I Wouldn't Die: A Memoir [Hardcover]

Franco Antonetti (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 251 pages
• Publisher: VIa Novi Press (2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097091122X
• ISBN-13: 978-0970911223
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,319,004 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

This unusual autobiography begins with me looking back on my early life and wondering how it is possible that I lived to see my first birthday.This is my life lived to the fullest,and for some reason I simply wouldn't die.From the first sentence to the last you will wonder just as I,how and why miracle occur.My story and life experiences is about miracles.
I was born during war torn Rome,and believe me,my near death experiences were not from me attempting daring events, just unusual circumstances that for some reason,I was allowed to live through them.
As reviews have stated repeatedly,"A must read for many"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars American Dream is NOT a Myth, January 6, 2005

By 

Joyce Raver "Griffin" (Berkeley Heights, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: I Wouldn't Die: A Memoir (Hardcover)

The American Dream is not a myth. It is alive and well as told by Franco Antonetti in his memoir, "I Wouldn't Die". His story begins in Rome, Italy, during World War II, as he relates his first brushes with death and the miracles that kept him alive. Franco & his mother first viewed America & the Statue of Liberty as they immigrated through Ellis Island in New York harbor. Franco Antonetti's telling of his story is a colorful mosaic of life's adventures that can easily make or break the human spirit. While reading about his memories, one feels like he's in your home sitting in a lounge chair with his feet up, in a warm comfortable conversation.

This child grew up, went through grammar and high school in a same small town in New Jersey. Beginning his career and family was an important facet of his dream to assimilate into being a true "American-Italian". Franco didn't allow any adversity, tragedy or other near-death experiences to dampen his spirit. Being an optimist, he saw the positive where most could not. Even though Franco Antonetti had impoverished beginnings, he was able to focus and follow through on his career plan, determine how he would best fit into the big picture, while attaining success in the corporate world.

All those who are fortunate enough to know Mr. Antonetti, or read his book, "I Wouldn't Die", can feel his love of life, family and friends. This simple man is filled with humor, faith and loyalty. For any reader, Franco Antonetti is a delightful role model for confidence, self-worth and the reaping the fruits of hard work. A must read for any one who wants to learn more about the American Dream and the attitude necessary for living an extraordinary life.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Honest Telling of an Extraordinary Life, November 2, 2004

By 

L. Gliddon (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: I Wouldn't Die: A Memoir (Hardcover)

It is not often that one can sit down with a book and within a few pages feel as though the author is sitting at your kitchen table, telling you the story himself. This is a story of a man who has been blessed with an extraordinary life and it is told with such honesty and passion that you can't help but feel as though you have been with him every step of the way. The tale is told in short, straight forward passages, giving you the opportunity to experience the joys and hardships of his life without the dripping sugary sentiments, pretentious literary subtlties and hidden meanings found in so many memoirs today. Franco Antonetti boldly shares the journey of his life thus far, speaking frankly and openly about his struggles, his successes, his loves and his losses; most importantly, sharing with his readers his incredible willingness to simply live life to its fullest. I savored every moment of this wonderful story and, at its end, closed the book with a smile. As I said, there is no hidden message, Franco makes it clear that an individual can achieve many goals in life when life is faced with strength and determination, by not falling victim to circumstances but instead rising above them, and never being afraid to just be who you are. It is stories like these that are meant to be shared with others and I will share this book with all of my friends and family as I know that they will all, as I did, enjoy his life.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars literary achievement, September 1, 2004

By 

Gerald Hausman - See all my reviews
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This review is from: I Wouldn't Die: A Memoir (Hardcover)

Franco Antonetti's memoir about growing up in New Jersey as an Italian immigrant is special in many ways, but first, it's the story of a boy who nearly dies three times at the beginning of his life in Rome,Italy. The most phenomenal scene is when as a baby Antonetti was actually buried because his mother thought he was dead. There is never a discouraging word in this memoir of a tough life lived to the fullest, and the memoir is proof that everyone may have a story but few people can write it down and make it interesting. Antonetti is a natural born storyteller.