The memoirs begin in 1940, in Newark, New Jersey, when Sicilian Russell Vassallo was but a youth: a description of a carefree life in a bustling underground culture with men who followed a code of honor, policed the streets and took justice and economy in their own hands. Once upon a time he, along with youngsters of his age, admired these men; and in their admiration they observed an unspoken code of silence about their activities. Later, he becomes a lawyer and serves a number of favors for a big boss. All throughout, characters of various backgrounds come in and out the picture, whose stories and unimaginable connections are as dangerous as they are fascinating.

Anyone who has read Mario Puzo may want to take a look at "Streetwise: Mafia Memoirs", an account of real life in the midst of mafia activity. It brings us to view an insider’s look at the culture and practices of the mafia and its complex systems. What may once have been a favor is later found out to be part of a grand scheme for the maintenance of this underground system while some hit men are given jobs that require them to take out their friends. These are among the many revelations told in a narrative that inspires fear, admiration and awe towards this culture and its members. Within the book, old photos add to the nostalgia that the author experiences in his recounting of events. A story of money, power, murder, and a sense of belonging to a family all in one box – readers will not be disappointed.

"Streetwise: Mafia Memoirs" is a recounting of one man’s experience growing up in Newark, New Jersey, surrounded by the Italian mafia in the 1940s. Author Russell A. Vassallo portrays his growing up amidst the loyalty, respect, and code of honor of the mafia. He details his pretty close relations to mafia bosses, hit men, and other shady characters that were his by association because of his late grandfather, Rosolino Vassallo. His grandfather was a much respected man of the mafia who associated in bootlegging liquor during Prohibition and the numbers racket.

The author brings the readers detailed fascinating glimpses of what it was like living so closely associated to the mafia at a time when Italians and Catholics were treated like dirt by the Americans. The Italians somehow had to survive and carve out a living to feed their families and to exist in this new world. The Sicilians turned to their old ways and started to control illegal enterprises which they ran and controlled with an iron fist. Profit was the number one motive, but loyalty, respect, and courage were what earned a man a place in the mafia. Vassallo does not condone what the mafia did or try to justify their actions, but he offers a rare human and vulnerable side to the mafia that is compellingly addictive and refreshingly bold. The reader comes to understand that the mafia men were more than just criminals, but were survivals in a harsh time that did not permit many opportunities. He brings to life an old world mafia that was pure joy and fascination to read.