Helene StapinskiFive-Finger Discount: A Crooked Family History

Greatly enjoyed this book. Growing up in Jersey City, I experienced many of the same situations related by the author including graduating from St Aloysius HS in 1965. I grew up on the West Side where she was on the East but JC was virtually the same no matter where. I have recommended the book to several old friends.

Jersey City and environs is completely recognizable in the suthir’sctelling

As a "Jersey Girl" myself, I felt Helene Stapinski wrote a very accurate description of growing up downtown in Jersey City. I grew up in Lafayette, on Pacific Ave next to the railroad yard. We had so much fun on the streets growing up that we didn't even know we were poor. Helene describes her family, which was so close to how my family was. I am probably a little older than her mom, but I could so identify.I sent this book to all my crazy girlfriends from Jersey City.

This book is definitely worth more than the 99 cents I paid for it. I never knew the author's world existed. How did she escape Jersey City's crime,and the world of her sometimes violent, often terrifying family, and the vicious nuns at school? I never knew how much corruption existed in my home state. Payoffs, bribes, nearly fatal and sometimes fatal beatings, corruption to the core; yet there was enough love for her to have enough self esteem to get herself to college and eventually create a new, stable life for herself.

If you are from Hudson Cty or into Jersey politics + Hague machine; this is a must read

My 17 year old daughter and I both enjoyed reading Helene Stapinski’s family story. Her story of family dysfunction, child resiliency and love is a wonderful read. We both recommend it!

I just moved to Jersey City, Newport area, right on the waterfront. This part of JC has become upscale and the living is easy. All we need now are a Whole Foods and a Trader Joe's to completely gentrify. I bought the book because I wanted to know more about the area. I am more interested in the history of Jersey City than in the Stapinski family saga. The narrative gave me pause when the author discussed the high chromium concentration thanks to unchecked dumping.I enjoyed the book but I wish she'd had a better editor to smooth the rough passages.

I honestly don't know why so many reviews are negative about this book. It's an honest description of life, both good and bad, in was used to be one of America's ugliest and most corrupt cities. A true portrayal of growing up poor surrounded by an abandoned industrial wasteland at a time when petty theft was necessary for survival. The description of the main character's life is both hilarous and pathetic. If you remember the "old" Jersey City before all the luxury apartments and the creation of Liberty State Park from hundreds of acres of hideous railroad ruins, then this book is for you!

I really enjoyed this book. It must have been very difficult for the author to write this story of a real family with real problems. I particularly enjoyed the ending where she says her son will be told about the family, warts and all.

Received item quickly. Pages badly damaged . It’s ok as not a keeper book but a one time read . Due to damage would like a reduction in price . Thanks ks