Pompous a**hole who likes to think he was more involved with the criminal underworld of South Boston. He was a drug dealer that Whitey took "his cut" from. Nothing more!!

The book deals with the life and times of a one time Boston Mobster. While the book is very frank in it's discussions on the mob life style and in some ways seems to glamorize it even though it is firmly entrenched in illegality.

The book also has a lesson to teach, and that is one of values. Yes, it seems odd that a book that idolizes the criminal life style can teach values. But, it does pull it off.

If you are at all curious just what it is like to live and work in an organized criminal organization I would recommend this book. It is a fascinating look into an area in which most of us will never see.

Most honest Mob book ever written by a mobster who wasn't a RAT. He played the game, got caught, did his time and never said a word. Until now of course. Mark Walhberg but the rights to the book.

Very interesting tale of an honorable criminal. I love who this story makes you love and hate John Shea all at the same time. You have to respect his courage and his commitment to not ratting, however you can't help but hate knowing that all the drugs he was dealing was ruining lives. The book came out before Whitey Bulger was captured. I would be really interested to see what John Shea has to say about that. I would also love to hear a conversation between John and Whitey.

This is a good memoir and an easy read. If you enjoy stories about
gangsters, fighters, drug dealers, America's most wanted fugitives, and
prison violence then you are going to want to check out "Rat Bastards".

In all seriousness though this is a well written account of this guy's
life as a short lived professional boxer, a cocaine dealer, and
ultimately a convicted criminal and prisoner. John "Red" Shea lives his
entire life by the code of the streets of Southie which basically means
keep it in the neighborhood, take care of your own, an eye for an eye,
and above all don't rat on anyone no matter what the consequences. He
makes no apologies for the way he has chosen to live his life, quite the
contrary, he embraces it. So much so in fact he ends up doing a 12 year
bid (That's gangster for 12 years in prison).

I cant help but be in awe of this guy's fearlessness and toughness. He
wasn't afraid of ANYONE and this is in his world a world filled with
notorious ruthless gangsters, killers, and inmates with little to lose.
On the one side he's callous, short tempered and dangerous, quick to
bust someone's head open with a baseball bat to make an example. Then
again he's loyal and extremely driven when he chooses to be, running 6
miles a day, training incessantly as a boxer and of course...finding
clever ways to sell more and more drugs. The quintessential yin and
yang. Love him or hate him you have to admire that he doesn't
compromise his ideals. Take him or leave him he has interesting stories
to share.

I put this book down with a desire to hear more about John Shea. I would especially like to hear more from someone who knew him to get a
different, more objective perspective of the guy if only to see if he enormous ego is warranted. For a small town white boy who grew up listening to gangster rap this guy is my generation's John Wayne!

I was intrigued for awhile, since I know the neighborhood well and lived in Boston during Whitey’s tenure. It was fun to recognize the streets and places…and the story of poverty , hard lives and few options rang true. But the author’s racist feelings, his attitude toward women and his utter embrace of violence and a criminal life were appalling. The author is basically a sick self-aggrandizing punk with little self knowledge who is only out for himself….and who appears to have no redeeming qualities. Glad I didn’t contribute to his royalties- I found the book the give away shelves at work. Couldn’t finish it…and just threw it in the recycle barrel as I didn’t want to subject anyone else to it.

Usually don't read non fiction but this was good. John tells a good story.

Fun, reads like someone talking to you. Written in the first person. Best memoir I have picked up.

Another book about Whitey Bulger and South Boston. This book was informative, dramatic, exciting, and hard two put down. I read it in three sittings, and read many parts out loud to Donald. However, I agree with all of the critics on line, too. John Shea was one of Whitey Bulger's top men in the Irish Mafia in Boston. After decades of having free reign, Bulger and his organization were brought down by the DEA. In the ensuing investigation, every one of Bulger's minions turned states' evidence, violating the most important rule of Southie, to remain a man by not ratting. Every one but John Shea, who refused to give law inforcement any information and served a 12 year sentence. Yes, Shea is cocky, yes he is a braggart, and I agree with everyone who says, "this guy totally contributed to the pain and suffering in his neighborhood (see "All Souls" by Michael MacDonald). Still, this was a good book.

An autobiography of a member of the Boston gang ruled by Whitey Bulger. This book portrays an individual's turns in life which lead into involvement in this gang, and the resulting affects on his own life and those around him. There is an interesting dichotomy between the author's value of the "code of silence" violated by Bulger, and the lack of regard for the lives affected by the gang's involvement in the drug trade. Vice becomes business.