Unveiling the Mafia: RJ Roger’s ‘The Don’ Explores the Rules of Power
RJ Roger, author of “The Don,” aims to immerse readers in the world of the Mafia. His book, published by Citadel Press, explores the history of the Five Mafia Families of New York, tracing their roots from Sicilian gangs to the present day.
The first part provides a narrative filled with stories. The majority of the book details 36 rules derived from Roger’s research, court documents, personal memoirs, and interviews with Mafia figures.
Roger, 39, hails from Lancaster and has no ties to the Mafia. He graduated from McCaskey High School in 2004 and obtained an undergraduate degree from Central Pennsylvania College, followed by an MBA from Eastern University. His interest in the Mafia stemmed from a childhood fascination with Mafia films and a later pursuit of behavioral psychology. He visited Mafia leaders’ graves and social clubs, dedicating over a decade to studying this subject.
He also runs the YouTube podcast “Black Handprint Mafia,” where he interviews former Mafia members, including Michael DiLeonardo from the Gambino crime family.
Previously, Roger self-published “The Olive Branch: 36 Rules of the Bosses — a Treatise.” Although it sold moderately, he aimed for broader readership. With help from book agent Joost Elffers, he revamped the rules into “The Don,” focusing on how the Mafia operates.
What are the key themes explored in RJ Roger’s book “The Don”?
Interview with RJ Roger: Author of “The Don”
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Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, RJ. Your book, “The Don,” dives into the fascinating and often dark world of the Mafia. What inspired you to explore this subject in such depth?
RJ Roger: Thank you for having me. My interest began in childhood, sparked by Mafia films that captured my imagination. As I grew older, I pursued a degree in behavioral psychology, which further fueled my fascination with the power dynamics within the Mafia. It led me to dedicate over ten years to studying its history and culture, including visiting the graves of Mafia leaders and social clubs to understand their world more intimately.
Interviewer: That’s quite a commitment! You’ve mentioned that the book details 36 rules derived from various sources. Can you tell us how you arrived at these specific rules?
RJ Roger: Absolutely. The rules are a synthesis of my research, which includes court documents, personal memoirs, and interviews with former Mafia members. They emerged as key principles that govern Mafia operations, stripped down to their essence. I also draw parallels to Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” highlighting how his observations on power are remarkably relevant to the Mafia’s practices.
Interviewer: The integration of Machiavellian quotes is intriguing. Can you share an example of how one of these rules is framed in the book?
RJ Roger: Sure! For instance, Rule No. 2 states, “Beware of the kiss.” This rule illustrates how a seemingly friendly gesture, such as a kiss, can signal imminent betrayal. It reflects the duality of trust and treachery that permeates Mafia relationships. Just like in classic films, the façade often hides sinister intentions.
Interviewer: Speaking of classic Mafia films, do you believe that your readers can draw parallels between your rules and scenes from those films?
RJ Roger: Definitely. Many themes from classic Mafia movies, like “The Godfather,” resonate with the rules I discuss. For example, Rule No. 36, which advises buying a cemetery plot for future security, reflects the harsh realities of life in organized crime. It reminds readers that while life holds beauty—like a rose—it also carries inherent dangers.
Interviewer: Your previous self-published work, “The Olive Branch,” paved the way for “The Don.” What motivated you to seek broader distribution for this new book?
RJ Roger: While “The Olive Branch” was a valuable stepping stone, I wanted “The Don” to reach a wider audience. With the help of my agent, Joost Elffers, we restructured the content to make it not only informative but also accessible and engaging for readers who might not be familiar with the intricacies of the Mafia.
Interviewer: You’ve also launched a YouTube podcast titled “Black Handprint Mafia.” How do you think this platform complements the themes explored in your book?
RJ Roger: The podcast allows me to engage with former Mafia members and delve deeper into their personal stories, providing a real-life context to the rules outlined in my book. It enhances the narrative by offering firsthand accounts, which can enrich the readers’ understanding of the Mafia’s complexities beyond what’s written in “The Don.”
Interviewer: In your opinion, what is the lasting impact or message you hope readers take away from “The Don”?
RJ Roger: I want readers to reflect on the moral ambiguities and lessons embedded in the Mafia’s rules. It’s essential to consider how power can corrupt and the potential consequences of choices made in the name of loyalty, ambition, and survival. “The Don” is both a journey through the dark aspects of the Mafia and a contemplative piece that challenges readers to examine their own lives and choices.
Interviewer: Thank you, RJ, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how readers respond to “The Don.”
RJ Roger: Thank you for having me! I’m excited for everyone to engage with the book and explore this captivating world.
Each of the 36 rules includes a quote from Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” linking power dynamics to Mafia practices. Roger’s descriptions of the rules sound almost biblical. For instance, Rule No. 2 warns: “Beware of the kiss,” explaining that a friendly kiss may signal betrayal.
The reader can relate themes from the book to classic Mafia films like “The Godfather.” For example, Rule No. 36 suggests buying a cemetery plot as a precaution. Roger indicates that life, much like a rose, has beauty, but it also carries dangers that must be acknowledged.
“The Don” leaves readers contemplating the dark implications of the Mafia’s rules long after they finish reading.