Bad News on the Doorstep: Inspired by a True Story

Rating:
Summary: A whole universe in a single book
Review: Don't look the wrong way at this book just because it's a publish-on-demand project. What it is is quite remarkable: an epic description of what life was like, growing up Italian-American in northern New Jersey in the 1950s. I was hornswoggled by the depth and accuracy of the people depicted I this book, and the grand adventure that sweeps an entire community along.

If you liked "American Graffiti" for its to-the-bone recalling of youth culture from that period, you will like Cervasio's story.

Likewise, if you dig "The Sopranos" for its cool look at contemporary Italian-American culture. Or - and this gets a little mote ambitious - if you think "The Brothers Karamazov" did an OK job of looking at the universe through the eyes of a single small village. This is like that. And that, well, it ain't bad.

But it's even better than them, because this book has a heart that doesn't quit. You don't have to be Italioan to fall in love with these people, or to identify with their struggles and joys. You do have to be human.

Joe Cervasio has created a universe of remarkable characters. It seems to me here is a framework for a very large drama. I am not saying an Aaron Sorkin-type would want to snap it up and develop it into an extended vehicle like "West Wing" or "Picket Fences" or "Northern Exposure." But it has that kind of feel and depth to it.

This book is a blessing to everyone who picks it up. Let it be a blessing for you.