Moe Fields: The Special Bond Between Fathers and Sons

by Stuart Z. Goldstein

Full Book Description – Moe Fields is a life affirming story for readers looking to find books that celebrate the strength of family bonds that can prevail over trauma and setbacks. The story of Moe Fields (aka Murray Goldman) is a deep dive into the experiences of one man...and how his fighting spirit and perseverance saved his family and inspired his three sons to succeed. Moe Fields personifies the hard scrabble life of growing up during the Great Depression — from Moe's teens as a Golden Gloves boxer, to his career as a Bootleg fighter in Brooklyn earning a few dollars of prize money, to being a WWII sailor whose most prideful moment was singled out by FDR, to a self-made man who built the largest plumbing business in northern New Jersey. He lifted his family out of a Brooklyn tenement to a very comfortable life in the suburbs. His partner in life, Frannie Goldman was cut from the same cloth. An athlete and sax player who toured the Catskills in an all-women's band. Theirs was a Depression era love story. Sacrifice and determination were no strangers to either of them — and formed an unbreakable bond. A drunk driver causes a horrific car accident putting Murray and Fanny in the hospital for months and leaving them to deal with lifetime disabilities. For their three young sons who were "home alone" without supervision, the accident and its aftermath stole their childhoods and changed the lives of their family forever. Murray would always be Moe Fields, the fighter who knocked out 27 opponents and had his nose broken three times. To his sons, dad taught them the value of hard work and to never, ever give up when knocked down. It`s about a mother, who would never walk again without crutches, but taught her boys to face life`s difficulties with quiet grace and resolve. And, ultimately, it`s about a mother and father who inspired their sons to not only succeed in their careers but also to be loving and devoted fathers themselves. In this painful time of Covid, Moe Fields is a heart-warming story that will help restore faith in our future. Author Stuart Goldstein delves into the tragedies and triumphs of three generations of his family with wisdom, understanding and a wrenching honesty that comes only with age

620 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2021

Reviews

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent who has a special bond with my own child, and have been able to go through both bad and good times with her throughout the years only to come out of it all and still be the best of friends, I truly felt connected to this book, “Moe Fields: The Special Bond Between Fathers and Sons” by Stuart Z. Goldstein. Now, Moe’s life was nothing like mine, but the core points of the plot here; family, struggles based on the era, traditions being able to thrive and continue from one generation to another—connect all readers no matter what their race, religion or background may be.

Moe Fields is that ultimate role model we rely and depend on; in a way, he becomes a legendary figure with a heart so big and a mind so wise that it’s almost difficult to believe in his existence at all. And the author, who is a son of this amazing man, has the creative ability to not only deliver this three-part story in an intriguing way, but is also able to keep the reader extremely captivated and wanting to know more the whole way through. This is a feat that seems almost impossible as of late when it comes to non-fiction.

Moe has a fighting spirit, to say the least. In the first part of our story, we are in the midst of the Great Depression (1934). Moe grows up during these highly difficult times and, while a teenager, he works hard to become a Golden Gloves boxer. In the ring he’s fierce, which leads him to his career as a paid Bootleg fighter in Brooklyn, New York. Eventually he becomes one who we are all grateful for when it comes to serving this country; a WWII sailor who, actually, ended up being singled out by Roosevelt.

Part II of the book heads into his post-war life where Moe works hard and fights prejudice in order to build both a successful family and one of the largest businesses in New Jersey when it came to plumbing. He not only had to overcome discrimination, but he had to face health issues as well; heartbreaking ones, in fact, that included a drunk driver bringing Moe and his wife, Frannie, horrific trauma that would lead to lifetime disabilities, changing the lives of their sons dramatically. During this time period, above all, his sons watched and learned from these people who would not stop, no matter what or who tried to get in their way.

When it comes to the latter part of the tale, the author does a great job showing readers life through the eyes of both him and his brothers. You truly see all that they have learned from both their father and mother, and how the strength and love of their parents helped paved the way for the boys to have better lives, make better decisions, and fight for their own beliefs while never giving up or giving in.

The image of “the boxer” will stay in my mind long after this tale has ended. I will always see Moe as one who fought, as much as he possibly could for as long as he could, to make his family solid. My own child came to me once only a year ago. Now that she is the mom of three, she was struggling one day with an issue and said to me: “I wish I was like you, Mom. You always made everything seem so easy.” I was so proud at that moment I can’t tell you. I never thought any of it was easy, but I am highly thankful I made it look that way.

Stuart Goldstein has created a huge tribute to his loving parents with “Moe Fields: The Special Bond Between Fathers and Sons.” Not only should he be commended, but readers need to delve into Moe Fields’ story ASAP. 5 Stars! (10, if I was allowed.) Enjoy!

[Harley P. Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, not great editing - several spelling errors, several mis-used words, and several grammatical errors. But very good story and worth reading

[Myrna Kimmelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly touching book. A true tribute to fathers and sons.

I loved this book! Moe Fields/Murray is as big and inspirational as any hero in contemporary literature. From running away to join the circus to boot-leg boxing to serving in World War II and overcoming two brain tumors, Murray beats the odds to provide a loving home and a inspirational legacy for his sons. Those sons continue in their own roles as sons and fathers to share the lessons learned from this larger than life man. Beautifully written, this is a tribute to family and perseverance. A must read for anyone that values family and relationships.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really interesting reading about his life because he was born in the early 1900s and so his life is very unlike mine. It’s not just the time period, his life is unlike mine for many other reasons too. He had to grow up early, he worked and travelled at a young age, he lived in New York, he was a Boxer and he had many health issues and near death experiences. I did have one near death experience but nothing like Moe Fields aka Murray Goldman.

I especially liked reading about life before I was born because it gives me an idea of what life for my father in law and Bubby (grandma) would have been like. They were both born in the 1930s

The book is long with small type. It was personally too long for me but I prefer books under 250 pages. I just feel a little too much detail was given in some parts. However I guess a biography is supposed to be thorough. The book is separated into chapters of course but they aren’t spaced the way chapters generally are. What I mean is each chapter doesn’t start on its own page. This is probably because that would make it even longer as the chapters are very short. There are over 70 chapters.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Jill Rey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If this sounds like a simple rags to riches story, it is not. His path was never easy.” - p. 328.
Moe Fields is the story of Murry “Moe Fields” Goldman, a man who didn’t live a long time by today’s standards but survived a well lived life. From running away to join the circus, becoming a boxer under the alias of Moe Fields to marrying the girl of his dreams and fighting in WWII. Murry’s life was inspirational, not just to his three sons, but to those reading this story. In fact, driven by a son’s love, it inspired him to put his story to the page.
Moe Fields captures three generations, successfully making an unknown man known to many through this lovely penning of resilience, love, family, and hard work. Detailed and yet enchanting enough to encourage readers to lead a life Murry would be proud of.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided; all opinions are my own.

[Alma Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moe Fields - the special bond between fathers and sons

Moe Fields is the story of an outstanding man named Murry Goldman. He started his exciting life by running away to join the circus. I love that fact seeing my own grandfather a midget had the same courage. His life was full of adventure, as a WWII solider, a successful Golden Glove boxer. Then marring the love of his life and raising 3 sons while building a large plumbing business.
This book full encouragement and the don't give up spirit we all need these days.

[Alma Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moe Fields - the special bond between fathers and sons

Moe Fields is the story of an outstanding man named Murry Goldman. He started his exciting life by running away to join the circus. I love that fact seeing my own grandfather a midget had the same courage. His life was full of adventure, as a WWII solider, a successful Golden Glove boxer. Then married the love of his life and raising 3 sons while building a large plumbing business.
This book full encouragement and the don't give up spirit we all need these days.