love his story .
Given the nature of what is being uncovered in government today, this is good “lite “reading .
Love him or hate him, you have to admit he was always a major force in Rhode Island, and specifically Providence.
Personally, I love his story .
Given the nature of what is being uncovered in government today, this is good “lite “reading .
February 19, 2018
Pure Buddy talking here-many references to how he re-built Providence while kind of skimming over the charges against his administration. But love him or hate him its an entertaining read.
August 22, 2024
The writing style is a little tough to read. I lived in Providence during this era and people don’t believe me when I tell Buddy stories. For good and bad, he’s one of a kind.
October 19, 2024
So good! I’d vote for him right now.
November 16, 2024
Very engaging read about a person full of contradictions. Great view into the world of local politics from a decidedly myopic, ego-centric point of view.
September 15, 2011
I think I read this book out of nostalgia and finial piety. Vincent "Buddy" Cianci has got to be the one most colorful politicians in the history of the Republic. People loved him enough to elect him mayor of Providence RI an unprecedented six terms, during which time he created enough enemies who saw to it he is also a felon convicted under an unusual application of a RICO statute for influence peddling, serving five years at a Federal penitentiary.
The Providence where I grew up was definitely a place to be from; I left 48 years ago and was glad to be gone. But Ciani, who was elected as a Republican just as Watergate was wrapping up, took a moribund city and transformed it into one of the most desirable places to live in the country.
Filial piety? My parents, especially my father, despised politicians and their machinations, until, that is, he came under Buddy's charm. My father actually hit the streets to garner votes on Providence's East Side. Buddy never forgets a favor - When my family experienced a serious emergency during a major snow storm, the Mayor personally came and oversaw its resolution.
His book makes it clear that he knew he was no angel. But he also points out (repeatedly)that despite the tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars spent by the FBI, no evidence was ever found of any financial irregularities - He got nailed on "political patronage," which has been around for as long as humankind has had "government."
As Buddy points out, no victorious politician hands out jobs to his opponents.
The book, I found, was engagingly written, filled with the sarcastic asides he is famous for.
The Providence where I grew up was definitely a place to be from; I left 48 years ago and was glad to be gone. But Ciani, who was elected as a Republican just as Watergate was wrapping up, took a moribund city and transformed it into one of the most desirable places to live in the country.
Filial piety? My parents, especially my father, despised politicians and their machinations, until, that is, he came under Buddy's charm. My father actually hit the streets to garner votes on Providence's East Side. Buddy never forgets a favor - When my family experienced a serious emergency during a major snow storm, the Mayor personally came and oversaw its resolution.
His book makes it clear that he knew he was no angel. But he also points out (repeatedly)that despite the tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars spent by the FBI, no evidence was ever found of any financial irregularities - He got nailed on "political patronage," which has been around for as long as humankind has had "government."
As Buddy points out, no victorious politician hands out jobs to his opponents.
The book, I found, was engagingly written, filled with the sarcastic asides he is famous for.
May 19, 2013
Anyone who refers to themselves as "glib" has either a great sense of humor or an enormous ego. Buddy Cianci has both.
You can't live in and/or around Rhode Island and not know "Buddy." He turned Providence from a crime-ridden eyesore to a thriving and beautiful city. Even the people who hate the man appreciate the city's resurgence. And despite his felony conviction, there are a lot of people who'd vote him back into office.
In his entertaining and open memoir, he recounts his youth, his law practice and his terms as mayor. He brags about his high points (often with good reason), and talks frankly about his lows, including the investigations, scandals, indictments and the conviction that landed him in Federal prison for five years.
If you've ever heard his radio show, you'll realize that the book is written very much in his own voice. As Politico wrote, Buddy is "[b]eguiling, hilarious, with an excuse - and a joke - for everything." Is he snarky sometimes? Oh yeah. Sarcastic? Uh-huh. But that's Buddy.
You can't live in and/or around Rhode Island and not know "Buddy." He turned Providence from a crime-ridden eyesore to a thriving and beautiful city. Even the people who hate the man appreciate the city's resurgence. And despite his felony conviction, there are a lot of people who'd vote him back into office.
In his entertaining and open memoir, he recounts his youth, his law practice and his terms as mayor. He brags about his high points (often with good reason), and talks frankly about his lows, including the investigations, scandals, indictments and the conviction that landed him in Federal prison for five years.
If you've ever heard his radio show, you'll realize that the book is written very much in his own voice. As Politico wrote, Buddy is "[b]eguiling, hilarious, with an excuse - and a joke - for everything." Is he snarky sometimes? Oh yeah. Sarcastic? Uh-huh. But that's Buddy.
October 20, 2011
I grew up in Rhode Island and was living in Providence in 1974-1982 when Buddy Cianci was elected mayor of Providence. I remember volunteering with a good friend for PACE (People Acting for Community Effort) a very radical group that operated in the south end. We handed out negative pamphlets at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet where the "Democratic Machine" was holding their rally led by incumbent mayor Joe Doorley. Not sure how much we had to do with it but we were ecstatic when Doorley lost and Buddy was elected. Over the next 20 years Providence was transformed from a decaying Northeast City to a Renaissance town with Waterfire, the Providence Mall, Spruced up and renovated neighborhoods like Federal Hill! The renovated Ocean State Theater....
My uncle was a State Representative at the time and many of the people Buddy writes about were household names to me.
I loved reading about the behind the scene deals, arm wrenching, and other political machinations that go into running a city and getting things done during a very colorful period in Rhode Island history.
I couldn't put it down.
My uncle was a State Representative at the time and many of the people Buddy writes about were household names to me.
I loved reading about the behind the scene deals, arm wrenching, and other political machinations that go into running a city and getting things done during a very colorful period in Rhode Island history.
I couldn't put it down.
August 6, 2011
I wanted to give this book 5 stars, but I couldn't bring myself to it. My complaint with the book is that it was rambling and repetitive-- I found that a little irritating, and it was the only reason why I couldn't give it the full 5 stars. That being said, I love Buddy Cianci and loved the book. I felt like I was listening to Buddy just talk (and repeat stories) like he does everyday. No one tells a story as honestly, and as hilarious, as Buddy. This book definitely provides some insight into who he is and some of his more infamous exploits. He is Rhode Island.
June 12, 2011
It was a good book. It kind of details his political life in an positive, honest, upbeat manner. Which I preferred rather than just the bad plunder dome crap. You know the workings behind the revamping of downtown and the hill. Good points and bad points. He seems to be sincerely honest and humble.
July 6, 2011
A very entertaining memoir. A collaboration, but one in which one feels strongly the voice if that of the subject, not the collaborator. In an era in which most politicians seem to find blandness a virtue, or at least a necessity, so as to avoid offending anyone, Buddy is a refreshing anachronism.
July 12, 2011
At first, I couldn't help but enjoy the book and Cianci's portrayal of himself. He's a pro. But even he couldn't convince me he's not the crook they say he is. Yikes. We better pray he doesn't run for office again.
December 2, 2011
This is a very informative and entertaining memoir about Cianci's life in politics. Cianci, who was mayor of Providence for 21 years, more than qualifies as an expert on the skills needed to survive and thrive in the very difficult job of governing a city. He is also quite the raconteur.
December 16, 2012
Sure, it's a politician's self-serving memoir. But it's also an enjoyable read if you love Providence or you're involved in any city politics. He comes off as bubbling, extroverted fun. He's the type of guy it would be great to invite to a dinner party to liven things up.
February 23, 2013
Cianci is a criminal who refuses to admit fault for his crimes. This book is full of his typical self-promotion and anger towards those who question him. Exactly what you expect from him. Gotta' love the consistency.
November 11, 2013
Hilarious insiders account of corruption at City Hall.
May 30, 2014
As a Rhode Islander, I really enjoyed this, but I think anyone would be entertained by Buddy's story. He definitely has a way with a good story!
December 16, 2014
Numquam quod dolor in qui quia ipsa excepturi. Ut vero ipsa distinctio rem perspiciatis. Maiores et sed.
September 2, 2012
If you love Providence you'll love this book. Interesting and entertaining on so many levels.
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January 31, 2019It was very interesting. I learned alot about Providence that I never knew.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews