Jimmy Breslin

Jimmy Breslin was an American journalist and author known for his columns in the New York City newspapers. He was celebrated for his gritty, street-smart style and his focus on the lives of ordinary people. Breslin won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1986.

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight

    Cover of 'The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight' by Jimmy Breslin

    The book is a comedic crime novel that follows the misadventures of a bumbling Brooklyn-based Italian-American gang led by the inept Mafioso, Kid Sally Palumbo. The gang's attempts at criminal enterprises are consistently thwarted by their own incompetence, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic situations. The story is a satirical take on organized crime, highlighting the absurdity and dysfunction within the gang as they navigate their way through a series of botched schemes and internal conflicts, ultimately painting a picture of crime that is more farcical than fearsome.

    The 15634th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Can't Anybody Here Play This Game?

    The Improbable Saga of the New York Mets' First Year
    Cover of 'Can't Anybody Here Play This Game?' by Jimmy Breslin

    This humorous and insightful narrative delves into the chaotic and often comical inaugural season of the New York Mets in 1962. Chronicling the team's struggles, mishaps, and the colorful personalities that defined them, the book captures the essence of a team that, despite their lack of success on the field, won the hearts of fans with their endearing ineptitude and unwavering spirit. Through a series of anecdotes and observations, it paints a vivid picture of a team that, while far from perfect, embodied the unpredictable and often entertaining nature of baseball.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Good Rat

    A True Story
    Cover of 'The Good Rat' by Jimmy Breslin

    Set against the gritty backdrop of New York City, this compelling narrative delves into the world of organized crime through the eyes of a former mobster turned informant. The story unfolds with a blend of dark humor and raw honesty, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of those entangled in the mafia's web. As the protagonist recounts his journey from a life of crime to becoming a key witness in a high-profile trial, readers are drawn into a world of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for redemption. The narrative captures the essence of a city where corruption and justice often collide, painting a vivid picture of the human condition amidst the chaos of crime.

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