DIVINE COMEDY

Here's a novel that reads like a diary written by a stand-up comedian. I USED TO BE ITALIAN by John V. Lonero resonates with people in middle age of all ethnic backgrounds. Lonero is a writer and artist living in Tryon, N.C. I USED TO BE ITALIAN is the story of Jamie LaBianca and his best friend, Vinnie Grosso. But it's more than that. It's their coming of age — or at least Jamie's coming of age. Though he's a year older, Vinnie takes longer to mature. Vinnie is the mischief-maker you always want in your corner because, even when his ideas don't work, he generates adventure, and he's always amusing. Though the story takes place in Cleveland, Ohio, replace the Italian words with Southern slang and substitute Baptists for Catholics, and it could just as well be any mill village in the Carolinas. There are the same community gossips, boys hanging out in the streets, driving without licenses, and bootlegging during Prohibition. Bravo to Lonero for taking us back to a place in our lives where we had time to enjoy the simple pleasures of friends and family. And for having the courage to include the not-so-enjoyable times as well.