Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia - A True Story by FBI Agent Joseph D. Pistone (U)

Posing as a jewel thief Donnie Brasco, FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone worked undercover for six years to infiltrate the flamboyant and deadly community of Mafia wise guys, captains and bosses. Now his eyewitness account brings to pulsing life the code of honor, loyalties and treacheries, and dirty dealings of unforgettable characters. Library Journal Author Pistone narrates this thrilling account of his own experiences as an undercover FBI agent who successfully infiltrated the dangerous world of the Mafia. During a six-year period in the 1970s, Pistone adopted the persona of Donnie Brasco, a successful jewel thief who was looking to "get connected." He slowly and carefully ingratiated himself with the Mafiosi and was about to be initiated as a member when his assignment ended. Successfully earning the trust of many high-ranking "wise guys," he was able to expose the activities of several important families, including the Bonannos and the Colombos. Though it reads like a thriller, this work also provides listeners with much concrete information about Mafia financial and familial operations. Pistone's narration and the inclusion of excerpts from actual FBI surveillance tapes bring the events of this tale chillingly to life. Taking into account the recent release of the movie version starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp as Pistone, this excellent production is essential for public libraries with crime collections.Beth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., Ohio