The Company She Keeps: The Dangerous Life of a Model Turned Mafia Wife

by Georgia Durante

Book Overview

A female Goodfellas--the true story of A supermodel turned getaway driver for the mob. All-American beauty Georgia Durante was one of the most photographed models in the country when she married... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451225686
• ISBN13: 9780451225689
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 4.2" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Great effen book.

I love how she went from modeling to driving getaway cars to actually racing for a living. Great book.

The Company She Keeps is in a category of its own!

A Company She Keeps is a great read! Especially for those of us who love fast-paced books with a purpose. Georgia Durante's book gives you an insider's look at mafia life and what it really takes to make it big in life: tough times, learning from it, and hard work. Durante's life story portrayed in The Company She Keeps is a great, enduring tale of life's ups and downs- men, surviving in the business world, and keeping your family together- and how she managed to get through it all. I especially recommend this book to us "daring" women and those who love adventure. You won't be able to put it down!

An autobiography of enduring pathos...

To think that I was actually tracking down another mob book, Mafia Marriage, also written by the wife of a Mafioso, to discover a far more courageous and gripping read in The Company She Keeps by Georgia Durante. Not just a great mob book, but an autobiography of enduring pathos and "endless nightmares": the small town, covergirl; the Mafia friendships, romances and the murders; the marriages of love, abuse, and betrayal; the stalking of a manic and the FBI (you'll have to read to get her code name); the fugitive family and the bonds that broke and then mended; the get-away driver turned Hollywood stunt driver The lighthearted and inconsequential image of mobster Sammy G being thrown from a horse into the water stands in my mind... Also, the irony of mobster Joey T showing up unannounced to Georgia's wedding asking a favor: For money! These remind me of how close to the inside Georgia was...hanging out with choleric mobsters who are also portrayed with almost filial-like protection and caring.This serendipitous read made me think of my daughter and the effects that ones `company' can have. And despite the despair and at times baseness of man, the ramifications of 'the company you keep' and the real life courage shown in this book makes this opportune for teen reading as well. So, sit back, get some coffee, and have plenty of hours ahead when you start this heart-wrenching read. Don't do as I did, and start the book in the evening. Even though Georgia has left her `mob' life about half way through the book, you don't get any intermission. Thanks Georgia.

Amazing Story, Fabulous Lady

WOW! I couldn't put this book down. I found the insight into the workings of organized crime to be fascinating. But, the REAL story is the long and treacherous road that Georgia Durante has walked during her life. For her to survive, both physically and emotionally, is a testament to her strength, resiliancy, and determination. At times, I had difficulty seeing the words on the pages through my tears as she described her pain. At others, I felt her joy as she described one of life's small pleasures she was able to grasp during her ordeal. No one should have to endure what she went through. After reading this book, I have new insight into the life of abused women, how they are controlled and why they keep going back. I had the pleasure of hearing and meeting Georgia on her recent book tour. What a lovely lady, inside and out. I applaud her efforts to give back to those who need help in escaping from abusive relationships. She still has a road to be traveled. This should be a must-read book for anyone involved in a relationship. May God's grace be with you, Georgia. Some day we'll know why.

Good Read, Great Inspiration

Georgia Durante has written a book with all of the plot-driven drama of a movie of the week. The Company She Keeps features a beautiful, spirited heroine. A larger-than-life storyline. And the requisite good guys, bad guys and of course, wise guys. What elevates this book beyond a good night-table read is the truth behind the tale. Georgia Durante's story is a survivor's story, and in this engrossing book she lives through rape, violence and a life married to -- and on the run from -- the mob to become one of the nation's top stunt drivers. The names and faces in The Company She Keeps may be famous, but the story itself is one many ordinary women living with abuse know too well. But there's hope in this book, and healing as well. Georgia Durante proves that while she was shaped by the traumatic events of her life, she is not defined by them. Instead, she moves beyond her considerable pain to build a new life for herself. Yes, The Company She Keeps is good reading. But more importantly, it's great inspiration . Read it and you'll see that there can be life on the other side of the things we most fear, and it can be rich, rewarding and wonderful.

Emotional, Exciting, Extraordinary Lady

The title was intriguing, but the words inside were revealing. Not many can put their heart and soul on the line for everyone to read. Georgia Durante did just that. The book tells of Georgia's life and adventures within the mob. It also takes you through her struggles from outside forces to the ones within herself. She shows an inner strength to survive and has come out on top. The circumstances and events that unfolded in this book certainly don't fit everyone, but it does give hope and inspiration to women everywhere. As I reflected back on my own life I found many similarities, although not so exciting, I was also fighting for my life at one time. I was lucky and smart enough to get out in time. It only takes one step to turn that corner. Thank you Georgia for reminding me of what I can be. This is a must read.