"Given Away, A Sicilian Upbringing" is a captivating and emotionally charged narrative inspired by a true story that immerses readers in the tumultuous journey of two sisters, Tina and Lena, set against the vivid backdrop of 1935 Sicily. This 10th-anniversary edition offers a poignant reacquaintance with a tale of heart-wrenching separation, unwavering resilience, and enduring love.
Tina's journey commences at the tender age of four when she is separated from her family for eight long years. It's neither an abduction nor an adoption but a painful farewell. She is brought to a small, one-room house in one of Sicily's poorest areas, where she shares her mornings with goats and chickens under the care of a loving aunt and a deranged uncle. Life is harsh, and cruelty is a constant presence, teaching Tina that childhood is a luxury in wartime Europe.
Meanwhile, Tina's sister, Lena, faces her own challenges in a nearby town where she lives with her parents and baby brother. She shoulders family responsibilities she never chose. Lena's journey is marked by selfless sacrifices as she navigates her obligations to ensure her family's well-being.
The story unfolds as Tina and Lena grow from vulnerable children into strong young women. Their relationship evolves through significant decisions involving love, careers, and their separate life paths.
Amidst the looming shadow of fascism in occupied Sicily, both sisters find themselves grappling with circumstances that border on abuse and neglect. Yet, their unwavering loyalty to their family and the decisions made for them propels the sisters to make monumental sacrifices in pursuit of what they perceive as a greater purpose.
In due course, both sisters face the daunting and uncertain prospect of embarking on a transatlantic voyage to New York City. Sponsored by a wealthy yet malevolent great-aunt in America, they bear the burden of arranged marriages and facilitating the immigration of their parents and siblings.
Both emerge as strong and triumphant survivors, transcending their challenging upbringing only to confront new tribulations in America.
"Given Away, A Sicilian Upbringing" invites readers to explore the captivating landscapes of Sicily and immerse themselves in the lives of these two remarkable sisters. It's a story about separation, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit, showcasing the enduring love between siblings as they navigate life's hardships and triumphs, using humor, imagination, and determination to overcome these challenges.
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COMING IN 2024
Explore the enigmatic history of Staten Island through its Haunted Tales, Folklore, Myths, and Urban Legends. Discover the spine-tingling and fascinating stories woven into the fabric of this legendary land. As the author, I delve into the eerie and reveal a tapestry of ghostly encounters, ancient folklore, and mythical legends that have shaped the island's past, land often called the "forgotten borough," is the southernmost of New York City's five boroughs, known for its suburban atmosphere and diverse communities.
This book chronicles the paranormal landscape of Staten Island, from the infamous Conference House to The Ghostly Hitchhiker of Arthur Kill Road, The Cropsey Urban Legend: the eerie whispers echoing The Seaview Hospital Hauntings through forgotten woods. Encounter ghostly apparitions haunting historic sites, hear echoes of bygone eras in timeless legends, and unravel the enigmatic tales passed down through generations.
Meticulous research breathes life into these ethereal stories, offering readers a haunting journey through Staten Island's past, inviting you to navigate the twilight between reality and the unknown, beckoning those intrigued by the paranormal to venture into the ghostly heart of Staten Island's mysterious history.
Please contact me if you have a ghostly tale to share or photographs related to the Staten Island, New York, paranormal. Remember to include the words 'PARANORMAL TALES' in the subject line for your message to be opened.
As many Italians affectionately pronounced it, Brooklyn, or "Bruculinu," is where Italian values, culture, and dreams thrived.
By 1900, Brooklyn's Italian population was second only to Manhattan. Although the last notable wave of Italian immigration ended in the 1960s, Italian remains one of the six most prevalent foreign languages in New York, according to a 2007 census estimate. This work serves as a time capsule to remind us of these immigrants' contributions and influences to the community.
Father Vincent Robert Capodanno (February 13, 1929 – September 4, 1967) was a Roman Catholic priest and Maryknoll Missioner (M.M.) who was killed in action while serving as a United States Navy Chaplain assigned to a Marine Corps infantry unit. This is the story of his upbringing in a large Italian family in Staten Island, New York, his life as a Maryknoll Missioner in Taiwan and a Navy Chaplain during the Vietnam War.
In 2019 25 people were interviewed, friends of We the Italians who gave us 24 different views about 24 other topics of the relation between Italy and the US. These are the topics you will find in this yearbook: Little Italies around the US; Italy in St. Louis, Italian Opera and the Italian American integration; Italy in Ohio; How the US helped Italy after World War II; Italian American Women, Food, and Identity; Dick Biondi, "The Wild I-tralian"; How to get an Italian passport; The new Italian emigration to the US; Dallara, the undisputed king of Indianapolis 500; The incredible story of Amadeo P. Giannini; the great Federico Faggin; the USA in Florence; the story of Rocco Petrone and the moon; a new approach on the Italian American cuisine; the 100th anniversary of the St. Anthony's Feast in Boston; a century of Garibaldi Meucci Museum by Marianna Randazzo.
Brooklyn’s Best, The Michael Behette Story, is a captivating and funny book. The characters and tales from Michael’s 20 years with the Fire Department of New York, his stint with the New York Police Department, and his antics with friends will indeed hold your interest and put a smile on your face. At the same time, there are some heartbreaking stories from the devastating effects of September 11, 2001, the line of duty deaths suffered by firefighters and rescue workers protecting New York City and its citizens. There may be a tear when you read about the tragedies the Behette family has seen.
The anthology, published by "Idea Press," showcases Italian-American writers' diverse styles and creativity through twenty-three short stories—eight nonfiction and fifteen fiction—by eighteen different authors. These writers, predominantly published with extensive backgrounds, span various professions, evidenced by their biographies. The stories explore multiple topics, some specific to the Italian-American experience, while others touch on universal themes. This collection demonstrates the breadth and depth of Italian-American writers deserving recognition for their work.
FICTION
Michael Cutillo -Mike Fiorito - J. A. Forgione - "Maria Lisella - "Laura Klinkon -LindaAnn Lo Schiavo - Andrew Mele - Marianna Randazzo Tim Tomlinson - Leo Vadalà - Elizabeth Vallone -
NONFICTION
Margaret Franceschini - Gilda Battaglia Rorro Baldassari - "
Marco Bulgarelli - "Maria Dellaventura -Mary Rorro - Maria Teresa De Donato - Sylvana Swinburne -
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"I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in."
--Robert Louis Stevenson
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