Italians & Italian Americans - Biography, Pennsylvania - Regional Biography

Flashbacks: From the Other Side of the Tracks

Name: Flashbacks: From the Other Side of the Tracks
Author: Gino Carlotti
ISBN: 9781893765023

by Gino Carlotti

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Overview

This book is a collection of personal accounts of growing up in an Italian-American home in an inter-city neighborhood of the 1930Õs, 40Õs, and 50Õs. Accompanying the text are 52 pictures of an historical era many Americans hold close to their hearts and consider the most precious of their lives. The book fondly enlivens themes of AmericaÕs Òmelting pot.Ó The author, a gifted storyteller, writes about topics that range from his parentsÕ roots in Italy to life in Catholic schools; from how teenagers dressed when he was a boy to how U.S. military personnel are honored in American cemeteries throughout the world. The love of family, regard for old friends and classmates, and the importance of ÒrootsÓ are threads that are woven throughout the book. The stories recounted here were originally published as separate articles in a local newspaper over a period of seven years in a series entitled ÒFlashbacksÓ — thus the title of this book. The reference to Òthe other side of the tracksÓ in the bookÕs title refers to the where the authorÕs home was located in relation to his hometownÕs ÒLittle ItalyÓ. The ÒFlashbackÓ series was recently recognized with an award from the local Historical Society, in no small part because of the literary efforts of Gino Carlotti. This is a book for the young — so they can learn. And for the old — so they can remember.