Original Gangster

As many people have watched the movie, I also decided to read the book about the infamous Frank Lucas and I definitely really enjoyed reading his true story of his life vs the movie. While there definitely were a few disparities in the book vs the movie , I feel I enjoyed the book more so than the movie. Being on his own since he was a young kid forced him to grow up fast. As I don't want to give too much away, Frank was taken under the wing of Bumpy Johnson and being around him made him a shoe in to be his own boss for his empire in the heroin industry. He definitely lived a life of luxury until he was no longer able to after being found out by the feds. Definitely a must read. 5/5 stars.

Really would have been much more if there had been some photos of Mr. Lucas. Of course, I can understand, too, why there were none. The book did dwell too much on the "money" aspect of Mr. Lucas's story and too little on the harm his profession generated or caused. He did--to his credit--realize that at the end. It is a fascinating, well written story. I do wish he had mentioned Russell Crowe when he thanked the stars who were in the movie because he, too, was a key figure in making the movie the hit it became.

Bought this as a gift, the recipient loved it, said it was a great read

A decent book but not as good as all the hype concerning the American Gangster Frank Lucas who caused a media storm when his story first graced the pages of the New Yorker magazine and then spawned a legion of documentaries and news reports and finally the Denzel Washington American Gangster movie. The book kind of pales in comparison and the story has changed dramatically from the initial article and the movie but still if you are into this black gangster stuff it is a decent read. But take it for what it is worth, Frank Lucas supposedly got $50 grand to write this book and it's all told from his own angle and the in the most favorable light to him. Dude would have you think he was the biggest drug dealer ever. It was all good for the movie but documented evidence has come out that casts big doubts on his story and his credibility. Still taken for purely entertainment purposes it was ok. For more truthful accounts check out Sergeant Smack by Ron Chepesiuk, which give the real deal about the Asian heroin connection that supplied Frank Lucas. And if you are into black gangster reads there are a bunch more about street legends from the inner city that are way better than this. But give the man Frank Lucas his due he did take what he had, his story and blew it up into epic and Hollywood proportions. He deserves credit for that and for raising awareness of the mainstream popularity of stories like this.

Excellent reading. Story will hold you capitive until the end. Leaves you wanting more.

"Original Gangster: The Real Life Story Of One Of America's Most Notorious Drug Lords", is the life story of Frank Lucas and his journey from the farm to the big city and beyond. It is remarkable that someone so "notorious" never hit the National news back in his heyday. But there are a lot more remarkable things about Frank Lucas and his life. You have to read this book to see what the drug trade is really like and what it really does to people. No BS!

Growing up in Harlem, I saw first hand the damage done by Nicky Barnes. I really didn't know anything about Frank Lucas, until the movie came out. Reading the book dispelled the drama of the movie and told the story of Lucas first hand. He's a good example of a brilliant man who happened to fall into a destructive business. This book was very well written.

I like books that inspire through the character i.e. the writers triumph over hardship and obstacles.A must for aspiring entrepreneurs who like independence and lifestyle.

More in depth story and a lot different than the movie. Very entertaining read. Recommend to anyone hooked the movie, you will like this better.

AWESOME BOOK!!

Great read! Film more or less in line with the true story

It's ok. I saw the film first which made me want to read his book. Nothing like the film. And considering frank Lucas consulted on the film you'd think it would resemble the book. Denzel Washington must have given frank Lucas's ego a rocket ride. Very disappointed in the book.

Book arrived on time and,as it was a present, this was really important. The person i ordered it for also loved the book. No complaints.