St. John of the Midfield author Garasamo Maccagnone

Book Title: St. John of the Midfield
Author: Garasamo Maccagnone
Genre: Sports Fiction - Adult
ISBN-10: 1608607925
ISBN-13: 978-1608607921
Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing




Reviewed by: Irfan Faroqui, for The New Book Review

St John of the Midfield is a moving story, which plays out against the backdrop of the competitive youth soccer scene. Don't worry if you aren't a sports or soccer fan. The reader doesn't need a working knowledge of the sport to enjoy this human drama, which starts in Bulgaria and travels all the way to the soccer fields of America. Garasamo uses the intrigues generated by sports competition to ignite and fuel this engaging read.
St. John of the Midfield is above all a father's story. Mario Santini, half Sicilian, half Czech, narrates the tale and is torn between being a good father and being a good son. Mario has made a 'temporary peace' with his father Frankie's Mafia lifestyle, but balances two worlds as he tries to raise his son, Luca, on the legitimate side of the family business. Somewhere deep inside, Mario acknowledges that the differences between these worlds will have to be reconciled. In the meantime he is having a ball becoming an unintentional "soccer dad." Luca's talent as a soccer player is truly recognized by coach Bobo, a former world-class Bulgarian soccer player. The action rises with the appearance of Sonny Christopher, Bobo's former sports rival. Sonny renews his rivalry and soccer field politics become personal when he targets Luca, using malicious and dangerous tactics, in his attempts to destroy Bobo on and off the field.
This story touches everything from fatherhood, family loyalty, pride, revenge, justice, the husband and wife relationship, desires of the flesh, to questions about consequence, and personal responsibility. You will be halfway through without realizing how much time has passed. This book is riveting.

~Tomorrow, December 22, 2010, is day seven of the St. John of the Midfield virtual tour. Hosted by Lisa Jackson it is a Q&A written interview with Garasamo Maccagnone at http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/ . Follow this blogger on Twitter: @lisajjackson




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