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What the Reviewers
Say
Unusual, ensemble style novel framed within the bounds of
a sole dinner conversation between six men and one madam —
as the guys (all friends) and their newcomer-to-the-clan guest
talk about life, love, and the evolution of American values
on one memorable evening at La Strega restaurant in New York
City — five days before the day that changed the world
forever: 9/11/2001.
Author DeFelice has cast strong, well-defined characters,
rich ambiance, and an unmistakeable sense of la famiglia,
bringing to mind a little bit of Moonstruck, a trace of The
Godfather — and above all, a compelling brew of pathos,
ethos, ethics and dignity.
The Boox Review
http://www.thebooxreview.com/olditalianneighborhoodvalues.htm
"Forget the tabloids, this first novel from an M.D.
takes a look at the cutting edge of modern American life through
the lens of the old Italian neighborhood life.
This is not just a book to be read, but a conversation to
drop in on."
National Italian American Foundation
“I found the book extremely absorbing and difficult
to put down. There are many fascinating chapters. The style
of writing in this book made me feel as if I were at their
table having dinner and wishing I were able to join the discussions.
I am now in the process of reading the book again because
when I thought I was finished, it pulled me back again. I
strongly urge everyone who has ever experienced a family dinner
discussion concerning any facet of life to buy this book.
It will knock your socks off!”
Don V. Perfetti
The Sons of Italy Times
"In the tradition of Plato's "Symposium,"
Dante's "Il Convivio," and more recently, Frank
Lentricchia's "Music of the Inferno," DeFelice's
dinner conversations provide a sense of spiritual renewal
through a remembrance of things past. We get to eavesdrop
on the dinner conversation of six men all from a Philadelphia
Little Italy and the former lover of one of their dead buddies
(the only woman happens to run a classy house of ill repute).
It all takes place on September 7, 2001, the night of La Luna
Stregata (the witch's moon) in a New York restaurant appropriately
named La Strega.
From the opening martini cocktails, through the peasant antipasto,
the pasta, pietanza, dolce, espresso, and finally grappa,
we move deeper into life, from casual observations about kids,
families, divorce and their relationship to calcium and highways
of today, to heated arguments about sex, politics, God, the
liberal media, and many other controversial subjects. "Old
Italian Neighborhood Values" is required reading for
anyone who has grown up in a Little Italy; those who didn't
will wish they had. In a time when people are leaving little
Italys left and right, DeFelice's imagination has given us
all a way back home.”
Professor Fred Gardaphe, Director of Italian
American Studies
Stony Brook University
“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. Dr. DeFelice knows
that we can't bring back the old neighborhood, but we can
certainly bring back those values we held so closely.”
Patrick Wood, Greenbay News-Chronicle
"DeFelice is giving readers more than a healthy dose of
ethical advice, but a novel packed with robust characters, which
brings the ethos to life. Now, more than ever…tradition
can heal an irresponsible society."
Michelle H. LePoidevin, Westfield Leader
and The Times
"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.’”
Italian Tribune
"Forget about all the stereotypes that portray Italian-Americans
in a negative light. This book is a lesson in how American
life can be improved by a return to those values our parents
and grandparents forged back in the old neighborhood. It provides
valuable lessons for all of us."
Paul DePace, Primo Magazine
"Dr. Stephen L. DeFelice, M.D. is the
author of several books on medicine and health but 'Old Italian
Neighborhood Values' is his first novel. Its pages are filled
with a re-kindling of the 'old world' Italian values and the
observations of those who grew up in the 'new world’s'
Italian enclaves on major subjects and themes of life in the
United States.
This book doesn’t bring back the old neighborhood but
rather reminds readers of our traditional values."
La Gazetta
"There is a unique aspect to the book and
that is the passion with which it was written. THere is no
doubt that the book was a labor of love for the author. Hislove
for the Italian culture pours from every page. He knows the
secrets to a wondrous life and he wants the world to know.
This is a book that doesn't go away after you read it."
Around About Peterstown
What The Readers Say
"Your book is very insightful. America
is in a slump. A moral bankruptcy and respect is no longer
a part of our society. Again, thank you for sharing."
Michael Milletti Capone
"I recently had the priviledge to meet the author! I
Truly enjoyed his book.
I felt like I knew the characters and could almost know what
they were
thinking and feeling. This remarkable book of Dr. DeFelice's
brought back
many happy memories to me and made me feel nostalgic. Sorry
the novel had to
end...wish there were a sequel?"
Carol Lindeman
"I don't think I will ever eat in an Italian restaurant
again without thinking of Dr. Stephen L. DeFelice's book 'Old
Italian Neighborhood Values'. Although the participants in
this annual repast were brought up in the old Italian neighborhood,
they have outgrown it despite their nostalgia. Their views
on, for example, such subjects as marriage, divorce, sex,
feminism, religion and politics are most au courant.
The author is obviously 'Everyman' and enjoys imbuing his
characters with different facets of his own personality and
opinions. Pretty impressive and lots of fun!"
Gloria Kingsley
“A reminiscent read! I am 1/2 Italian and 1/2 German
and raised around family from Italy. I really enjoyed this
book because it reunited me in a sense with my Italian family.
Even if you're not Italian, it's a wild ride and a fun peak
into a very cultural exchange about traditional values as
well as the modern lifestyle and how it has affected our values.
It hits every topic imaginable -- family, kids, sex, 9/11.”
Susan Allen - MarketSense
“What Dr. DeFelice presents is - more than a book - an
invitation to a dinner party. Through the conversation Dr. DeFelice
touches - with light fingers but in unexpected depth - most
of the important issues the Nation (USA) and the world are facing
to-day. In summary, a pleasant and easy reading full of profound
thoughts and ‘food for thinking.’"
Bruno Modanesi - Milan, Italy
“I thoroughly enjoyed your book. The conversation touches
on many aspects of our evolving society and most importantly,
the author does not shy away from tackling all aspects of change,
both those that are a net loss to society as well as those that
improve us on the whole. Bravissimo!"
Frank Sasinowski, Esq.
“I am 100 pages into Spinuzzi! I love it! P.S. Do you
have Genella's phone number?”
Tony Archambault
“I have found your book fascinating and thought provoking,
and am enjoying it very much.”
Keith Morris - England
“It expressed values - like respect and saving money -
which my grandparents had but that weren't passed on to my generation.”
Jennifer Rentz
“It was hard to put down! I resonate with the part about
one of the boys negotiating a bargain with God to help a loved
one get out of trouble - I still do it!”
Louis Lasagna, M.D.
“What is a mild mannered Jewish guy doing in an old
Italian neighborhood… Loving every minute of it! Dr.
DeFelice's novel may be about Italian-Americans but it resonates
in a far more universal way. It takes us back to the values
of caring family, friends and neighborhoods.”
Allen R. Kipnes, Esq.
“This book really brought back pleasant memories of
dinnertime with my family...a hard-headed brother and three
sisters talking over each other...and Mom and Dad trying to
mediate. All this to the accompaniment of Caruso. Dr. DeFelice
brings it all to life.”
Frank
Catanzano, Sr.
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