Product Description

"The Greatest Generation" was in full bloom during the enigmatic decade of the fifties. In northern New Jersey, The Newark Star Ledger on the doorstep every morning was bringing changing news as that pastoral period came to an end. A blue-collar ethnic family saga evolves that takes you on an epic journey through unfulfilled dreams, with spiritual forks in every road. In the shadows lurk glamorous alternatives of gangland activities and the allure of the entertainment business. But it was a legendary high school football game that truly signaled winds of change would be rushing in. An outstanding athlete and young man, Frank Bonaducci made a decision in that rivalry that would affect people's lives forever. Surrounding him is his family, as well as a menagerie of unforgettable characters-from Bloomfield Avenue in Newark, to the Silver Lake section of Belleville, to Nutley's Park Oval. They roam the pages of this touching story, teaching life-long lessons. Their roles craft a tapestry of life, creating a yearning in our hearts for these days gone by. Every one should have an uncle like "Petee 5 Corners" and an Aunt Bella who danced across imaginary stages as "Bella LaStarr". Each chapter reads like a short story that will touch your heart and soul. The book depicts frustrations of coming of age and traditional rights of passage that honor family traditions . . . more than the family members themselves. It won't take long to learn . . . that when you look back, . . . you should glance, not stare. In his first novel, Joseph Rocco Cervasio escorts us through New Jersey's fabled Essex County in a way that will make Bad News on the Door Step . . . the good news you are seeking. A demanded public speaker, Cervasio has tested throughout the country the stories that have evolved into the tales of this fiction. And you will react the same way his audiences have over the years--you'll laugh and cry and say, . . . "no way". Writing with compassion and spiritual discernment t

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2176299 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 432 pages

About the Author
Joseph Rocco Cervasio has spent over thirty years in the resort industry as a corporate executive, strategic coach, leadership development expert, and entrepreneur. A demanded public speaker, he has tested the stories that have evolved into the tales of this fiction on audiences around the country. And you'll react the same way: "You must be kidding!" Based upon these responses, he decided to write Bad News on the Doorstep.. "It seems Jersey gets their attention, and when the characters appear with all their color and charm, the listener is ready to learn. They laugh and cry, and sometimes I get emotional, too. But most of the time, we achieve our objective: We make some history in our business and change a few lives." In his first novel, Joe escorts us through New Jersey's fabled Essex County in a way that will make Bad News on the Doorstep...the good news you're seeking. Except for his years at Cornell, Cervasio has never moved from New Jersey where he lives with his wife, Maria.

Customer Reviews

A whole universe in a single book
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.

Outstanding Read
There are times when a book has a certain impact upon a reviewer; it strikes a cord, brings a smile, a memory renewed that had been deeply buried; this is what Mr. Cervasio's outstanding work has done for me. Growing up in New Jersey, born to an Italian American father, this book was almost like going home. The story takes place in the 1950's in the city of Bloomfield,where we are introduced to the
Bonaducci family; dad, Rocky, mom, Marietta, and their three children, Jo Jo, Frank and Donna.

In this wonderful novel, we share the journey of this family's life, the challenges of the times they live in, their commitment to each other and the extended family that all Italians have, and the battle to keep the world from crashing in on their sanctity, yet allowing for the independence that each member needs. I smiled at the wonderful stories of their family gatherings, the abundance of food, the talking, eating and body motion that was done all at the same time; it is indeed a wonder to behold. We travel along as the family matures, life complicates living, and the Bonaducci's grow together to meet the challenges. Never a dull moment, as is the case in most Italian households; and this is certainly true in the Bonaducci's as well.
In this read, we have a dash of some mob temptations, a historical football game where a difficult decision was made , and even a splash of the world of entertainment, all touching this family and helping to sculpture their lives in the decisions they make and their relationships one to another.

The author does a wonderful job in bringing each character alive, allowing you to feel as if you have always known them. You begin to care what happens to the family, their struggles become your struggles, their hurts, your hurts, their victories, your victories, their family, your family. Well done!
The descriptions of the different locals that you travel to are vivid and add much to the story, and Mr. Cervasio does an excellent job in portraying the mindset of the time; and the happenings of the era.

If you want a truthful, heartwarming look inside the life of an Italian American family in the 1950's; a glimpse of their traditions, a taste of their strength and unity as a family, or just a read that delivers to you a wonderful story, this book is for you. Thank you Mr. Cervasio for an enjoyable read.
Recommended.

Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review