Humorous, emotional, and true, this is a heartfelt time capsule set in one of the most transformative eras in history, the second half of the 20th century. In this uniquely crafted book, a grandfather affectionately called Papa leaves a rich legacy of creative short stories for his descendants. Each tale is a stand-alone memoir rooted in truth yet spun with vibrant imagination and ends with a touch of introspection, offering both nostalgia and wisdom.
The book has an Italian-American flavor, from the lively streets of Cleveland's inner-city neighborhood to the quiet suburbs where he raised his young family. Papa's journey has colorful characters, remarkable events, and poignant reflections. His words bring those days of auld lang syne to life, and readers may catch themselves reliving their own glory days.
Perfect for anyone who treasures the art of storytelling, family traditions, and the enduring bond between generations.
Excerpts:
... Italians have this extraordinary reaction to drama and tragedy. They get angry before they can show compassion. I'm sure it has everything to do with the initial adrenaline rush, but I learned to wait it out since it never lasted long. I knew doting would soon follow. It always did, and it's no wonder that I now exhibit this same trait as an adult.
... We had a saying in my old Italian neighborhood. "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, I'll kick your ass."
... This was no church club of boys I was joining. It was a gang of boys who just happened to be in a church club. And I wanted in!
... I stopped behind my cousin with my heart pounding in my chest, and rightfully so. Getting my ass kicked was not on this evening's agenda. I remained silent as the situation deteriorated in front of me.
... Ordinarily, I cringe whenever I hear my non-Italian friends are serving me their homemade pasta - only because my family has been cooking sauce every Sunday since the invention of the tomato.
... He stood there motionless for a moment as if he were making an important decision. "Here, take this," he said, and then shoved something into my hand. I looked down at what I was holding. It was a blue steel handgun.
