A Great New England Organized Crime Book for Summer [OPINION]

CHOICES: You Make 'Em, You Own 'Em is one of the greatest books ever written about the real life of organized crime. Don't miss this incredible book.

Jerry Tillinghast is a rare breed in today's world of gangsters. He is a man, and he isn't an informant. He did his crimes and he did his time. He probably did other people's time, too. He served in Norway, the Dominican Republic, and in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

He came home to Rhode Island and became a major operator in the world of the New England mafia under the godfather Raymond L.S. Patriarca, Sr.

Joe Broadmeadow is the author of the book as told to him by Jerry Tillinghast. Mr. Broadmeadow is a retired captain from the East Providence Police Department. Before becoming an author, he also worked in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and on special assignment to the FBI Drug Task Force.

These two men have come together to write a true crime book you will be glad to read and you will want to share with friends. I read lots of books, and particularly books on organized crime and trust me here: run, don't walk, to get a copy of this book.

Jerry is honest because he is the only one still alive. He didn't trade out his friends or his enemies for a light sentence. He was considered a "heavy prisoner" by the various prison administrations that housed him for decades.

This is more than a gangster's story. It is a story of life and hope and loss and choices—good and bad. It is the story of a man. A man who has courage and heart and rage and loyalty.

Tillinghast will tell you the truth about being a criminal and all the loss he experienced because of his choices. Get this book and share it with friends. But also share it with your sons and daughters.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.