Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba- And Then Lost It to the Revolution by T.J. English

I saw an interview with T.J. English on The Daily Show with John Stewart and John talked this book up a lot. I have to say I agree. Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba- And Then Lost It to the Revolution is an amazing overview of the mob scene in Cuba after the second World War. Cuba, one of the most corrupt countries in the world, and the mob were a perfect fit. The Batista government welcomed Mob leaders Meyer Lansky and Charles "Lucky" Luciano with open arms and allowed them to operate casinos, brothels and night clubs unfettered as long as they got their cut.

While the mob stories are very interesting in their excesses and detail, the thing that makes this book a great read is the way English weaves the story of Fidel Castro's communist revolution into the mix. In fact, it is amazing that Castro ever succeeded, as inept as his group was they were able to overcome Batista because he was blind with greed.

If you are looking for a fun read with a little history mixed in, you will enjoy this book.