Journalist, novelist, and playwright SUSAN BERMAN. Berman's childhood is rooted in the infamous, fast-paced, Vegas lifestyle of a mafia family. Her latest book, "Lady Las Vegas" (TV Books), tells the story of her experience as the daughter of Davie Berman mafia partner to Bugsy Siegel. She is also the author of four other books, including her acclaimed memoir "Easy Street."Jazz critic KEVIN WHITEHEAD reviews the CD "Serpentine" (Songlines) featuring Han Bennink and Dave Douglas. 12:58:30 NEXT SHOW PROMO (:29) PROMO COPY On the next Fresh Air...does our neglect of the mentally ill lead to violence, overcrowded jails, and homelessness? Psychiatrist E. FULLER TORREY's new book "Out of the Shadows" challenges society's conventional treatment of the disease. Also, journalist and novelist SUSAN BERMAN. Her father David Berman and his partner Bugsy Seigel were part of the Las Vegas mafia who built the strip in the 1940s. That and more coming up on today's Fresh Air.
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