Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read, November 5, 2006
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (11/06)
"Ciao Goombahs!" That's how Mr. Bonadio would greet you if you were to see him on the street. E.W. is Italian and a very poignant married man with a loving wife and two grown children. An accomplished author, Mr. Bonadio has two other books to his credit ("Voices" and "Illuminations"). Born in the Highlandtown section of Baltimore, E. W. writes with the flair of a neighborhood kid.
"New-Age Renaissance Man" is the memoir of Mr. Bonadio, affectionately known as, "Eddie Spaghetti". From boyhood to manhood, Eddie took me along to show me the developmental stages of the "Italian Man." Starting with their own version of the "Little Rascals," the neighborhood band and beyond, Mr. Bonadio also took me back to those wonderful years of Vietnam, the draft lottery, CYO (church) dances, high school rivalry and so much more. He brought back such wonderful old memories of those bygone days, days when Johnson was President and later Nixon. I could relate vividly with the episode of sneaking into the show through the exit door. Or, receiving that letter from the draft board; telling me to report for my physical.
Mr. Bonadio took me on an adventure through these memorable times, but he did it with one special addition to the norm. He showed me all this from the perspective of a young Italian kid. The antics that Bonadio describes were so parallel to my own back then. The crazy things he did as an Alter Boy, I did the same. When he mentioned his strict parents and the way the kids were brought up back then, it was de ja vous. Bonadio brings out some very distinct differences in the Anglo-Saxon kids and himself. At one point he lists the likes and dislikes of the Italian male. Then there is a very funny part called, "you know your Italian when". The little nuances that are interjected into the book make it exciting.
I enjoyed "New-Age Renaissance Man" very much. It was a light hearted and fast paced 150 pages that is well worth buying. If you are over 50, it will bring you back to a time when people still spoke to each other (without email). To a time when the cops dealt out street justice and didn't bother overloading the court system. But if you're not over 50, you will still enjoy "New-Age Renaissance Man" because it will give you an insight into how your parents might have grown up. You don't have to be Italian to enjoy "New-Age Renaissance Man", it's better if you are (you will laugh a little harder); but it's not a prerequisite. The only prerequisite I would say would be a love of a good book.
"New-Age Renaissance Man" is that and more. I give it my highest A+ rating, it is a must read.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Humor Plus Wit and Wisdom!, September 18, 2006
In New-Age Renaissance Man by E. W. Bonadio, the author uses humor, candid recollections, and a sense of possessiveness and pride in belonging to a certain era as he successfully hooks and holds the attention of readers. As an Italian-bred baby boomer, he describes his experiences of growing up in the Highlandtown section of Baltimore with parents that he equates to Archie and Edith Bunker; however, instead of Gloria, they have four sons. Growing up in the fifties, he was the youngest of the four and in his early years was referred to as Eddie Spaghetti with meatball eyes. All through the book his colorful description and lively words keep readers smiling.
As a former book publisher, I am used to looking at published works in terms of the targeted audience. Since New-Age Renaissance Man has the sub-title of Confessions of a Middle-Aged Italian, one might instantly think that the targeted audience is Italian men...or perhaps Italian women who want to read these male confessions. While all Italians would definitely enjoy reading this book, I don't want to fence in that which could entertain the masses. Though a fun and entertaining book, it also has historical value as it educates readers about the challenges that are experienced by a baby boomer as he comes to terms with a changing world. Remembering that "nothing is constant except change itself,"I could see that the book addresses issues that every individual, regardless of age or ethnic background, will deal with throughout life. This baby boomer is able to find common ground with new surroundings and situations; he becomes very successful in life while making his share of mistakes along the way.
The story which I consider to be a narrative--and definitely autobiographical--covers the time span from when this proud Italian boy is called Eddie Spaghetti to when he grows into a teenager and is called Little Bongo, on into adulthood, and finally into what he describes as "the middle of middle-age." It is an interesting adventure that he takes readers on--one that I particularly enjoyed since my daughter married an Italian man who came to America when he was five years old. After reading this book, I will hereafter refer to my son-in-law as a goombah. I want my daughter to read this book so she will have a better understanding of her husband and learn what she must do to make her spouse believe that he makes the decisions--that he is being true to his traditional ways. The author, who married Diane, his childhood sweetheart, obviously gives these instructions from being a victim of personal experience.
Allow me to offer readers a few tidbits that they will learn when reading the confessions of a middle-aged Italian man. Keep remembering that the author is deliberately being light-hearted as he portrays aspects of a heritage in which he obviously takes great pride. If anyone reads this book without smiling, that person obviously has no sense of humor. Mr. Bonadio states that Italian men get over mistakes in life without outwardly admitting any guilt. A grudge, maybe, but never guilt. "In order for an Italian man to admit guilt, he must have certain irrevocable guarantees or a hold-harmless agreement signed and notarized by the Pope." (See page 10.) Italian men like being the boss, and the secret is eye contact and using "the look." Italian men have the knack for getting ahead without seemingly working hard; they have been known to lie, especially when it comes to explaining why they need sex. The author says he has a hunch that baby boomer Italian men do not make very good babysitters, and readers will agree based upon his personal experiences. He says Italian baby boomers try to make up for their shortcomings by living out their children's dreams.
Mr. Bonadio provides a list of "Likes and Dislikes of Italian Male Baby Boomers" as well as another list to define whether a male is Italian, a wannbe Italian goombah, or just another fake.
The ending of the book takes on a more serious note as the author discusses his ultimate demise, how he is different from his brothers, and why he wrote this book. But he also injects that never-ending humor as he discusses the fact that 60 percent of wealth is supposedly owned by women and surmises that before long they will have it all. But before the "big one" takes him, he is going to eat, drink, and gamble as much as possible in order to do his part for humanity and the male image.
I recommend this book as a good read that contains wit and wisdom and gives readers one particular adjective to describe the perfect Italian male. Buy the book to learn what adjective Mr. Bonadio uses.
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