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Mr. Pizza
Most people make at least one really harebrained decision in their life. Tony Piza (long "i", my friends) is no exception.
It’s 1973, and Tony decides he needs a carefree year off after college . . . with pay.
To the shock of his tight-knit family and closest friends, he postpones law school and talks his way into a job teaching sixth grade at a Catholic school in Staten Island, N. Y.
A paid vacation if ever there was one! Yeah, right.
Say hi to the Moby Dick of miscalculations. His pathetic effort is making him look bad, especially compared to the other sixth-grade instructor, Sister Theresa, an energetic young nun whose sunny disposition could have turned Attila the Hun into a daisy-picking philanthropist.
It’s also crimping his efforts to enchant Colleen O’Brien, a stunning, straight-talking teacher who sees right through him.
To make matters worse, his inability to curb his snarky and irreverent sense of humor antagonizes the powers-that-be: the alpha-male president of the school board, and the pastor who’s more interested in single malt scotch than saving souls.
Does he have the ability—or the desire—to turn things around to try to save his job? And will he ever realize that his students deserve a lot more than they’ve been getting from him?
- GenresFiction
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2018
172 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Pandolfi
2 books8 followersJ.F. Pandolfi went to Fordham University as an undergrad, then taught at a Catholic elementary school before attending Fordham Law School.
Practicing law certainly had some wonderful moments, but to call it "utter euphoria” was a stretch. He decided to switch gears and try writing. An award for his flash fiction piece, "Psychology for Dummies", convinced him that he might actually be able to make this work. So he called upon his fond memories as a teacher, which served as a backdrop to his debut novel, "Mr. Pizza".
He’s also a staunch supporter of the fight to eradicate adult illiteracy, and served on the Board of Trustees of Project Literacy of Greater Bergen County, in Hackensack, N.J. for fifteen years.
Practicing law certainly had some wonderful moments, but to call it "utter euphoria” was a stretch. He decided to switch gears and try writing. An award for his flash fiction piece, "Psychology for Dummies", convinced him that he might actually be able to make this work. So he called upon his fond memories as a teacher, which served as a backdrop to his debut novel, "Mr. Pizza".
He’s also a staunch supporter of the fight to eradicate adult illiteracy, and served on the Board of Trustees of Project Literacy of Greater Bergen County, in Hackensack, N.J. for fifteen years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 1, 2019
Up front, I have to admit to some bias when it comes to how much I enjoyed this book. I grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Fordham in 1991 with a degree in English Literature and law school looming on the horizon, because what else do you do with a Lit degree? So maybe I identified with the main character more than the average reader. And even though the book was set in the early 1970's, it echoed the same sort of relationships that I had with friends and family a couple of decades later (though I'd imagine anyone born before 1990 might get nostalgic for those days before the Internet and smart phones). I thought the author did a great job of addressing family and tween relationships, spousal abuse and homosexuality in a 1970's context without interrupting the quick pace and self-depreciating humor throughout the story. So, I'd call Mr. Pizza a nostalgic must-read for anyone over the age of forty, as well as a great read for Millennials interested in a funny, tender story set in a time before social media and smart phones. Great piece of fiction, definitely worth a read!
December 7, 2018
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
On the verge of graduating from college, Tony Piza (long "I", and yes, he's heard all the jokes), decides he's not ready to head to law school and would like to take a year off. Inspired by a suggestion from his roommate, he applies to teach at a Roman Catholic school near his home. He figures that it'll be pretty easy -- spout some facts and figures from the text-book, assign some homework, do a little grading, catch up on his reading. All while living rent-free with his parents and sister. Despite never having taken an education class, nor showing any previous interest in education, and some iffy interview questions, he's hired.
Early on, he performs his duties just as he planned -- and it's as successful as you imagine. But before long, he starts to see his students as individuals, not some faceless mass. It's just a few steps from there to caring about their education and trying to do something about it. Tony also makes some friends with fellow teachers -- two other lay teachers (including the other male staff member), and one nun. They start to rub off on him -- and even inspire him.
But that doesn't mean he turns into Professor Charles W. Kingsfield Jr or George Feeny, he's more like a version of Gabe Kotter or Charlie Moore. Unconventional, off-kilter, and comical -- yet challenging. Both his lectures and his assignments bring out the strengths and weaknesses his students (and their parents) were unaware they possessed. They also get Tony in trouble with parents, school administrators and school board members.
Essentially, the novel is a bildungsroman, watching Tony's development from someone who sees teaching as a vacation from his real life to someone truly invested in it. I don't want to say that it's a smooth transition or that he flips the switch and becomes the World's Greatest 6th Grade Teacher ™. That would make for a very dull novel.
Pandolfi writes in a very smooth, assured style. There's not a lot of artistic flourishes -- that's not a critique, just an observation. It is charming, frequently amusing, and pretty earnest. I was a little afraid after reading the description that this would be a satire that tried too hard, one of those books where you can see the writer trying to be funny (which almost never works) -- but I'm pleased to say that it wasn't. Tony seemed to try too hard, but not Pandolfi -- a character doing that is annoying, but it's a character trait; a writer doing that is frequently a a deal breaker.
Tony's antics and judgement are a mixed bag, as I mentioned. Early on, some of his jokes/behavior didn't seem like fun, they seemed capricious and even mean -- but so did M*A*S*H's Hawkeye and Duke Forrest (the book and movie versions, anyway). From the get-go the 1973 setting and sensibility put me in that frame of mind, so that's where my mind went. And sure, part of the book is to show his growth from that, but it's pretty off-putting. Similarly, I had trouble swallowing how tone-deaf he was when it came to jokes about Roman Catholics (even after being warned), yet he was reflexively sensitive to other people/problems (frequently in a way that seemed at least somewhat anachronistic).
Ultimately, I was able to get past that -- and it's possible that without me putting something about that in my notes, I'd have forgotten to mention it. Because of his growth, by that last third or so of the book, you see almost no signs of this (except when his past comes back to haunt him). So, I guess I'm saying, if you're put off by some of his early behavior, give him a chance.
His sister, Patty, has Down's Syndrome. I really appreciated the way that Pandolfi treated her. She's simply a character -- there's no After-School Special moment with her, she's not an object of pity -- she's simply Tony's little sister. There are funny moments with her, some sweet moments with her -- just like there are with Tony's mother and father.
Tony's students, fittingly, come close to stealing the novel from Tony. As is the case with the Bad News Bears, the Sweathogs, Fillmore High's IHP class, etc., you have to want to see the kids do well to care about their teacher. They're a diverse group, each having some distinctive characteristics and/or problems. They come to believe in their "Mr. Pizza" long before the staff, or even Tony -- and stay his biggest supporters through the ups and downs that ensue. If you don't like at least most of the students, there's something wrong with you and you should seek professional help. Or just re-read the book, because you probably missed something.
The rest of the cast of characters are well-drawn and believable. There are a few that I'm glad we didn't get much time with (Tony's extended family, for example). His friends, fellow teachers and principal are strong characters, a couple of them are better developed. But that's simply due to time spent with them. Pandolfi has a gift for good characters, which is half the battle in a novel.
Mr. Pizza is a charming tale of a young man maturing at a turning point in his life. There's some good laughs, some uncomfortable moments, and some earnest emotional beats. The book is a pleasure to read and it -- and it's protagonist -- will win you over and get you rooting for them both.
--
Disclaimer: I received this book from RABT Book Tours in exchange for this post and my participation in the book tour.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
On the verge of graduating from college, Tony Piza (long "I", and yes, he's heard all the jokes), decides he's not ready to head to law school and would like to take a year off. Inspired by a suggestion from his roommate, he applies to teach at a Roman Catholic school near his home. He figures that it'll be pretty easy -- spout some facts and figures from the text-book, assign some homework, do a little grading, catch up on his reading. All while living rent-free with his parents and sister. Despite never having taken an education class, nor showing any previous interest in education, and some iffy interview questions, he's hired.
Early on, he performs his duties just as he planned -- and it's as successful as you imagine. But before long, he starts to see his students as individuals, not some faceless mass. It's just a few steps from there to caring about their education and trying to do something about it. Tony also makes some friends with fellow teachers -- two other lay teachers (including the other male staff member), and one nun. They start to rub off on him -- and even inspire him.
But that doesn't mean he turns into Professor Charles W. Kingsfield Jr or George Feeny, he's more like a version of Gabe Kotter or Charlie Moore. Unconventional, off-kilter, and comical -- yet challenging. Both his lectures and his assignments bring out the strengths and weaknesses his students (and their parents) were unaware they possessed. They also get Tony in trouble with parents, school administrators and school board members.
Essentially, the novel is a bildungsroman, watching Tony's development from someone who sees teaching as a vacation from his real life to someone truly invested in it. I don't want to say that it's a smooth transition or that he flips the switch and becomes the World's Greatest 6th Grade Teacher ™. That would make for a very dull novel.
Pandolfi writes in a very smooth, assured style. There's not a lot of artistic flourishes -- that's not a critique, just an observation. It is charming, frequently amusing, and pretty earnest. I was a little afraid after reading the description that this would be a satire that tried too hard, one of those books where you can see the writer trying to be funny (which almost never works) -- but I'm pleased to say that it wasn't. Tony seemed to try too hard, but not Pandolfi -- a character doing that is annoying, but it's a character trait; a writer doing that is frequently a a deal breaker.
Tony's antics and judgement are a mixed bag, as I mentioned. Early on, some of his jokes/behavior didn't seem like fun, they seemed capricious and even mean -- but so did M*A*S*H's Hawkeye and Duke Forrest (the book and movie versions, anyway). From the get-go the 1973 setting and sensibility put me in that frame of mind, so that's where my mind went. And sure, part of the book is to show his growth from that, but it's pretty off-putting. Similarly, I had trouble swallowing how tone-deaf he was when it came to jokes about Roman Catholics (even after being warned), yet he was reflexively sensitive to other people/problems (frequently in a way that seemed at least somewhat anachronistic).
Ultimately, I was able to get past that -- and it's possible that without me putting something about that in my notes, I'd have forgotten to mention it. Because of his growth, by that last third or so of the book, you see almost no signs of this (except when his past comes back to haunt him). So, I guess I'm saying, if you're put off by some of his early behavior, give him a chance.
His sister, Patty, has Down's Syndrome. I really appreciated the way that Pandolfi treated her. She's simply a character -- there's no After-School Special moment with her, she's not an object of pity -- she's simply Tony's little sister. There are funny moments with her, some sweet moments with her -- just like there are with Tony's mother and father.
Tony's students, fittingly, come close to stealing the novel from Tony. As is the case with the Bad News Bears, the Sweathogs, Fillmore High's IHP class, etc., you have to want to see the kids do well to care about their teacher. They're a diverse group, each having some distinctive characteristics and/or problems. They come to believe in their "Mr. Pizza" long before the staff, or even Tony -- and stay his biggest supporters through the ups and downs that ensue. If you don't like at least most of the students, there's something wrong with you and you should seek professional help. Or just re-read the book, because you probably missed something.
The rest of the cast of characters are well-drawn and believable. There are a few that I'm glad we didn't get much time with (Tony's extended family, for example). His friends, fellow teachers and principal are strong characters, a couple of them are better developed. But that's simply due to time spent with them. Pandolfi has a gift for good characters, which is half the battle in a novel.
Mr. Pizza is a charming tale of a young man maturing at a turning point in his life. There's some good laughs, some uncomfortable moments, and some earnest emotional beats. The book is a pleasure to read and it -- and it's protagonist -- will win you over and get you rooting for them both.
--
Disclaimer: I received this book from RABT Book Tours in exchange for this post and my participation in the book tour.
August 13, 2018
New Italian teacher finds his heart
The trope of someone taking a teaching job because they think it's a cakewalk is a well used literary plot. Surprise and shock that it's difficult, and the kids have their own personalities and problems, don't forget the political nonsense with the administration, and oh, there are parents, too. Not such a cakewalk, before you even get into the whole subject matter knowledge, homework, and tests.
This one is set in the mid 70's, with an Italian teacher, Mr. Piza, and all the (shamefully yet humorously true) stereotypes that go along with it. He joins the staff of a Catholic school, because nuns can only improve the plot. (Spoiler: they actually do improve the plot).
It's well crafted enough to ring true in a number of levels, soundly edited. The writing style brought me into the story beautifully, and the main character well fleshed out. The secondary characters are as explained as they need to be to work with the story. I would look for more from this author. An example of the writing:
"Considering how flat his students had been after the four-day Thanksgiving recess, Piza surmised they might be borderline catatonic returning after Christmas. To his surprise, they were remarkably upbeat.
Once they finished settling in, Sukie McDermott raised her hand. “So, Mr. Piza, did you miss us?”
“Hmm. Depends on what you mean by ‘miss’. If you mean was I locked in my room every day, weeping while I clutched the class photo to my heart, then the answer would be no.” Laughter. “If, however, you mean am I happy to see you guys, that would also be a no.” His grin elicited another laugh."
The trope of someone taking a teaching job because they think it's a cakewalk is a well used literary plot. Surprise and shock that it's difficult, and the kids have their own personalities and problems, don't forget the political nonsense with the administration, and oh, there are parents, too. Not such a cakewalk, before you even get into the whole subject matter knowledge, homework, and tests.
This one is set in the mid 70's, with an Italian teacher, Mr. Piza, and all the (shamefully yet humorously true) stereotypes that go along with it. He joins the staff of a Catholic school, because nuns can only improve the plot. (Spoiler: they actually do improve the plot).
It's well crafted enough to ring true in a number of levels, soundly edited. The writing style brought me into the story beautifully, and the main character well fleshed out. The secondary characters are as explained as they need to be to work with the story. I would look for more from this author. An example of the writing:
"Considering how flat his students had been after the four-day Thanksgiving recess, Piza surmised they might be borderline catatonic returning after Christmas. To his surprise, they were remarkably upbeat.
Once they finished settling in, Sukie McDermott raised her hand. “So, Mr. Piza, did you miss us?”
“Hmm. Depends on what you mean by ‘miss’. If you mean was I locked in my room every day, weeping while I clutched the class photo to my heart, then the answer would be no.” Laughter. “If, however, you mean am I happy to see you guys, that would also be a no.” His grin elicited another laugh."
August 14, 2019
Author Joe Pandolfi keeps us on the edges of our seats as he recounts the journey of witty young Tony Piza, a college graduate unsure how to proceed with life. He decides to take a break in order to rethink what he and everyone else had always assumed would be his future—a career in law. Piza formulates a sort of self-serving plan to do as little as possible while still making money (teaching in a Catholic elementary school). We see great character development and transformation as Piza surprises us, and indeed himself, when he discovers that he actually cares about the sixth-graders he teaches, entities he’d initially considered to be mere inconveniences when he first embarked on the job. Needless to say, he had underestimated the whole endeavor, on many levels. Piza’s true colors are revealed as he confronts many obstacles, and his sense of compassion and desire for justice come to the fore.
A poignant yet humor-laden page turner, Mr. Pizza, which I received an advanced copy of without any requirement to leave a review, is the kind of story where the reader feels sad to reach the end. One feels part of the world Pandolfi has created, and a real empathy for the characters who inhabit it. I know that I’ll be reaching for this book again!
READING PROGRESS
Finished Reading Add a date
March 18, 2019 – Shelved
June 23, 2019 – Started Reading (Kindle Edition)
A poignant yet humor-laden page turner, Mr. Pizza, which I received an advanced copy of without any requirement to leave a review, is the kind of story where the reader feels sad to reach the end. One feels part of the world Pandolfi has created, and a real empathy for the characters who inhabit it. I know that I’ll be reaching for this book again!
READING PROGRESS
Finished Reading Add a date
March 18, 2019 – Shelved
June 23, 2019 – Started Reading (Kindle Edition)
September 26, 2018
I don't normally write reviews, because as you will see, as a writer I make an awesome reader... but I picked this book up as a bit of a filler before starting something else I had my eye on. Boy am I pleased I did.
This is a well written engaging story with well-developed characters and plot, about a young man wanting a gap year before starting his law degree. The best way he can figure is to teach for a year, you get paid and it's not really work.
This soon changes, and the relationships he ends up forming with fellow staff and pupils as well as those with his friends and family help him to lead an eventful and praiseworthy year in his life. He certainly doesn't start as a deadbeat, but, he grows up mightly in that one gap year.
This is a well written engaging story with well-developed characters and plot, about a young man wanting a gap year before starting his law degree. The best way he can figure is to teach for a year, you get paid and it's not really work.
This soon changes, and the relationships he ends up forming with fellow staff and pupils as well as those with his friends and family help him to lead an eventful and praiseworthy year in his life. He certainly doesn't start as a deadbeat, but, he grows up mightly in that one gap year.
August 28, 2018
Teaching is a hard job but well worth it
I liked this book very much. The writing gleamed with abundance and the editing is excellent. Mr. Piza enters the classroom with no experience or idea how to do his job. But as time moves on he leaens and throws himself into being sensitive and aware of his 27 students as individuals. He teaches them, works on helping them think and analyze the work they're asked to do and how to take responsibility for their words and actions. Of course he gets in trouble for his unique methods but what teacher does'nt when challenging the status quo? Good book!
I liked this book very much. The writing gleamed with abundance and the editing is excellent. Mr. Piza enters the classroom with no experience or idea how to do his job. But as time moves on he leaens and throws himself into being sensitive and aware of his 27 students as individuals. He teaches them, works on helping them think and analyze the work they're asked to do and how to take responsibility for their words and actions. Of course he gets in trouble for his unique methods but what teacher does'nt when challenging the status quo? Good book!
November 3, 2019
A Entertaining Light Read
Mr. Pizza is a must read for anyone who has spent a year in a Catholic elementary school. Mr. Pandolfi captures all the necessary elements that comprise the atmosphere of such a school. The tension between the lay teachers vs the sisters and between the pastor and principal; the perfectly straight lines, the significantly lower pay than public schools.
As the daughter of a Catholic elementary school teacher, a Catholic elementary school student and a Catholic elementary school teacher myself, I could identify with the characters in this book on all levels.
Mr. Pizza is a must read for anyone who has spent a year in a Catholic elementary school. Mr. Pandolfi captures all the necessary elements that comprise the atmosphere of such a school. The tension between the lay teachers vs the sisters and between the pastor and principal; the perfectly straight lines, the significantly lower pay than public schools.
As the daughter of a Catholic elementary school teacher, a Catholic elementary school student and a Catholic elementary school teacher myself, I could identify with the characters in this book on all levels.
August 25, 2018
This was a nice change of pace book. My family was catholic--some of them ridiculously so--and apparently that's enough to lend familiarity to the tale, despite the East coast flavor.
Tony's sabbatical from college sends him on a weird journey to teach 6th grade in a parochial school for a year, and the story is as much about what the kids teach him as vice versa. It's a meandering tale with some surprises in the end. Kind of a sweetly nostalgic and often funny exercise in friendship, respect, and making a difference in people's lives, no matter their age.
Tony's sabbatical from college sends him on a weird journey to teach 6th grade in a parochial school for a year, and the story is as much about what the kids teach him as vice versa. It's a meandering tale with some surprises in the end. Kind of a sweetly nostalgic and often funny exercise in friendship, respect, and making a difference in people's lives, no matter their age.
December 21, 2018
This novel had powerful main characters and a powerful underlying theme of actions and consequences. It also has humor and wit and lessons about thinking about your life and what you want to do with it vs what you are doing with it.
I liked the way the author set up the novel and that he made sure to give the reader plenty of information so that they came to understand the characters, their pasts, and their problems. One of my favorite things was the pacing. I felt like everything really flowed smoothly and led to an easy read.
I liked the way the author set up the novel and that he made sure to give the reader plenty of information so that they came to understand the characters, their pasts, and their problems. One of my favorite things was the pacing. I felt like everything really flowed smoothly and led to an easy read.
May 5, 2020
Tony Piza is soon to graduate from Fordham University and enter law school. His plans are put on hold though when he decides to wait a year and instead take a job teaching a 6th grade class at a New York City Catholic School. What follows is nine months of trial by fire as he stumbles through a daily ordeal of highs and lows, learning the ropes of teaching, dodging principal and parent outbursts and gradually earning the affection of his class. A good story that is sure to create nostalgia for those school years long since past.
December 26, 2018
Superb writing from J. F. Pandolfi. I really liked the originality that Pandolfi brought.
This novel was very vivid in the descriptions, the writing really jumped off the pages and into my head. Humor and wit laced throughout.
This story for me just came across as honest. I understood Tony's motives and how he ended up where he ended up and the way it all unfolded made for an intriguing tale.
This novel was very vivid in the descriptions, the writing really jumped off the pages and into my head. Humor and wit laced throughout.
This story for me just came across as honest. I understood Tony's motives and how he ended up where he ended up and the way it all unfolded made for an intriguing tale.
July 8, 2020
Excellent memoir type novel on teaching
A very breezily well-written novel that captures the flavor of a Catholic elementary school while keeping it relatively light, dramas and all...
A very personable writer, it's almost like going through the school year with a friend:) I highly recommend it for virtually anyone, 5th grade and way beyond....
Thoroughly engaging, with believable characters, young or adult.
A very breezily well-written novel that captures the flavor of a Catholic elementary school while keeping it relatively light, dramas and all...
A very personable writer, it's almost like going through the school year with a friend:) I highly recommend it for virtually anyone, 5th grade and way beyond....
Thoroughly engaging, with believable characters, young or adult.
September 12, 2020
I seriously need a sequel. This book is a favorite to reread. If you graduated from college in the late 70s, you’ll recognize the times all too well. I rapidly fall in love with one character at a time until I was holding my breath for the ending and hoping the book would keep going. Darn eBooks catch me off guard sometimes. It’s a lovely, yet gritty year in the late 70s and it feels like more truth than fiction. Absolutely loved this book.
June 28, 2021
A hilariously charming read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I actually laughed out loud—a lot—at the antics of this young wanna-be attorney who takes a teaching job at a Catholic School thinking it would a piece of cake and a vacation. The Italian family portrayal was spot on too, especially the nicknames and Mama pushing massive quantities of food on anyone entering the home. Just a fun book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I actually laughed out loud—a lot—at the antics of this young wanna-be attorney who takes a teaching job at a Catholic School thinking it would a piece of cake and a vacation. The Italian family portrayal was spot on too, especially the nicknames and Mama pushing massive quantities of food on anyone entering the home. Just a fun book!
November 14, 2018
Excellent
The story of Anthony Piza’s entry into teaching at a Catholic school is both entertaining and touching. Even characters you think are there as space-fillers surprise you with their depth.
I really enjoyed it.
The characters are well developed. The conversation is engaging. The plot… is life.
I highly recommend this book.
The story of Anthony Piza’s entry into teaching at a Catholic school is both entertaining and touching. Even characters you think are there as space-fillers surprise you with their depth.
I really enjoyed it.
The characters are well developed. The conversation is engaging. The plot… is life.
I highly recommend this book.
April 10, 2020
Finished reading this recently and it has quickly become one of my favorite novels. It read so quickly and I grew so attached to the story/characters. I wish the author would write more novels like this. It is witty, well-written, and smart. I love the irreverent humor of the main character. I was so upset when it ended.
August 10, 2020
I enjoyed "Mr. Pizza" by J.F. Pandolfi which is free on Kindle Unlimited. I actually laughed out loud at some parts so wanted to let others know it is a good, safe read. It does have what I consider objectionable language in places but no sex scenes. The story involves a 22 year old man who decides to teach for a year before going to law school--at a Catholic school where he is assigned to teach sixth graders. He has no prior teaching experience, does not have a teaching certificate, did not take any education courses so he has a lot to learn when he enters the classroom!! It's a fun read which provides good escape at the end of a day or while the weather is wet and dismal.
October 8, 2020
Mr. Pisa decides to take year off before law school to teach in a Catholic school.
Very engaging characters, with fortitude in their individual beliefs. Mr. Piza is not a teacher but becomes a hero in the eyes of his students and some parents with his witty and uncompromising ways. It was an engaging and insightful prose about the essence of good education.
Very engaging characters, with fortitude in their individual beliefs. Mr. Piza is not a teacher but becomes a hero in the eyes of his students and some parents with his witty and uncompromising ways. It was an engaging and insightful prose about the essence of good education.
August 11, 2018
Unplanned detour meets wonderful experience
I found this an enjoyable and uplifting book to read. The main characters were skillfully drawn and I found myself invested in their wellbeing. I would have liked a little different ending but I’m an incurable romantic.
I found this an enjoyable and uplifting book to read. The main characters were skillfully drawn and I found myself invested in their wellbeing. I would have liked a little different ending but I’m an incurable romantic.
September 3, 2018
Worth reading!
Gifted and hilarious writer! This book made me laugh out loud several times, without trying too hard. It's difficult to say what I enjoyed more, the bonds of friendship, love or the humor.
Gifted and hilarious writer! This book made me laugh out loud several times, without trying too hard. It's difficult to say what I enjoyed more, the bonds of friendship, love or the humor.
September 8, 2018
Excellent, well-written story about a young teacher in a Catholic elementary school in NY in the '70s. Loved the perspective and the genuine tone. Loved the characters and the writing style. Would love to read the next book!
October 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It was well written. Funny at times. I shed a tear once or twice also. I would like a book to continue Mr. Piza's and friends lives. Good read.....couldn't wait to continue when I had to put it down.
July 5, 2019
Being a teacher the synopsis grabbed me
Mr. Pizza is a nice little story. I liked the main characters, there was humor and heart in equal measure, and the situations that he found himself in rang true for the 1970's. It's an enjoyable, nostalgic book that many will enjoy.
Mr. Pizza is a nice little story. I liked the main characters, there was humor and heart in equal measure, and the situations that he found himself in rang true for the 1970's. It's an enjoyable, nostalgic book that many will enjoy.
November 27, 2019
Totally awesome
Loved this! Very interesting and descriptive story about a young man who decides to teach as a way to take a break from law school and he discovers that he really does have an impact on the kids. Great book.
Loved this! Very interesting and descriptive story about a young man who decides to teach as a way to take a break from law school and he discovers that he really does have an impact on the kids. Great book.
February 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a book that’s lighthearted this is it.
A young man learns as much as he teaches when he takes a year off between college and law school to teach a 6th grade class at a Catholic School.
There were times when I literally laughed out loud.
A young man learns as much as he teaches when he takes a year off between college and law school to teach a 6th grade class at a Catholic School.
There were times when I literally laughed out loud.
March 3, 2021
Great book
A absolutely great story. Interesting characters. A wonderful mix of humor, sarcasm, and seriousness. There was tension, human interest, and passion. Entertaining and enjoyable.
A absolutely great story. Interesting characters. A wonderful mix of humor, sarcasm, and seriousness. There was tension, human interest, and passion. Entertaining and enjoyable.
June 9, 2021
GIVING THIS AN A
I decided on the spur of the moment to get this book and I'm SO glad that I did! It serves up a great cast of characters, hilarious repartee, a believable story line and a satisfying ending. RECOMMENDED
I decided on the spur of the moment to get this book and I'm SO glad that I did! It serves up a great cast of characters, hilarious repartee, a believable story line and a satisfying ending. RECOMMENDED
February 10, 2023
What a great read…
… even if you’ve never been a teacher. I loved the realism of the classroom and could appreciate the Catholic school vibe. The antics of Mr. Piza had me laughing out loud and applauding him all the way.
… even if you’ve never been a teacher. I loved the realism of the classroom and could appreciate the Catholic school vibe. The antics of Mr. Piza had me laughing out loud and applauding him all the way.
August 23, 2018
Fun, funny andfresh
Loved this quick read. Great characters ,entertaining story . Would read anything else by this author. Look for the next book now
Loved this quick read. Great characters ,entertaining story . Would read anything else by this author. Look for the next book now
September 28, 2018
A delightful book. Fun to read with some messages along the way. I enjoyed it. Thanks
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