The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight

The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight is a crime novel set in Brooklyn that follows the misadventures of a group of low-level mobsters. Based on real-life gangster Joey Gallo, the story tracks the activities of a criminal crew trying to gain power and territory in the underworld. The novel depicts the day-to-day operations and internal conflicts of a struggling crime family as they attempt various schemes and face opposition from rival gangs. Through a series of events, their attempts at establishing themselves in Brooklyn's criminal hierarchy lead to escalating tensions. The characters navigate personal relationships, loyalty tests, and power struggles while dealing with the practical challenges of running illicit operations. Their efforts are complicated by personality clashes and competing ambitions within their own ranks. The book uses humor and satire to expose the gap between Hollywood's glamorous portrayal of organized crime and the often bumbling reality of small-time criminal enterprises. It presents a gritty look at Brooklyn's underworld while questioning conventional narratives about honor and loyalty in criminal organizations.

Readers find this satirical crime novel humorous but uneven. Many note it works better as a collection of comedic scenes than a cohesive story. Readers appreciated: - The witty dialogue and New York atmosphere - Memorable character descriptions - Moments of sharp social commentary - The absurdist take on mob life Common criticisms: - Plot feels disjointed and hard to follow - Too many characters introduced too quickly - Humor sometimes feels forced - Story loses momentum in the middle Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (50+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Fun vignettes that don't quite connect into a full novel" - Goodreads reviewer "Breslin captures 1960s Brooklyn perfectly, but the story meanders" - Amazon reviewer "Like watching a series of comedy sketches rather than a movie" - LibraryThing review

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🔸 The book was adapted into a 1971 film starring Robert De Niro in his first major screen role, helping launch his legendary career in mob-related movies. 🔸 Author Jimmy Breslin based several characters on real-life mobster Joey Gallo and his crew, known for their territorial disputes with the Profaci crime family in Brooklyn. 🔸 Before writing novels, Breslin was a celebrated newspaper columnist who won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary and famously corresponded with the "Son of Sam" killer during the 1977 investigation. 🔸 The book's publication in 1969 helped pioneer a new wave of comedic crime literature that challenged the serious, romanticized portrayal of the Mafia in works like "The Godfather." 🔸 When researching the book, Breslin frequented Brooklyn's mob hangouts and interviewed various underworld figures, drawing from his extensive experience covering organized crime for New York newspapers.