Letter from an Educational Consultant

Dear Dr. Lonero,

I am writing to tell you how very much I enjoyed reading your book I USED TO BE ITALIAN. Your colorful account of growing up in an immigrant community during the Depression, then facing the challenges and opportunities of post WWII is indeed a story that will touch the hearts of so many readers who really need to understand the social forces and influences that contributed to the creation of the “greatest generation.”

Your story brought back wonderful memories of my own childhood, growing up in Brooklyn during the 40's. Your characters, Jamie, Vinnie, Frankie the Foot and all the “group on the corner” seemed as though they actually lived in my neighborhood. The lives and fortunes of your characters poignantly demonstrate how family influence and community interaction lead some members of the same group to life in the streets and crime, and others to medical school and teaching. The contrast and yet connectivity between the football culture and the arts and the conflict between the family and the street offer windows which explore our country’s continuing struggle over values, morals and ethics. Your study also emphasizes the importance of talented and dedicated teachers in the lives of young people. (I’m probably reading too much between the lines here knowing first hand your distinguished teaching career in East Hampton.) I do hope I USED TO BE ITALIAN becomes a movie. In my view, your story is a work that will share a place with Mario Puzo’s THE FORTUNATE PILGRIM and Pietro di Donato’s CHRIST IN CONCRETE.

As you may know, I am an educational consultant to the Ross School, an independent day school for students in Grades 5—12 founded by Courtney Ross Holst. The school boasts an impressive interdisciplinary approach to learning which places great emphasis on “visual literacy” and multiple intelligences theory. I have shared your book with several teachers at the Ross School and have recommended I USED TO BE ITALIAN for consideration for use in research and writing projects on autobiography, ethnicity and culture.

Best wishes to you.

Sincerely,    
Chris Sarlo