CRANFORD, NJ, October 28, 2002– What do six guys reared during the 50s in an old Italian neighborhood

in the city of Philadelphia think about modern-day values in America? Join them on September 6, 2001 at La Strega Restaurant in New York’s Little Italy for their annual dinner, during which they serve up strong opinions and barbs on subjects such as politics, sex, family stability, divorce, abortion, culture and food.

The boys’ festa at La Strega includes a new, first-time guest, Genella, the sensual, vivacious, girlfriend of the recently deceased Rocco, one of the old gang. Genella brings a singularly unique perspective to the table: She’s not Italian and is a “big-time madam dealing with big-time clients on the fancy side of Manhattan.” Her views on everything from sexual perversions to abortion keep the boys on their collective toes.

This is the intriguing premise of the novel Old Italian Neighborhood Values (now available through 1stBooks Library $ 22.50 Hardcover, $14.50 Softcover) by Dr. Stephen L. DeFelice, M.D. Dr. DeFelice has written books on medicine and health and is a recognized authority on nutraceuticals (he is credited with coining the term). His first novel, Old Italian Neighborhood Values, delves into the human spirit and offers helpful prescriptions on ways to handle the problems of modern life. It is must reading not only for Italian Americans but also for everybody else.

This bittersweet novel takes a hard look at how American values have changed in the past 50 years through the eyes of this group of colorful paesans from “the old neighborhood” that meet annually for a dinner of fine Italian food, accompanied by Italian opera and free-flowing spirits. You’ll meet such characters as Emilo Serio or “the Pig,” a sensitive state-paid social worker and seminary dropout; Mo, or Carlo Carluzzi, the owner of a large construction company and giant of a man who uses his mental and physical strength to protect his friends; Spinuzzi, or John Esposito, a physican who specializes in clinical research and a keen observer of human behavior including sexual habits; and Pussey Rapper, or Joe Ravelli, the liberal publisher of a local newspaper who agonizes over the fate of his three divorced sons.

A few of the opinions offered that night include:

“ What do you think? What is respect, and why is it important?”

“ We seem to have forgotten that sex is an extremely powerful thing. It is not simply a pleasure like eating a great meal. It is a potentially- disruptive driving force that, I believe, affects most behavior, good and bad.”

“ There is no doubt that women are drinking and drugging too much, and that’s playing a big role in screwed-up families.”

“ Yes, our parents were always ‘there’ when we were kids, and they’re not really ‘there’ today.”

“ Please note that I do not recommend balsamic vinegar, but good old-fashioned red vinegar. This country is going bananas over balsamic vinegar.”

The group’s strong opinions were forged during their years growing up in the old Italian neighborhood, where once a guy formed an opinion, it was extremely difficult to get him to change his mind. Read Old Italian Neighborhood Values and be a “fly on the wall” as the gang of testadure…or hardheads….try valiantly to persuade and dissuade each other. The conversation at La Strega this evening may become heated and even, at times, x-rated, but never dull. And always enlightening.

The conclusion of the book covers the period following the 9/11 Attack Upon America less than a week later. They all reconvene for dinner to discuss what impact this event will have on American values. It’s a revealing look at what the group believes are some values of wisdom and behavior that could be helpful to you, your family and friends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephen L. DeFelice, M.D. is the founder and chairman of FIM, the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine. He is a recognized authority on medical research and has written books on medicine and health. Reared in an old Italian neighborhood, he learned certain values that seem to have been lost in modern America. To him, coping with life is as important as conquering disease, and he hopes that this book will help you in some way. Dr. DeFelice is scheduled to do book signings and speaking engagements over the next several months. To order Old Italian Neighborhood Values, visit www.olditalianvalues.com or call 1-888-280-7715.