A FINALIST for the 2012 Readers Favorite Award, The Domino Effect is the story of Danny Rorro, a charismatic kid from Queens poisoned by the past. A series of painful defeats have left him scarred and isolated from his neighborhood, his parents, and, most significantly, the benevolent ways of his childhood when he was known as "Domino." With great insight, imagery and wit, Danny recalls his past in Queens and his coming-of-age at Hamden Academy. This fast paced and powerful story is rich with conflict, humor, tenderness and music--just like life, especially when coming-of-age.
The Domino Effect
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"The Domino Effect is full of charming characters and the narrative really grips your attention. There are resonances of To Kill A Mockingbird in the incontrovertible morality guiding the story. I found it hard to put down." - BookStackReviews
"Cotto's coming-of-age story left me invigorated, and thinking to myself, "Now, that's how you tell a story." - Underground Book Reviews
"There is an honesty and humor in these pages that doesn't come along every day, but when it does, it is something that should be acknowledged and paid forward." - Lisa Dawn Martinez
"The prologue in this has got to be one of the shortest I think I've ever read, but the most powerful. It had me wanting to start Danny's story fast and I'm glad I did." - Spellbound by Books
The Domino Effect by Andrew Cotto is a thoughtful coming of age story that quietly reveals Danny's struggle to understand ethnic polarization, first love, the meaning of friendship and how to do what he knows is right. A book for both boys and girls, I recommend The Domino Effect for readers aged 14 and up - Mother-Daughter Book Review
"Cotto's coming-of-age story left me invigorated, and thinking to myself, "Now, that's how you tell a story." - Underground Book Reviews
"There is an honesty and humor in these pages that doesn't come along every day, but when it does, it is something that should be acknowledged and paid forward." - Lisa Dawn Martinez
"The prologue in this has got to be one of the shortest I think I've ever read, but the most powerful. It had me wanting to start Danny's story fast and I'm glad I did." - Spellbound by Books
The Domino Effect by Andrew Cotto is a thoughtful coming of age story that quietly reveals Danny's struggle to understand ethnic polarization, first love, the meaning of friendship and how to do what he knows is right. A book for both boys and girls, I recommend The Domino Effect for readers aged 14 and up - Mother-Daughter Book Review
From the Author
THE DOMINO EFFECT is a story about growing up. It is intended to be a coming of age story, as opposed to strictly a YA novel, with the idea of appealing to both those experiencing adolescence and those who have survived it as well. It is also intended to be funny and heartbreaking and, in the end, touching and real.
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More About the Author
Andrew Cotto is a writer and teacher who lives in Brooklyn, NY. He is the author of two novels: "The Domino Effect" - winner of the 2012 Readers Favorite Silver Medal - is a coming of age story about a kid from Queens with a damaged past and a complicated present at a boarding school in rural New Jersey; "Outerborough Blues: A Brooklyn Mystery" is an unconventional noir about a drifter seeking a missing person and a remedy to his family's curse on the dawn of urban gentrification. His novels are represented by Dunow, Carlson and Lerner Literary Agency. Andrew's articles have appeared in many national journals, including the New York Times, Men's Journal, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, Deadspin, the Good Men Project and Teachers & Writers Magazine. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed The Domino Effect. Its main character, Danny Rorro, reminds me a lot of myself in high school. Confident and outgoing at the same time vulnerable and confused. The years 14-18 are packed with so many firsts and unknowns. You're finding friends and girls at the same time trying to get to know what you like and don't. There's no preparation for being a teenager, just one day, bam, you're there. The Domino Effect captures the chaos and climax of those years with great style and storytelling. It's nice to revisit high school in this book. I'm just glad I don't have to live it again.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
While this is in the realm of YA, this is not the typical book that I read. That said, I really enjoyed The Domino Effect. This book focuses on the internal and external journey of Danny (Domino) as he goes through his turbulent teenage years. We travel with him through his rough childhood and growing up in his Italian family as well as going with him to boarding school where he juggles a beautiful girlfriend, wrestling bullies, and a nerdy roommate.
The strength of this novel is in its characters. Danny himself is painfully unaware of the teachings of his father for most of the book-- like most teenagers, all he can think about is himself and his problems. I loved how he grew and developed throughout the book and finally learned how to care for others the hard way (which always seems to be the case in the teenage years!!!). I thought that Brenda Divine was a terrific character, and she got her moment of glory in the end, which I appreciated.
The one thing that I was less enamored with was the conversations between Danny and the guys. It was harder to read because most of them had some type of lingo, and there were pages of just joshing around-- which while accurate, took away from the main storyline for me. That said, there was a wonderful moment between Danny and his roommate Sam, which I loved.
Overall, this was a wonderful book, and I greatly enjoyed reading it.
While this is in the realm of YA, this is not the typical book that I read. That said, I really enjoyed The Domino Effect. This book focuses on the internal and external journey of Danny (Domino) as he goes through his turbulent teenage years. We travel with him through his rough childhood and growing up in his Italian family as well as going with him to boarding school where he juggles a beautiful girlfriend, wrestling bullies, and a nerdy roommate.
The strength of this novel is in its characters. Danny himself is painfully unaware of the teachings of his father for most of the book-- like most teenagers, all he can think about is himself and his problems. I loved how he grew and developed throughout the book and finally learned how to care for others the hard way (which always seems to be the case in the teenage years!!!). I thought that Brenda Divine was a terrific character, and she got her moment of glory in the end, which I appreciated.
The one thing that I was less enamored with was the conversations between Danny and the guys. It was harder to read because most of them had some type of lingo, and there were pages of just joshing around-- which while accurate, took away from the main storyline for me. That said, there was a wonderful moment between Danny and his roommate Sam, which I loved.
Overall, this was a wonderful book, and I greatly enjoyed reading it.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Katie French
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Every once and a while a young adult book comes along that surprises me. The Domino Effect falls into this category, both thoughtful-- yet humorous, moralistic-- yet light-hearted. Cotto's coming-of-age story left me invigorated, and thinking to myself, "Now, that's how you tell a story."
Though The Domino Effect has not seen the rampant readership like current fantasy and sci-fi novels, it should. The story chronicles the high school career, particularly the senior year, of Danny "Domino" Rorro. After a violent attack at his old school, Danny's parents enroll him in Hamden Academy, a prestigious boarding school far different than life at home. Danny manages to maintain his comical out-look on life in this new setting, though he carries scars from the past. Things begin to change for Danny when he is assigned a roommate, Terance King, the only African American at Hamden Academy. This event propels both boys into a conflict of race that tests them to the core and changes them forever.
Though the novel takes a while to warm up, the depth of Danny's character will draw you in and keep you captive. Danny's wise-cracking, street-wise Italian voice will keep you chuckling. Cotto is a master at the adolescent banter and the descriptions of Hamden, told through Danny, were pitch perfect. The tender romance between Danny and Brenda Devine is touching and heartfelt. My one complaint would be that Cotto opens with pages of exposition on the previous three years, much of which could have been dealt out later or cut completely. I fear that readers may get bogged down in the first few pages and miss the gold lurking beyond.
Overall, The Domino Effect, does not disappoint. You'll find yourself cheering for Danny through the end.... Read more ›
Though The Domino Effect has not seen the rampant readership like current fantasy and sci-fi novels, it should. The story chronicles the high school career, particularly the senior year, of Danny "Domino" Rorro. After a violent attack at his old school, Danny's parents enroll him in Hamden Academy, a prestigious boarding school far different than life at home. Danny manages to maintain his comical out-look on life in this new setting, though he carries scars from the past. Things begin to change for Danny when he is assigned a roommate, Terance King, the only African American at Hamden Academy. This event propels both boys into a conflict of race that tests them to the core and changes them forever.
Though the novel takes a while to warm up, the depth of Danny's character will draw you in and keep you captive. Danny's wise-cracking, street-wise Italian voice will keep you chuckling. Cotto is a master at the adolescent banter and the descriptions of Hamden, told through Danny, were pitch perfect. The tender romance between Danny and Brenda Devine is touching and heartfelt. My one complaint would be that Cotto opens with pages of exposition on the previous three years, much of which could have been dealt out later or cut completely. I fear that readers may get bogged down in the first few pages and miss the gold lurking beyond.
Overall, The Domino Effect, does not disappoint. You'll find yourself cheering for Danny through the end.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By DPS
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Andrew Cotto for many reasons. First, he does a fantastic job of setting the scene -- both the inner city neighborhood in Queens facing a changing demographic, and, in contrast, an affluent private school in rural New Jersey, where uniformity is the norm. Although very different environments, both expose Danny to similar experiences: budding romance, tensions in friendships, racism, and bullying by those who want to reign supreme. Danny approaches his conflicts with a warm heart and a confused teenage mind, perfectly described by the author. Despite his aversion to his father's "do-good" ways, inside he wants to do the right thing, but just doesn't seem able to get it right. The story is engaging and was a quick read - I finished it in less than a day, and was sorry to see it end.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Danny Rorro starts out young and naive. One minuete he is an innocent young man who has no reason to question his father's deeply held values of inclusion and brotherly love.
These values are thrown into question when Danny becomes a victim of his peers who think otherwise. Canny blames his father for his unhappy experiences and distances himself from the person he had formerly held in such high regard. He is angry and disappointed, and flees his toxic environment only to have his values tested again.
We get caught up in Danny's journey through the minefield of emotions and circumstances he must navigate inorder to decide for himself who he really is.
These values are thrown into question when Danny becomes a victim of his peers who think otherwise. Canny blames his father for his unhappy experiences and distances himself from the person he had formerly held in such high regard. He is angry and disappointed, and flees his toxic environment only to have his values tested again.
We get caught up in Danny's journey through the minefield of emotions and circumstances he must navigate inorder to decide for himself who he really is.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't connect with the main character....
Read FULL Review At: The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger
The Domino Effect is a coming-of-age novel by author Andrew Cotto. Read more
The Domino Effect is a coming-of-age novel by author Andrew Cotto. Read more
Published 2 months ago by The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger
5.0 out of 5 stars
The "Effect" is obvious - a great read
I found this story to be captivating from the first page. Anyone who has experienced adolescence can relate to Danny "Domino" Rorro. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Blanca the Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read.
I really enjoyed this book. So many kids go through the same thing day in and day out. I am 42 and I'm sure this is more for the YA reader but hey I'm still young at heart!
Published 3 months ago by Paula Castleman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good coming of age story
This story takes place in the 90's. Danny's childhood wasn't all fun and games. His father always taught Danny to be the bigger person when it comes to acceptance. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Lauren
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Domino Effect by Andrew Cotto
Danny's father had a motto he lived by, included everyone. The problem was, it created pressure for Danny with his friends. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Kissablysweetone
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great heartfelt story
The Domino Effect
By Andrew Cotto
Reviewed by S. Bree High YATR
Danny Rorro, better known as Domino, had some troubles just like most teenagers. Read more
By Andrew Cotto
Reviewed by S. Bree High YATR
Danny Rorro, better known as Domino, had some troubles just like most teenagers. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Sara Bree High
4.0 out of 5 stars
Family/Community is Important
Domino is a great read--a great coming of age story. Domino goes through many trials and loses the connection he has had with family/community. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Nancy Osberg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great coming of age story
Danny aka Domino is basically a nice kid taught to hold his own and then finds out that doesn't always work out so well. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Kay Crayton
4.0 out of 5 stars
Kristi's Book Nook
In his childhood neighborhood Danny Rorro, better known as Domino, faced challenges just like most teenage kids. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Kristi Bernard
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very good read
This book is beautifully written. Each page is filled with richness to make the reader not want to put the book down. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Forever YA Fiction
