Zev's wit truly comes through in his travels through Jewish Americana. He finds the most intriguing stories to report, from the zaniest to the unbelievable. This is a must read.

great book. Zev Chafets takes the reader on a tour of small-town Jewish America.

Inherit the Mob is a good book, provided that you have a solid knowledge of Mafia history. If you don't, you'll be way out of your league. I was lucky enough upon my first reading to pick up a copy that had notes written in by an insightful reader explaining the references. The second time I read it, I was well-versed in the Mafia, so I could follow it. Suggested reading before reading: The Valachi Papers, Boss of Bosses, the Godfather book. Also, watch the Godfather movies.

Those that refuse to see the truth of America's cities too easily dismiss this book as being biased or too negative. However, Detroit is indeed deserving of all the negativity, especially for those who have experienced the years of decay and trauma that have erupted from within city limits.

Chafetz cleverly uses Detroit's famous "Devil's Night" as a moniker, a night when the city folk actually burn down their own neighborhoods for fun. I grew up going through many a Devil's Nights, so I have seen firsthand the level of sickness inherent in this ritual. Chavetz does some interesting interviews, though his thoroughness is lacking, and I see that he really doesn't get a good grip on the root of the city's problems, that being corruption, affirmative action, divisiveness toward the suburbs, and tax policies that drive away those that might otherwise be Detroit residents.

Detroit is a poster child for the effects upon a spontaneous order at the hand of racially divisive power grabs and coercive political machinations, but I wouldn't count on Chavetz to give a scholarly and accurate view of that. The book is interesting, slightly sensationalized, and never scholarly, but overall, it is a decent overview on the problems of Detroit.

this book makes some interesting points, and some true ones. however, its downfall is its sensationalism. 'devil's night' finds its audience in people who love to hear bad things about detroit--& urban america in general. it is not a truly balanced story, although it is the account you will find on most news shows & magazine covers. i encourage you to investigate other angles on detroit.

A very stark, often poignant tale of the social and demographic changes experienced in Detroit during the 1960s and 1970s. Chavets also draws some very interesting comparisons between Detroit and Israel as societies under seige. If you can find this book, read it!!

I bought this book on the basis of the Amazon.com blurb. It looked appealing to mystery/thriller fans-first Jewish President and his interactions with the Israelis, with a secret project cooked up by the Israeli Prime Minister. The characters were as shallow as a wading pool. Stereotypical cardboard cutouts populate this little book, which has as much suspense as Tiger Woods' last round at the Masters. The only thing worse than the characterization was the plot. Totally unrealistic and contrived. Without giving any secrets away, the manner in which the journalist friend of the President learns the hidden secret of the Israeli prime minister was so far fetched, and indeed so EASY, that it was as if the author decided he just needed to get on with the climax and get this thing over with. That was certainly my feeling as well

I love historical books about Israel, it's conflicts, and politics. I become immersed in details regarding the Mossad, and relations between America and Israel. I also become captivated by exciting fiction thrillers. However, "The Project" just doesn't cut it! The premise teases the reader with hope for an intriquing twist in U.S.-Israeli political relations. An Israeli Prime Minister hoping that America's first Jewish President will be defeated in his bid for election! However, it's rare that the reader has trouble putting the book down. The writing is non-exciting. The dialogue doesn't make you feel you're getting to know these characters. The "twist" near the end of the book, and the premise of the "Project", when the details are revealed, do not make the reader gasp with excitement. I wasn't bored, but definitely wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat while I read the book. Sorry, but this book was a big disappointment. My next "project" will to go back to non-fiction accounts of Israeli intrigue. The real stories have often been much more excitin

This enjoyable thriller wrily comments on the "Who is a Jew?" question, as well as other issues in Israeli-U.S. politics, while weaving a complex tale of intrigue, based on personal, ethnic, religious, and political loyalties.