Rating: 
Summary: WOW!!!!
Review: Outstanding work of literature. I have seen the movies several times and was amazed at what was left out. I can not wait to see the movie again because the book has given me new insights into the characters and there motivations. The scene were Michael goes to Las Vegas plays out much better in the book, as does the entire character of Johnny Fontane. The reader in Georgia should know that this book was on the NY Times bestseller list for over a year BEFORE it was made into a movie. Yes the movie was good, even great but this book is better.
Rating: 
Summary: Hackwork
Review: Don't get me wrong, I love "The Godfather". It's one of my two favorite movies. But I can't stand the novel. I hate Puzo's expository style of prose that saps the narrative of all immediacy. I really hate the way he insists on providing a full backstory for even the most minor of characters. I don't care about Johnny Fontaine! I don't care about Woltz! I don't care about Lucy Mancini! I don't care about Woltz or Sollozo or Cuneo and Tattaglia or Barzini or Luca Brasi or Al Neri - not beyond their role in the plot, that is. I definitely, definitely do not care about the bystanders at the fight between Sonny and Carlo Rizzi! Absolutely not! There's a school of writing that says that there shouldn't be a word which isn't critical to the plot - while that's a tad extreme, I'd most certainly prefer that to Puzo. I'm glad I read it because it helped me fill in a few pieces from the movies. That's it. The central story is a good one, as Coppola proved - but the novel is so badly written that I cannot in good conscience give this more than 1 star.
Rating:
Summary: The book didn't let me down!
Review: I'm a huge fan of the Godfather trilogy and I finally sat down and read the book. I was not dissappointed in the least! The book delved more into the characters so you understood why they did what they did and what motivated them. Now when I watch the movie, I get a new understanding on the characters and actually enjoy it more. Now if you read this book and then watch the movie, be aware that there are differences (as with all screenplays written from books) but they are minor. As for the reader from Savannah, GA who thought the book was horrible and overrated and the Frances Ford Coppola was a genius, obviously you don't read much do ya?
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, Excellent piece of writing by Mario Puzo!!!!!!!
Review: This book like most books was better than the film but unlike other books this one made you feel as if you where part of this great MAFIA empire. The book inspired me to look deeper in to the New York and other familly historys over the last half century. I commend Mario Puzzo on a great book and an excellent film script. He is an adventive writer and this book is one of his best if not THE best.
Rating:
Summary: pure brilliance, the best book i've ever read
Review: Mario Puzo shows true talent in this book and i feel that Coppola didn't do a great job on the films.Highly recomended for those who have liked the films.
Rating:
Summary: Just as Good as the Movie
Review: The book was a brilliant beyond brilliant look at the workings of the Corleone family and helped to explain some things i didn't understand from the movie.
Rating:
Summary: greatest piece of writing ever!
Review: this is the greatest piece of writing ever. Puzo is a genius, if you liked the movie, you must read the book. The book goes into more detail than the movie, gives more insight, and explains some things the movie doesn't. You will not want to put this masterpiece down
Rating:
Summary: Much better than the movie!!!!
Review: I was very disappointed with the movie "after" I read the book. Yes, I had not seen the movie till Feb of this year. But it pales in comparison the book. A must read for those who love the movie. It gives the characters more depth. Anyway, a must book.
Rating:
Summary: Just as good as the movie
Review: I normally do not like the book as much as the movie but the book was unbelieveable. I could not put it down. I had seen the movie ten times and the book filled me in on things that I had missed.
Rating:
Summary: brilliant film; awful novel
Review: How Francis Ford Coppola found the inspiration for his two masterpieces is beyond me. The Corleone saga became Shakespearean only in Coppola's hands. Puzo is a hack, like John Grisham or Anne Rice. Paramount sought to turn this book into a cheap exploitation film, a crucial fact to ponder when appreciating the novel's "greatness." Name one other novel of Puzo's that is even faintly memorable; chances are you cannot. He owes his entire reputation and fortune to the (early) genius and ambition of Coppola.
| 
