Both Sides of the Street: My Life with Gangsters, Strippers, Las Vegas, and the Law

by Bruce Reed

Cover for Both Sides of the Street: My Life with Gangsters, Strippers, Las Vegas, and the Law
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Summary

There have been many books written on the subjects of mobs, the Mafia, and gangsters in general. Both Sides of the Street is an overview of a different side of the mob guys. It is seen from the perspective of the author, Bruce Reed, who did business with the gangsters of Philadelphia and Atlantic City in their strip joints. The incidents and anecdotes of the dons, consigliore, and soldiers show the human side and the respect they had for certain people, as well as how vicious they can be when betrayed or taken for a sucker.After leaving Philadelphia for Las Vegas, Reed tells of his adventures as a casino dealer, as well as some of the scams used in the gambling metropolis. His years in Nevada and Hollywood produced many friendships with a great variety of people, and it's with reluctance that he returned to Philadelphia.The City of Brotherly Love, however, had changed and Reed, by pure chance and friendship, becomes a member of law enforcement. Philadelphia then goes through a gang war in which many of Reed's former friends become either victims or convicted felons. Reed finally retires after a number of years as a U.S. Special Deputy Marshal.The book definitely shows both sides of the street that separates the underworld from everyday life, and lets the reader discover that every person, regardless of their attitude, has a softer side.

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