Bigger is Better: Real-Life Wisdom from the No-Drama Mama

by Big Ang

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Celebrity, Humor, Memoir

226 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2012

About the author

Angela "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.

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lukey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book if you have 2 hours of free time and want the screen time experience without a screen

[Sean Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the stories that were told in this book, really got a sense of Ang’s values and humor

[Ellie L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lee Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Shaun Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a fun, light read. She entertains me on tv and now in this book.

[Sheilagh Erwin carsjens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an easy, light and fun read. However you must be a Angela Raiola fan to appreciate this book.

[Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jake Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot give this book enough stars.

[Nick Kofler · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…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.

[Katya Vinogradova · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Nikki Worthem · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and easy read. Just adds to the craziness that is big ang. Recommend it to all fans.

[Deana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Big Ang! Her book is a light, easy, funny read.

[Tracy Kovac · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Big Ang, it was a fun, easy read that made you laugh along with her.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Charlie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

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! :-)

[nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Krisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining book. Interesting lady! :)

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love her!

[Mia Kelita · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. 💋

[Sugarrr · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 .

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was awesome to learn a lot more about one of my favorite TV icons. Absolutely loved this book.

[D.B. Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

Please get this book and honor the big memory of Big Ang who left a trail in the sky and heaven!

[Tamara The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.