Joe Kraus Livres

"The Kosher Capones tells the story of Chicago's Jewish gangsters from Prohibition into the 1980s"--

The narrative chronicles the remarkable journey of the USS Manatee, highlighting its resilience through significant historical events like World War II and the Vietnam War. The crew's adventures include encounters with a sitting president, Elvis Presley, and a stowaway chicken, alongside surviving a major hurricane and an oil spill. Intriguingly, the ship was nearly implicated in escalating the Vietnam War. With elements of humor and drama, the story captures the ship's legacy and the extraordinary experiences of its crew.

Set against the backdrop of a harsh desert landscape, the narrative explores the lives of those who embraced this unforgiving environment, known as desert rats. These individuals, including prospectors, storekeepers, and wanderers, carved out their existence in a place often overlooked by others. With no guidebooks to navigate their lives, they developed unique, colorful personalities that mirrored their surroundings. Their stories are filled with humor and resilience, showcasing the vibrant spirit of those who thrived in the sandy expanse.