Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman

Summary:
It’s tough enough being a teenager with a regular family. In Son of the Mob, “normal”-seeking Vince Luca is navigating school, relationships and family life with a dad who is “King of the Mob.” Vince wants no part of his father’s business, but somehow he continues to get wrapped up in it. In a few instances, he gets drawn into his dad’s business just trying to keep a few “low-lifes” safe. The business also affects his relationships. For example, Vince finally finds the perfect girl, Kendra, whose father just happens to be the FBI-agent trying to take down Vince’s father! Can Vince save his father from disaster? Can Vince save his relationship with the girl of his dreams? Read the book to find out!

Review:
If you are looking to read or listen to a LAUGH-OUT-LOUD book, run to your local library and pick up Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman. I listened to this audio-book, read by Max Casella, as I drove to work. By the time I finished with my drive, my cheeks were hurting because I was smiling so much! Max Casella, known for his roles on Doogie Howser, MD and The Sopranos, delivers the story in the Italian/New York accent you would expect of the reader of Son of the Mob. While the threat of violence underlies Vince’s father’s business, there is a purity to Vince’s actions that make this a feel-good book. However, not all of Vince’s thoughts are pure. Don’t forget, he is a teen-aged boy and there is a girl involved!

Links:

For information about the audio book, please see the Random House site:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780807209721.html

For more information about Gordon Korman, please see:
http://www.gordonkorman.com/