What do you think?
Rate this book
Bigger is Better: Real-Life Wisdom from the No-Drama Mama
GO BIG OR GO BIGGER
Everything about Angela "Big Ang" Raiola is larger than life: her lips, her 36JJ breasts, and especially her personality! In a lifestyle guide as genuine and fun as Big Ang herself, the star of VH1's "Mob Wives, "called the show's "den mother" by the "New York Times, "serves up the hilarious and poignant wisdom she's learned while running her bar, raising her family, and dating made men. Big Ang has rules to live by for beauty, food, family, friendship, and more. Here she is . . .
ON HER KILLER BOOBS:
I was on vacation with my family in the Catskills when out of nowhere, this bat flies right into my chest and then falls splat on the ground. Turned out, he died on impact.
ON FAMILY TRADITIONS:
Every Sunday, we do a feast for fifteen to twentyfive people. Last week, we went through seventy-five meatballs. Even by my family's standards, that's a lot of balls.
ON DIETING:
Swearing off lasagna to lose weight? You might fit into smaller jeans. But you're still the same person-- except hungrier and bitchier.
ON HOBBIES:
Would I rather cook for people or have sex? No hard-and-fast rule there. But I will say this: Cooking is "always "satisfying.
Everything about Angela "Big Ang" Raiola is larger than life: her lips, her 36JJ breasts, and especially her personality! In a lifestyle guide as genuine and fun as Big Ang herself, the star of VH1's "Mob Wives, "called the show's "den mother" by the "New York Times, "serves up the hilarious and poignant wisdom she's learned while running her bar, raising her family, and dating made men. Big Ang has rules to live by for beauty, food, family, friendship, and more. Here she is . . .
ON HER KILLER BOOBS:
I was on vacation with my family in the Catskills when out of nowhere, this bat flies right into my chest and then falls splat on the ground. Turned out, he died on impact.
ON FAMILY TRADITIONS:
Every Sunday, we do a feast for fifteen to twentyfive people. Last week, we went through seventy-five meatballs. Even by my family's standards, that's a lot of balls.
ON DIETING:
Swearing off lasagna to lose weight? You might fit into smaller jeans. But you're still the same person-- except hungrier and bitchier.
ON HOBBIES:
Would I rather cook for people or have sex? No hard-and-fast rule there. But I will say this: Cooking is "always "satisfying.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2012
31 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Big Ang
1 book2 followersAngela "Big Ang" Raiola was an American reality television star who first received television exposure on the second season of the reality series Mob Wives. Raiola's uncle, the late Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, was a captain of the Genovese crime family. Her series, Big Ang, was a spinoff of Mob Wives.
Raiola had two children, daughter Raquel and son Anthony Donofrio and six grandchildren.
Raiola had two children, daughter Raquel and son Anthony Donofrio and six grandchildren.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 19, 2012
I love Big Ang. This book will either make you love her more (if you already do) or hate her more (if you already do). She loves to talk herself up, but it still seems so real and genuine. I loved learning more about where she came from and why she's the happy-go-lucky, caring woman that she is. This book just reconfirmed my belief from watching Mob Wives that she is REALLY nice. I was surprised at how well-written this was too. It was much better than I had expected. My only complaint: the snippets of interviews from her friends and family talking about how great she is got kind of annoying. But it was still a short, fun read.
August 3, 2025
Such a fun book if you have 2 hours of free time and want the screen time experience without a screen
October 14, 2024
Loved the stories that were told in this book, really got a sense of Ang’s values and humor
April 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. If you're a fan of Big Ang on Mob Wives, you'll love this book. It's got a bit of everything in it; childhood stories, fashion & style tips and stories, recipes, love advice, etc. Of course, when you read this, you will read it in Big Ang's voice. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book.
September 12, 2012
This was way better than I expected it to be.
Big Ang is the breakout star of the VH1 reality show "Mob Wives." Everything about her is larger than life: her fingernails, her lips, her voice, her personality, and especially her gigantic breasts. She even had her own summer spin-off show this year, which followed her and her lifelong friends in their overgrown adolescent adventures.
This book is not the expected memoir, but rather a sort-of lifestyle manual/self-help book. It's pretty much a rundown of the philosophies Big Ang uses to guide her life, from fashion and grooming to cooking (what I wouldn't give to eat a Sunday dinner at her house!) and relationships, both friendly and romantic. Ang comes off as so positive and sweet and full of life that's it's impossible to dislike her, or even look askance at some of her dubious past (arrest for marijuana and cocaine dealing; leaving her baby daughter at a coat check while she partied at her favorite disco).
I was lucky enough to meet Big Ang this past June at her Staten Island bar, the Drunken Monkey. I later learned, from watching her show, that it was the day before her son, A.J., made a court appearance which led to his court-ordered rehab sentence for his own involvement in drug dealing. But Ang, while not as effusive as on TV that night, couldn't have been nicer, and tolerantly posed for pictures. I can also tell you that she's quite pretty in person, and I was thrilled that her massive chest brushed my arm when I stood beside her.
The only thing wrong with this book: NO PICTURES! I've seen some images of her from the eighties online on VH1.com, but I would have loved to see more here. If you love Big Ang, you'll love this book.
Big Ang is the breakout star of the VH1 reality show "Mob Wives." Everything about her is larger than life: her fingernails, her lips, her voice, her personality, and especially her gigantic breasts. She even had her own summer spin-off show this year, which followed her and her lifelong friends in their overgrown adolescent adventures.
This book is not the expected memoir, but rather a sort-of lifestyle manual/self-help book. It's pretty much a rundown of the philosophies Big Ang uses to guide her life, from fashion and grooming to cooking (what I wouldn't give to eat a Sunday dinner at her house!) and relationships, both friendly and romantic. Ang comes off as so positive and sweet and full of life that's it's impossible to dislike her, or even look askance at some of her dubious past (arrest for marijuana and cocaine dealing; leaving her baby daughter at a coat check while she partied at her favorite disco).
I was lucky enough to meet Big Ang this past June at her Staten Island bar, the Drunken Monkey. I later learned, from watching her show, that it was the day before her son, A.J., made a court appearance which led to his court-ordered rehab sentence for his own involvement in drug dealing. But Ang, while not as effusive as on TV that night, couldn't have been nicer, and tolerantly posed for pictures. I can also tell you that she's quite pretty in person, and I was thrilled that her massive chest brushed my arm when I stood beside her.
The only thing wrong with this book: NO PICTURES! I've seen some images of her from the eighties online on VH1.com, but I would have loved to see more here. If you love Big Ang, you'll love this book.
October 9, 2012
Just a fun, light read. She entertains me on tv and now in this book.
December 12, 2012
I thought this was an easy, light and fun read. However you must be a Angela Raiola fan to appreciate this book.
February 1, 2022
If you know Big Ang, I don't have to pitch you on this book. If you don't know Big Ang, search her on YouTube, and then I won't have to sell you on this book. Everything about her shines through in this book, and no matter how you're feeling, this book will make you feel better
June 19, 2024
Cannot give this book enough stars.
November 28, 2022
“…Gay men come to see me and shove money between my tits. It’s like my cleavage is the toll booth to get on the Verrazano bridge.” 15/10.
August 7, 2015
You either love Big Ang, or you don't know who she is. And I love her - hence the highest rating of this book, which, on its literary merit alone, would not warrant such high praise. But because it's Ang there's no way of giving her anything less than the highest praise. Everything is, indeed, bigger and better when it comes to her and her life. I wish I was friends with her in real life - she seems like the nicest, kindest, most generous and fun person to be around. I'm so happy for all of her success and wish her years of prosperity ahead!
May 11, 2013
This book wasn't exactly what I had expected. I was hoping for a book more like "Mob Daughter" by Mob Wives costar Karen. Something with depth and insight into Ang's life. Instead, this book was really just a list of random "how I live my life" factoids. While interesting and, at some points, comical I wouldnt call it captivating. Much of these things people could know simply by watching Mob Wives or the Big Ang shows. Good for someone looking for an easy read without a lot of detail.
September 24, 2012
A fun and easy read. Just adds to the craziness that is big ang. Recommend it to all fans.
September 21, 2012
I love Big Ang! Her book is a light, easy, funny read.
January 30, 2014
Entertaining fun book
This book was a light fun read. Big Ang is funny and a very charitable person. She is the best personality on Mob Wives.
This book was a light fun read. Big Ang is funny and a very charitable person. She is the best personality on Mob Wives.
February 10, 2014
Your favorite bartender! A happy go lucky/ hard work life. I love the focus on the big family dinner & keeping your crew of buddies with you your whole life. I would do shot with her!
August 31, 2016
I love Big Ang, it was a fun, easy read that made you laugh along with her.
February 10, 2014
If you are a Big Ang fan, then this book is for you! You feel like you are sitting down with Big Ang having a discussion while you read. Plenty of laughs!!
October 23, 2015
I think Big Ang is great, I love watching her on Mob wives.
This book, was ok.
I hated the part about the fur coats.
Some parts read like a how to get a sugar daddy script. Other parts where funny.
This book, was ok.
I hated the part about the fur coats.
Some parts read like a how to get a sugar daddy script. Other parts where funny.
February 9, 2016
Ah Big Ang, my new favourite celeb! Says it how it is, and shares some words of wisdom! It's not going to win a Booker prize, but if you love her, you'll appreciate this book! :-)
March 30, 2014
Entertaining book. Interesting lady! :)
September 16, 2015
Love her!
May 9, 2017
Omg!!! This is so funny and happy book that I didn't even have a glue. I feel pure love ❤️!!! Big Angs' "Bigger is better. Real-life wisdom from the no-drama Mama". I hate all kinds of life guidebooks, they're just piece of crap. But when Big Ang has written something, you read and learn. So what are you waiting for? Pick this up and read and laugh, make your life better even if just for couple of minutes.
January 24, 2026
This book was surprisingly delightful. Similar to the Judge Judy book I read just before this one, I could imagine Big Ang reading every word aloud. Her generous personality and love of life was palpable and inspiring. The book was hilarious but it also touched on heavy topics at times including: difficult romantic relationships, losing loved ones, strong family values, and living life to the fullest. RIP Big Ang, she seemed like a real one 🙏💯
October 4, 2024
As a mob wives fan, Big Ang, was one of the greatest people on the show. She was always so kind, didn’t like drama, no bs, cared about her family and friends so much. This book made me feel so warm and happy to read. Of course I had a few laughs and loved that she put some recipes in the book. It had sustenance and substance! W.W.B.A.D. 💋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2018
This book felt a bit repetitive and boring . Certain times Infelt like maybe this book was written by a ghostwriter who watched her show and took some stuff out of the show for this book.
Meh :( not very good in my opinion .
Meh :( not very good in my opinion .
March 10, 2019
I have read the book and think its a good book..she was so real about what she had been through..thats why i give it five stars
September 30, 2020
It was awesome to learn a lot more about one of my favorite TV icons. Absolutely loved this book.
December 21, 2020
Excellent Read
Please get this book and honor the big memory of Big Ang who left a trail in the sky and heaven!
Please get this book and honor the big memory of Big Ang who left a trail in the sky and heaven!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews