"The Company She Keeps" is the gripping tale of one woman's struggle to escape from the Mafia underworld. Now a successful stunt driver, Durante can dominate a two-ton vehicle at high speeds, but off road, she has careened from one emotional head-on collision to another.

Georgia Durante became the most photographed woman in the world as the Kodak Summer Girl. Her career took her to New York City where the world of modeling and the world of The Mob both opened their doors for her. One violent night gave Georgia the chance to show her value to The Mob from behind the wheel of a car.

Life behind the door of Georgia's home was anything but glamorous. Her days and nights became filled with fear and physical abuse from her husband. Finally the day for a decision arrived and Georgia made hers.

Today Georgia is the owner of her own leading Hollywood stunt driving company. She also travels the country to talk about domestic violence.

 

"We've all heard of the Mafia, and read about mobsters, but Georgia Durante saw them up close. She lived with them. She experienced their violence. She survived their wars. In The Company She Keeps, she tells her fascinating story. Once you read it, you'll never forget it."
            Jimmy Breslin - Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and best-selling Author

"This wonderful story of courage offers an exciting and unique look at how organized crime in this country can destroy much more than the usual victims of its activities. Georgia Durante rose above it. I salute her."
            James D. Henderson - Former Chief of the Los Angeles Strike Force on Organized Crime, United States Department of Justice

"Georgia Durante's life exemplifies many of the strengths I've written about. She refused to surrender to abuse, and moved from being a victim to being a victor. She's an inspiration for any woman who feels her situation is hopeless."
             Susan Forward, Ph.D. - best-selling Author of Emotional Blackmail and Men Who Hate Women and the Women Who Love Them

"(Georgia Durante) has had quite a life, and the courage it takes to live it. I would have never imagined all (she's) been through. (She) hides a lot behind that lovely smile."
            Hugh O'Brian - Actor

"I spent a lifetime chasing gangsters out of the lives of decent people with the help of my colleagues in the FBI. Georgia Durante chased them out of her life by herself. She should have worked with us. This is an exceptionally intriguing book with eye-opening lessons for everyone."
            Bill Fleming, Special Agent - (Retired)Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"The Company She Keeps could very well be the woman's version of my biography, "Wiseguy". A truly unique and insightful dimension to the underworld, written with bone chilling detail. Very well done."
            Henry Hill - Wiseguy Witness Protection Program

"Georgia Durante has great skill as an author. Her warmth, her daring and her intelligence make this book a great adventure. I couldn't put it down. Read this book! You'll be amazed, you'll be excited. You'll be grateful I made you do it."
            Buddy Hackett - Entertainer and Comedian

"It's one of those stories that makes you want to write a better critique than anyone else's. But Georgia has written the best one of all. You'll agree with me tomorrow morning when you still haven't put The Company She Keeps to bed."
            Morton Downey, Jr. - Network Talk Show Pioneer

"(The Company She Keeps) is the high-interest, quick paced account of life in the fast lane. At the heart is the love of danger and excitement which is, for (Georgia), almost a fatal flaw. Fortunately, a love of autos and an uncanny ability to control high-horsepower cars led to an unexpected escape route. (Hers) is a story well worth reading."
            Samuel Hallock duPont, Jr. - Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

"Quite unreal, really. What a life."
            Graham Nash - Musician; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

"Once you start reading this book, you cannot put it down. This book covers everything from flashy show-people, to the mob, to ordinary everyday people. There's a surprise on every page and a twist and turn in every chapter."
            Dick VanPatten - Actor

"(Georgia Durante) has an adventurous spirit and has led a glamorous life. She honestly shares painful experiences in this fascinating and entertaining book."
            Stella Stevens - Actress

"(The Company She Keeps) is a story of today. Women will relate to (Georgia's) inner strength that enabled her to overcome obstacles; and men will relate to (her) courage and admire (her) perseverance."
            Marty Allen - Entertainer and Comedian

"(The Company She Keeps) is a superbly written autobiography about a lovely young woman's struggle and victory. What a struggle; what a victory; and what a woman! Georgia is one of a kind, and so is her book."
            Alan Young - Actor and Author

"In (The Company She Keeps) Georgia Durante, not only survived her years in the underworld, but lived to write about it. A fascinating life. A fascinating book."
            Nicholas Pileggi - Best selling author of Wiseguy (Goodfellas) and Casino

He placed one bullet back in the chamber and gave it a whirl. He then placed the gun at my temple. "What are you doing!" I cried. "I'm gonna find out once and for all how badly you really want to leave," he snarled. "Please, Joe... don't," He brought his face within inches of mine. All I could see were his eyes. I watched in horror as demonic possession took place. In a voice that wasn't his, he spewed, "Are you sure you want to leave?" Paralyzed with fear, I couldn't talk. He pulled the trigger. Click. My life passed before my eyes. I saw my daughter, my parents. Babe and Billie. I'm going to die.

"Do you remember now what I said I'd do if you ever left me? Well, the time has come." He was crying, too. "I won't leave! I'll stay! Please don't kill me. What about Toni? Oh my God..." He considered this for a moment, then dismissed it. "You're lying again. I don't believe you." He pulled the trigger again.