Ride a Tiger

by Harold Livingston

Chronicles the story of poor Jewish boy Leo Gorodetsky's rise from poverty on New York's Lower East Side to the highest levels of the Mafia

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Stephanie Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ride A Tiger is not the kind of book I normally read. My boyfriend had it in his room and I knew something was wrong...my boyfriend does NOT read books lol. So of course I had to find out what was up & I got a rookie-book-reader's passion-filled summary of this mafia & crime heavy story that actually sounded interesting. Well, it took forever, but as soon as he had finished the book, I asked to borrow it (and agreed to give it straight back, on HIS orders!!). Now having completed this epic little hidden gem, I can proudly say my man has some AMAZING taste in literature...a fact, Im sure, he's gained by dating me😉. So, regardless if this kind of story is made for you or the type you avoid (& I was the latter, believe me...my kind of books are usually told in 3 or 4 installments and have gothic-romantic titles, such as Mortal Instruments; The Wrath Of Angels; Mortal Engines, ect), this is worth your time. It is quite long, but each page literally turns itself and before you blink an eye, the first half has flew by. And the second half you'll spend dreading those final pages -which are breathtakingly shocking pages, I might add- and having to force yourself to do anything other than follow the dramatic, poignant plot up to its devastating finale. Do not skip over this one👌

[Wes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting at all. A found book with a back cover that seemed mildly interesting, it has been sitting on my shelf for years now. I should have tried reading it sooner. A pretty engaging mob book that spans a number of decades. If you love mob stuff, then this is for you. Also, do some research on Meyer Lansky if you want to really give the book a little extra meaning.

[Jean Darroch · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book has everything, very well written fictional novel. It all starts before the war and is the life of how a young guy ends up being the mafia kingpin. i would recommend this book if you are looking for a novel that isn't too serious.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book and I first read it as a teenager, it definitely triggered my love of gangster novels.

[Benny Kjaer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good, or better than, The Godfather. Great storytelling, and loosely based on real organized crime figures.

[Anita Alton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big book - with many story lines in it. I enjoyed the book - dealing with the mafia and the inner workings of it. Lots of believable characters and many twists and turns. There are a lot of characters - it was tough to keep track at times.

[James Digate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compare it to the Godfather. Jewish Mafia, otherwise it is much like the Godfather and just as good in my opinion. This story would make a great mob movie. Quite long, but worth the time investment.

[Natansh Goyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book over 40 times. I just love Leo Geodoersky. And Henry, you unlucky bastard. Ah, and come to think of it I am writing this review atleast 6 years I last read it. I miss you Leo.