Book Reviews
“Schism, Something Is Amiss In Heaven Again”
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Kitty Muse Book Reviews By: Kitty on January 9, 2016
“… thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was wonderful to see characters, in what should be a place of perfection, seemingly with flaws much like our own. The scenes of Heaven—the dancing, the games, the parties, even the voluntary “classes” that these souls could go to—really brought the afterlife alive, in a way that thoroughly erases the whole clouds-and-harp thing. Mr. Minutoli’s writing brings this realm of the Divine down to Earth, and makes it as easy to relate to as one’s own neighborhood. The story is well-written as far as story flow is concerned, taking us from one adventure to another. It is a very enjoyable tale, with a moral to teach, without ever being preachy. All in all, a very remarkable book. I highly recommend it.”
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A Must Read for All! By: Danielle Urban on November 4, 2015
Schism by Armando Minutoli is a fascinating novel unlike many others. It drives readers deep into a unique plot that takes them back to a time and different places with two characters whose cultures differ. I couldn't believe how incredible this story was until after I started reading it. It's the kind that is complex, full of adventure and leaves you thinking deep about everything. Once I began reading it, I couldn't stop until I reached the ending. Readers will love this novel by this talented writer just as much as I did.
"The Hester Street Kids"
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Brilliant Author, Brilliant book! By Linda Baumann on November 12, 2015
I love this book! I actually read it twice in a row so I could post a review that would be honest and not give too much credit if it isn't due. Author Armando Minutoli has written a brilliant book that not only makes you think, but as the plot deepens, heightens your interest in things unseen and sometimes not really thought about until the time comes when you have no choice. The characters are complex, and very different. It's what keeps this novel so good. Tony Romero and Obe - two people from different walks of life, are searching, are sometimes angry, sometimes amazed, but always solidly looking for the truth.
Have you ever thought about what heaven is really like? Do you have a picture of it in your mind? What about hell? Think about that much? This book will give you food for thought and, I think, will change the way you look at the hereafter forever. Some of us wonder if we'll be able to see loved ones in heaven. Some of us wonder and are very afraid of what hell is like. What if it is nothing like you've always imagined? What would you do then? This book asks as many questions as it answers and the interpretation is up to the reader. I was astonished more than once at the author's description of the afterlife.
This book is excellent from beginning to end and I promise, will have you thinking about it constantly long after you've put it down. It's the best book I've read and reviewed in some time and I highly recommend that anyone who is interested in contemplating an afterlife so different, so human, so wonderful and so heterogeneous get a copy of the book. It'll be one of the best books you've read in a long time!
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Absolutely Marvelous – By Amy's Bookshelf Reviews on June 2, 2016
The Hester Street Kids is an amazing story of the connection of this group of people, from kids to adults, who would do anything for each other. This story allowed the reader to enter the Italian culture, and even into the mob. It shows what can happen when ideals and expectations are different from reality. It's a book that you can't put down until the end. I am so glad that I've read it, and it won't be the last book I read by Minutoli.
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Worth reading for those who love crime or New York history By PW on August 27, 2015
This book gives insight into the world of the Mafia and New York in a time gone by. Wonderful character descriptions and in the middle of it all- a love story! Mr. Minutoli kept me interested. You will find yourself more as a "fly on the wall" - rather than just a reader of a story. I highly recommend "Hester Street Kids," there's nothing wrong with a great story, with believable characters, and tests of character and honor thrown in too. Enjoy the ride!
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The Hester Street Kids - The characters resonate in my mind. By Murray Eskenazi on November 4, 2015
This is a terrific novel. The story is riveting---I kept reading into the early morning hours because I couldn’t put it down. As a native New Yorker, familiar with Little Italy and the people who live there, this story has the authentic flavor and tone of the neighborhood and the characters. The events are right out of the headlines. I wish there had been another 25 chapters. Long after I finished the book the characters resonated in my mind. Mr. Minutoli, please write a sequel.
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Loving Family or Mob - You Choose! By Linda Baumann on August 7, 2015
Author Armando Minutoli has written a book that cannot be put down until it is read in its entirety. Born to poor Italian immigrants, in the 1920s, 5 children; Concetta, Birdie, Peppino, Anthony and Tommaso formed a pact to stay together and protect each other. Their meeting place was a table handmade by Birdie as a school project. The kids shared their joys and sorrows and formed plans to seek revenge for wrongs done to each of them. When Concetta is abused by her drunken father, Birdie steps in as the group leader and says to leave the problem to him. The children grow up to become involved in street crime. Because of their daring escapades and not getting caught, the mob watched Birdie with a careful eye as they liked his low-key personality. Skip to the 1950s. The Hester Street Kids are grown up and married but still remain friends who would do anything for each other. Birdie, upon returning from the service is placed in a pharmacy by the mob as a front. Illegal dealings and back-room surgeries are carried on in the back rooms of the pharmacy. Birdie has a family at home who has no idea of his real status as a mob figure and an adoring daughter, Katherine, who thinks he hung the moon. When she learns of her father’s crimes she is heartbroken and determined to delve deeper into his background. She meets Kevin, falls in love and they make plans to marry. Her whole world threatens to crumble as she finds out the friends and loved ones, she has held in the highest esteem are also members of the mob. What will Katherine do with the information she has gleaned? Will she and Kevin have a future? Will the mob continue to overtake New York City? You'll have to read this fascinating book to find out. It's not only well-written, but suspenseful, historical, and a story of innocence shattered. I guarantee you'll love it!
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Kitty Muse Book Reviews By: Kitty on October 28, 2015, The Hester Street Kids.
“Little Italy, New York, in the early 20th century, was not a place anyone would choose to live. Immigrants to the States from their homeland came by the droves, expecting a better life. Instead, what they got was hell. Racism kept them from bettering themselves; therefore, poverty was pervasive throughout the tenements and streets. Helpless and frustrated, they took out their emotions on each other and on their children. The kids, in turn, found each other and became the family that they lacked. And what happened for one of them happened for all…. This is an astounding work. The story line grabs one's attention immediately, and does not let go until far beyond the last page. Mr. Minutoli has done a splendid job of bringing life to each of his characters. He also has a talent for bringing balance to the story line, which is not easy to do with so many characters and vignettes. I'm totally floored by how pervasive the Mob can be--for surely the author had done his homework and knows of what he writes. There is no reason to doubt that, although this book is fiction, the dealings of early 20th-century crime bosses depicted in these pages reflect a cruel reality. There is no final, settled ending to this book, although many of the characters gain happiness unknown before in their lives. And, why? Because crime is always out there—waiting.”
5.0 out of 5 stars -
The Hester Street Kids - A unique mafia story in a world of retreads...By Burns on March 4, 2016
Mr. Minutoli's first work of fiction is both an excellent read as well as an unique look at mafia life, in a sea of stereotyped copies of Italian henchmen. Mr. Minutoli avoids all the common mistakes those who have walked before have failed miserably at. The characters are very real in "Hester Street Kids." His words ring true of early 20th century New York City, and the reality of the strife of immigrants lived through is both raw and yet beautiful as one travels through the lives Mr. Minutoli created. I will not offer spoilers. I will say this; Mr. Minutoli has penned an opening to his novel that you won't soon forget. I found myself totally locked into his world- as the pages turned…
"Medjugorje: A Pilgrim's Journey"
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What I believe we are all looking for!
Reviewed by: AliceBCR in the United States on November 23, 2018
A definitely journey for those that dare to look deep beyond themselves, beyond the boarders of the constructs of what we are taught to "believe in only what one can see". What my inner soul, my heart, and my instinct knows is true. Don't doubt, open one's mind, heart, soul and one can see. If one can do this only then can one take this journey with the author. I believe one has to put aside every aspect of what we are indoctrinated since birth to know how true everything in this book is. Sometimes the blind can see better that those with sight and sometimes those that are deft can hear God calling and its all simply because their hearts are open to that which we are not yet (scientifically speaking) able to comprehend (and perhaps never will!) Great journey that which I pray we would all partake in!
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