I wanted to take just a few moments to recognize some independent publishers and thought a good way to do so might be to mention some newly released titles. Kensington Books was founded in 1974 and is known as "America’s Independent Publisher." They publish roughly 500 new titles each year and some authors such as Janet Dailey, Joanne Fluke, Fern Michaels are likely familiar names. Kensington just re-released SHEPHERD AVENUE by Charlie Carillo which is set in the early 1960's in Brooklyn. It tells the story of 10 year old Joey who loses his Mom to cancer and his Dad to grief and the subsequent decision to travel the country. Joey is taken to live with his paternal Italian American grandparents where he has to deal with feeling abandoned in a totally new environment. It is certainly a different time in terms of societal attitudes towards women, different races and even food preparation with scenes of animals being slaughtered. Carillo's work was an American Library Association Notable Book of the Year and he just recently wrote Return to Shepherd Avenue which is set 50 years later and will also be published this June by Kensington Books.

A coming of age story about a 10 year old boy who gets sent to live with his grandparents in Brooklyn after his mother dies and his father leaves him. He's never met his grandparents before and he doesn't understand why his father had to leave him there. He has to get accustomed to the Italian culture, living with his uncle Vic and meeting lots of new people.

This book comes with a whirlwind of emotions, a slow-paced plot and lots of memorable characters. It felt very realistic, almost as if you're reading a memoir. I felt that it was a little difficult to get into the story because it's slow-paced but once you get used to the pace of the novel it's an enjoyable read. It's very relatable, especially if you're of Italian descent. You'll definitely find a character or characters that remind you of people in your life.

I thought I would be reading about a very colorful Italian family. I thought it was very bland and not interesting at all, Couldn't complete the book

Shepherd Avenue

by Charlie Carillo

Kensington Books

Lyrical Press
Teens & YA, General Fiction (Adult)

Pub Date 04 Apr 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Shepherd Avenue through the publisher and Netgalley:

Joseph lost his Mother on May.13,1961, when he was only ten, before he has a chance to grieve he is uprooted from his Suburban Long Island to his estranged Grandparents home in New York City. Joseph is left to get used to his brash Italian Grandparents, and his teenage cousin Vic who is obsessed with baseball and Frank Sinatra.

Shepherd Avenue is a story of hurting, fighting, but it is also a story of healing and forgiveness.

Four out of five stars.

Happy Reading.

Wow, what a great book. One of my favorite type of reads. I am a sucker for coming of age books and this one did not disappoint. Brought me back to my youth. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about the 60's. I wish it didn't end. A 5 star for sure. Thanks Net Galley for the read.