From the Godfather to God the Father: The Michael Franzese Story

by Michael Franzese

Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New Yorks violent and feared Colombo crime family. Intelligent, handsome and ambitious, he quickly rose within the ranks of organized crime. Franzese at his most affluent generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. Fourteen law enforcement agencies poured money into a taskforce with a sole objectivebring down the sophisticated young mobster. It was a life filled with power, luxury and deadly violence. Then an innocent young woman walked into Michaels life. Her exotic beauty captivated him. Her faith in God brought him home. Come along on Michaels journeyfrom the mob, to prison, to a brave new life. Its a story that will inspire you and give you hope. Its a story with a powerful lesson: No one is so bad that they cant be forgivenlife can begin again.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Christian, Crime

157 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2014

About the author

Michael Franzese (born May 27, 1951) is an American former New York mobster and caporegime of the Colombo crime family, and son of former underboss John Franzese. Franzese was enrolled in a pre-med program at Hofstra University, but dropped out to make money for his family after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery in 1967. He eventually helped implement a scheme to defraud the federal government out of gasoline taxes in the early 1980s.

By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese had claimed that at the height of his career, he was making up to $8 million per week. In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. Soon after, he retired to California and is now a motivational speaker and writer.

Reviews

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small book; very short and a quick read. It covers a brief review of Francese's life, particularly focused on his conversion to Christianity and the impact it had on his life. Its pretty well written and arranged, with some background involving his father, a small glimpse into the life of a mobster, and an appeal to readers to turn to Christ

[Abbey L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like to see how God works in someone’s life, then you will enjoy reading this man’s testimony.

[TammyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intelligent book. Highly recommended.

[Issy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Pretty good book. Definitely recommend giving it a read.

[Mikey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

[Kristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

A great little testimony in pocket book format. Even though it’s 156 pages, it’s more like a third of that in “normal” pages. It’s amazing how Michael’s life has been changed for the better through Christ!

The only thing I can say negative about this book is that other than his beliefs and conversion, I didn’t learn anything new about Michael Franzese that I didn’t already know through YouTube videos I’ve watched (which is how I found out about him in the first place). I may try reading his first book from the 90s to see how that compares to how he has refined his story.

[Sheila McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story in one sitting--what an amazing testimony!! The story that Mr. Franzese recounts is a powerful and gripping one--one where he turned from a life of crime to a life with the Lord. Such an inspirational story--highly recommend!!

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting story of an interesting life. Read for personal pleasure and research.
I found this work of immense interest and its contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
Overall, this work is also a good resource for the researcher and enthusiast.

[John Ulrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is essentially a condensed version of Blood Covenant but it's still such an amazing story. Former caporegime in the Columbo family, Franzese tells his story of redemption from Yuppie Don to locked up in solitary with nobody to turn to but Jesus. His transformation has been a testimony for young kids and adults alike to warn about the realities of organized crime and mob life.

[James Michels · Rating 5 out of 5]

You wouldn't expect lessons on being a better a Christian to come from the Mafia, but Michael Franzese pulls it off with spectacular flair. Even if you've never been on the streets, the principles taught in this book can be applicable for many people. Definitely worth checking out, especially in the Christian community.

[Lisa Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was always interested in Mr. Franzese, his stories and ultimately the era of 1950s American mobsters was, of course one of much interest. I was positively surprised when reading his autobiography and tales of what allegedly occurs in that life, would recommend, an interesting pick up before dinner.

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strong 3.5. I really enjoyed this book, the only thing stopping it from being a 4 is that it was so short I felt much of the story was missed. It was so short though that I managed to read it in a morning which was nice.

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was watching a movie with my husband when he mentioned the pastor in the movie had been in the Mob and was now a strong Christian. I had to read his book after hearing that. I was not disappointed. He has a powerful story. I would love to hear him speak someday.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book ! Loved the faith based message

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that I will never not recommend. It’s an honest story about a real person struggling with his own faith, and trying to figure out what it means to have faith in the first place.

[Lisa Mecklenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

With God, Anything is possible!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something oddly innocent about this book - a thing that surprised me given the former life of the author - and it draws you in.

The book is simple in its tone/message - not theologically heavy or overtly preachy. A story of the simple call of Christ being heard in the most unlikely of places.

Fascinating stuff.