NEW YORK — Big Ang was the breakout star of VH1's "Mob Wives," and now the fan favorite is building her brand: She's writing a book.
Big Ang said Friday that her first book will be released on Sept. 11 through Simon & Schuster. It's called "Bigger Is Better: Real Life Wisdom from the No-Drama Mama." She said it will include "all kinds of stuff."
Big Ang's real name is Angela Raiola. She first gained attention on the second season of "Mob Wives" as the friendly one and peacemaker when the girls got into fights.
VH1's website says she's the niece of Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, a deceased captain of the Genovese crime family.
The 52-year-old will also launch her own VH1 reality show today, called "Big Ang."
"I didn't think about any of this. This all came to me," she said of her recent fame. "Did you think at my age I was looking to go on TV?"
Big Ang also said she's scouting locations for a store called Big Ang's Secrets, which will include "spray tans, eyelash extensions, hair extensions. Everything I love."
The reality star is widely known for her look, mainly her full lips and breasts. She said she's interested in more plastic surgery.
"I'd like to have the face (lifted) a little bit. When I think I need it," she said.
"I'm not really addicted," added Big Ang, saying she's gotten surgery in 10-year spans. "But I like it. I like whatever makes you look better and younger. They say 'grow old gracefully.' I don't think so. I'll do whatever it takes to stay young."
