you can read anything.but my sugession is that you can read the "THE GOD FATHER" first.
It is recommended to read "The Godfather" first as it is the original novel that introduces the characters and sets the foundation for the story. "The Family Corleone" is a prequel that provides backstory to the characters and events portrayed in "The Godfather."
Apollonia
From the movies there are several godfathers. Firstly, the original godfather from Part I is Vito Corleone, his actual name was Vito Andolini of Corleone, Sicily. When he is shot in the first movie his son, Sonny or Santino takes over for a period of time. Unfortunately, Santino is murdered by other crime family, (excellent scene by the way) After his death Michael, another one of Vito's sons becomes the godfather. Michael had fled America to Sicily during this movie as he was responsible for the murder of the gangster/drug dealer Solozo and a New York City police captain. He remains the godfather for the remainder of the first movie, but during the second moving Hyman Roth (a business partner) attempts to murder Michael. To protect his family, Michael flees, and leavs Tom Haggen, his adopted brother in charge of the family. Eventually Michael returns and settles his fueds with several murders. In the final godfather, Michael turns power over to Santino's son Vincent, as he is trying to make the Corleone crime family legitimate. The true godfather will always be Vito Corleone, and if anyone else should be considered the godfather, it would be Michael.Marlon Brando played Vito Corleone.
Marlon Brando played Don Vito Corleone aka The Godfather.
Barzini is the character in the first "Godfather" film who plotted the murder of Sonny Corleione. The character of Barzini was played by actor Richard Conte.
If I recall correctly, the first Don was Vito Corleone (played by Marlon Brando). From there, I believe that Santino "Sonny" Corleone (played by James Cahn) was the second Don for a very short time. The final Don was Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino). I hope that helps.
Godfather part 2, when he played the young Vito Corleone.
Robert DeNiro tried out for the role of Sonny Corleone, but the role actually went to Jimmy Cann. Hence, he isn't credited.
the first godfather movie is sared.
Godfather II - Young Vito Andolini is singing a Sicilian folk song: "Lu Sciccareddu", which could be translated as "The donkey". Young Vito sings the first verse: "Avia 'nu sciccareddu ma veru sapuritu a mia mi l'ammazzaru, poveru sceccu miu." Translation: "I had a little donkey truly cute (or funny). They have killed it, poor donkey of mine." - See more at: http://www.chacha.com/question/what-sicilian-song-is-young-vito-corleone-singing-after-arriving-in-ellis-island-in-the-godfather-ii#sthash.HFqWudat.dpuf
To become a Godfather you must first be asked by the parents of the child to be the Godfather. Then if the family is Catholic you must hold the baby while it is baptized and vow to help the child in Spiritual circumstances. If you are Jewish you must hold the child while they perform the ceremonial circumsision. the godfather is a Sicillian belife that the world is to tough so you must have to fathers to raise you.
Vito Corleone
Maria Cross dies in the book "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo. She is the first wife of Sonny Corleone and her death is depicted in the storyline.