Publisher's Synopsis
When the author hears from his deceased father, "John, talk to me," he does. In this loving account, John talks about the days of family life back in the 1940s and '50s in small town Carlisle, Pennsylvania-when popsicles cost a nickel and movies thirteen cents, the town had a dogcatcher and a Dynamite Pete, the family got around on his dad's bicycle or hitchhiking, clothes dried flapping in the wind, and when having less was often having more. John also brings his father up-to-date on what has happened since his passing-a tempestuous new president, a Death Valley vision quest, a kayak trip in the Sea of Cortez, travel worries in Viet Nam, and the death of his mother-and, sadly, no more "home" to go home to. This 2021 revision of "John, Talk to Me" by an octogenarian son is a delight of added conversations, sketches, poetry, and old photos, which enhance an already warm and honest memoir.
"John, Talk to Me" is a rich tapestry woven together of prose, poetry, sketches, and evocative, classic old photographs. It is a sequel to his earlier and charming memoir to his mother. In summary, this heartfelt and humorous composition adds up to a sweet and honest piece of Americana. Denis Kertesz "John, Talk to Me" is a journey in time and features conversations with his dad. The book is an honest and beautiful account of a son whose character was shaped by those around him to become as he says, "the unfinished story of me that is woven in and out of you." It is a beautiful story. Marcia Gleckler
