Weepers
by Nick Chiarkas
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Pub Date Jun 01 2015 | Archive Date Jul 08 2015
Description
Advance Praise
A magnificent debut! This riveting suspense novel grabbed me on page one with its secrets, danger, and emotional power and kept it up all the way to the terrific ending with its twists and turns. Author Nicholas Chiarkas has great command of the milieu of the 1950s. --Christine DeSmet, mystery author, faculty associate and director, Write-by-the-Lake Writer s Workshop & Retreat, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Weepers is a fascinating glimpse at mid-century life in New York City's public-housing projects. In a world where memories are long and tempers can be extremely short, thirteen-year-old Angelo Pastamadeo is forced to navigate crossroads involving gang life, organized crime, and longstanding grudges. Full of gritty action, Chiarkas* depiction of Angelo's fast-paced journey from being a kid to becoming a man keep me turning pages late into the night. --Ara Burklund, author of *If I Die Before I Wake* About the Author Nick Chiarkas grew up in the Al Smith housing projects in the Two Bridges neighborhood on Manhattan's Lower East Side, where Weepers takes place. When he was in the fourth grade his mother was told by the principal of PS-1 that, "Nick was unlikely to ever complete high school, so you must steer him toward a simple and secure vocation." Instead, Nick became a writer, with a few stops along the way: a New York City Police Officer; the Deputy Chief Counsel for the President's Commission on Organized Crime; and the Director of the Wisconsin State Public Defender Agency. On the way he picked up a Doctorate from Columbia University; a Law Degree from Temple University; and was a Pickett Fellow at Harvard. How many mothers are told their child is hopeless? How many kids with potential simply surrender to desperation? That's why Nick wrote Weepers--for them.
Nick's other publications are law books; books dealing with Criminal Organizations and Enterprises; and articles, two of which have been translated and published in Japan. Weepers is Nick's first novel. Forthcoming novels include: Nunzio's Way, Black Tiger Tea, and Blue Bounty.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781595983909 |
| PRICE | $16.95 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Sharon B, Reviewer
I would like to thank Three Towers Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Weepers to review. The disappearance of Angelo's father, Mac, on Christmas Eve is shrouded in mystery. Could it be one of the gangs that surround the area in which Angelo lives, or is it something more sinister? Weepers follows Angelo, a young boy living in the Two Bridges neighborhood, as the events of the past shape his future. This book realistically depicts a slum neighborhood in the 1950's, which is nestled between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. A gritty portrayal of what life might be like during the time period, the pages of Weepers are littered with the gangs that ruled the streets and the priest who were responsible for their salvation. The author, Nick Chiarkas, clearly knows the world in which his characters live, as realism shines brightly in this book. Weepers moves along at a good pace and the characters are well connected to the plot. A smart boy with a great survival instinct, Angelo is my favorite character in the book. This book was a quick read for me, but definitely a worthwhile one.
Carla J, Reviewer
Let me start by saying this is not the typical book I would read, but I am glad I ventured out of my comfort zone for this one. The story takes place in "The Projects" of New York during a time ripe with crime, gangs and organized crime. The disappearance of Angelo's father, Mac, on Christmas Eve is shrouded in mystery. Could it be one of the gangs that surround the area in which Angelo lives, or is it something more sinister? Angelo, his son and main character in the story, always feels it is his fault that his father disappeared. Weepers follows Angelo as the events of the past shape his future. This book realistically depicts a slum neighborhood in the 1950's, which is nestled between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. A gritty portrayal of what life might be like during the time period. The Parish Priest sometimes steps over the edge for the greater good in this story. The main gang in the story, The Knights, have committed many crimes, but did they kill Mac? Years earlier, two of their members raped Angelo's mother, was he a product of this rape? When Angelo and his friends form their own club, "The Weepers", they become targeted even more by the Knights. Each character in the book was important and played a critical role in the story. Gutsy Angelo was such a loveable boy, but sure kept the reader on the edge of the seat wondering if he would make the right choice in the many situations he "created" and experienced. His strong family ties and living in the worst part of town made the reader believe in him and the strength in his family. His friends were loyal and his enemies were to be feared. Weepers moves along at a good pace and the characters are well connected to the plot. There is much to think about in this book but in addition is a captivating and entertaining story.
I also reviewed Weepers on Amazon, Barnes & Noble (Grateful Grandma) as well as on 50 Book Plege.
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