Humorous look at a working class '50s kid who made it to success and suburbia with a few stumbles along the way. Eddie Spaghetti - that's what they called me growing up in thr Highlandtown section of East Baltimore. Kenwood Avenue had it's own version of the Little Rascals, child film actors from the post depression era, and if someone were to pick my Rascal twin, it would have been Spanky.

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New-Age Renaissance Man
Confessions of a Middle-Aged Italian
E. W. Bonadio
iUniverse, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-595-39552-1 (pbk)
ISBN-13: 978-0-595-67727-6 (cloth)
ISBN-13: 970-0-595-83950-6 (ebk)
170 pages

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.

Bettie Corbin Tucker
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IP Book Reviews / New-Age Renaissance Man

Reader Reviews for "New-Age Renaissance Man"

Reviewed by Chrissy McVay	10/8/2006
Congratulations on your new book! I know it's a lot of work getting it done and 'out there'. Best of luck!

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