16 May 2018

RAGS TO RAGS.




Cas Amato is a first time author. He is not a celebrity, not rich nor otherwise extraordinary. He is just an ordinary guy, living an ordinary life, and yet, he decides to write his autobiography. Initially, he wonders why he is doing it, and who could possibly be interested in reading such a work. Nevertheless, he sits down and completes his story, concluding that it is there to be written, so why not just do it anyway. His family may think he's nuts, but that has never stopped him in the past. The end result is a rather quirky and tongue in cheek account of his life, his Italian culture, his successes and failures, and his travels, which have taken him to the far ends of the earth and back.
- Back Cover Blurb

To you, the reader, for what you are about to read, I thank you, and can only hope that this will be an interesting and pleasant experience for you.
- First Sentence, Ave Lector, Te Lecturum Salute

Outside, everyone was beginning to calm down, as my mother looked around for me. Then, it dawned on her. The baby (i.e. me) had been left inside! Cue mad panic again! However, within a few seconds of dreaded realisation, my uncle, Zio Ciccio (Francesco), appeared, baby in arms. He said, dryly, "Ti sei dimenticata qualcosa?" ("Did you forget something?")
- Memorable Moment, Page 101

SOURCE ... Received with thanks from the author.

READ FOR A CHALLENGE? ... No.

MY THOUGHTS ... What a joyously nostalgic read. Yes, I too remember the days when all we had were three channels to watch.

Such a refreshing change.

It's true, you probably won't have ever come across the author, he isn't a celeb, just a normal guy with a story of everyday life - his life, the son of Italian immigrants, growing up in late 1960's England - to tell.  

Quirky definitely. I'm very much of the opinion that the author is one of life's story tellers. 

Rambling, yes. But somehow this only adds to the overall appeal, the spontaneity making it all the more natural; like having a good reminisce over a cuppa with an old friend you haven't seen in a while.



10 comments:

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

I'm not sure what to think about this one.

Part of me applauds Cas's drive and tenacity in documenting his life so publicly.

The other half of me is left wondering why, if Cas has done it, shouldn't we all make public the diaries of our lives, for all to see and I'm not sure that I personally like the idea of that.

Having said that, I am not a big fan of biographies in the first place and to have a true life story of an 'ordinary' presented to me, might be infinitely more interesting than the drivel some of the so called 'celebrities' manage to churn out.

I'm sure this will have been a unique reading experience for you and I am pleased that you enjoyed it :)

Yvonne
xx

Suko said...

This sounds nice and nostalgic. Terrific review, Tracy!

Brian Joseph said...

Nostalgia is such an “in” thing these days. I feel s lot of it for the past myself. I also agree the “the old days” were not generally better. When we get older we just think it was :)

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh nice. I would have thought the rambling would end up distracting you but if it works for the book it makes me curious. Brilly review.

Kelly said...

This sounds delightful. Maybe we really do all have a story inside us, waiting to be told.

Gina said...

Isn't it funny how given the right subject matter a rambling tale can make all the difference? Thanks for sharing! ^_^

nightwingsraven said...

Tracy,
From the first sentence, the
memorable moment which you have
chosen and what you said in your
review. Cas'story sounds spontaneous,
joyous and very refreshing. I think
I would appreciate his book very much
and I will add it to my list.
Raven

WordsPoeticallyWorth said...

Greetings Tracy. Thank you for the review, it is appreciated. I don't often read autobiographies. Glad you enjoyed the read. Blessings to you. Love love, Andrew.

sherry fundin said...

I also remember having only three channels to watch. lol Lovely cover.
sherry @ fundinmental

Literary Feline said...

These are my favorite kinds of memoirs. Ones about ordinary people, not celebs or those with fame to claim.