My Rise from the Wiseguys: A Memoir
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4.9 • 8 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
Famous as "Dr. Carl" on the hit TV show Survivor Africa, Carl Bilancione had a family secret that was never revealed to viewers: While he was being filmed in Africa, his father—identified by law enforcement as part of the Genovese crime family—was serving time in prison.
Carl broke free from a tradition of crime and violence. He worked his way through college and dental school, served in the US Navy, treated patients in Lewisburg Penitentiary, was team dentist for the NBA's Orlando Magic basketball team, appeared on television and in film, and became a renowned wildlife photographer.
With courage and integrity, he overcame the obstacles and rose to every challenge. Along the way, he had memorable encounters with Shaquille O'Neal, Roger Maris, Kelly Ripa, George Steinbrenner, Herschel Walker, Nicole Kidman, Roger Clemens, Howard Stern, Derek Jeter, Robert Duvall, Wade Boggs and many others.
MY RISE FROM THE WISEGUYS is more than the captivating memoir of a successful man who pursues life with passion and optimism. Carl Bilancione's unique story is one that will inspire others and illustrate that "It's not where you came from, but where you are going."
Written with Troy Soos, whose books have been praised by the New York Times, USA Today, Sports Illustrated and Publishers Weekly.
Customer Reviews
Perfect!
An exceptional real life story not only inspirational on how the harder one works, the luckier one gets, and how the universe responds to perseverance. This read had me crying, had me laughing, and I felt as if “Dr. B” was speaking directly to me. All of my family and loved ones will be receiving a copy this holiday season.
Touching and Beautifully Told
I could not put this book down. It is so beautifully written. And Carl‘s heart shows through on every page.
He uses self deprecation often, but we see his real intentions and joy for life. The grit and hard work and planning he put in his life to overcome the huge obstacles, the positive nature shown by Carl, the anecdotes and the storyline, all take the reader to a place of goodness. Even when chaos was happening around him, Carl knew he could achieve his noble goals.
Troy and Carl did a fantastic job telling this inspirational, unique, and fascinating story.
Absolutely Gripping!
I couldn’t put it down! An amazing story of perseverance against all odds.