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FRAMILY: Friends Considered Family
FRAMILY (friends considered family) is the third of a trilogy. It continues the sports discussions and escapades of three close friends since childhood, each now reconnected with their first loves.
The saga began with "8" Centerfield in New York, 1951-1957, as three
thirteen year-old amigos argued about the best center fielder in New York in their eighth- grade class. Was it Willie, Mickey, or the Duke? Dopey Bastid follows a reflection of the friends twenty years in the future as one buddy, with the assistance of his pals writes a novel about dumb decisions in the world of sports.
FRAMILY commences at the conclusion of Dopey Bastid. The scene is a 1979 New Year's Eve celebration and concludes in the early summer of 1987. The sports stories herein are authentic, albeit with the addition of the perspective from an author who is writing about events several decades afterward. Historical fiction is the genre.
The sports discussions continue in a format that author, T.A. Olsinski, had previously described as "the famous retelling reminds the reader what it is like to hear stories from the friendly guy sitting next to you at the bar."
FRAMILY has a diversity of historical event dialogues, inclusive of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, boxing, golf and tennis. You will also share in non-sport history, such as the premature death of the comedic genius John Belushi, the movies of the era such as Chariots of Fire and Stand by Me, and the recollection of the music and poetic brilliance of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Billy Joel.
The book endeavors to have the reader fondly recall sporting events or perhaps become more familiar with them. Moreover, the life events of the protagonists, Joey Kowalski, Bob Murphy, and Lou Marciano, along with their mates, will hopefully have you laughing out loud, shedding a tear, and most importantly reflecting on the true meaning of friendship.
The saga began with "8" Centerfield in New York, 1951-1957, as three
thirteen year-old amigos argued about the best center fielder in New York in their eighth- grade class. Was it Willie, Mickey, or the Duke? Dopey Bastid follows a reflection of the friends twenty years in the future as one buddy, with the assistance of his pals writes a novel about dumb decisions in the world of sports.
FRAMILY commences at the conclusion of Dopey Bastid. The scene is a 1979 New Year's Eve celebration and concludes in the early summer of 1987. The sports stories herein are authentic, albeit with the addition of the perspective from an author who is writing about events several decades afterward. Historical fiction is the genre.
The sports discussions continue in a format that author, T.A. Olsinski, had previously described as "the famous retelling reminds the reader what it is like to hear stories from the friendly guy sitting next to you at the bar."
FRAMILY has a diversity of historical event dialogues, inclusive of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, boxing, golf and tennis. You will also share in non-sport history, such as the premature death of the comedic genius John Belushi, the movies of the era such as Chariots of Fire and Stand by Me, and the recollection of the music and poetic brilliance of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Billy Joel.
The book endeavors to have the reader fondly recall sporting events or perhaps become more familiar with them. Moreover, the life events of the protagonists, Joey Kowalski, Bob Murphy, and Lou Marciano, along with their mates, will hopefully have you laughing out loud, shedding a tear, and most importantly reflecting on the true meaning of friendship.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 26, 2024
Inspiring book!
This book made me reflect on my own friendships—those friends who feel like family—and how they might evolve over time. This is the second book I’ve read by Lou Saulino, and once again, his writing impressed me. What I enjoyed most was how Saulino incorporated sports and historical events to create meaningful connections. He highlights teamwork, leadership, and discipline as key elements that build lasting friendships. As an amateur triathlete, I found this particularly inspiring, pushing me to reflect on the people I’ve met throughout my journey in life—often through sports. Saulino’s fluid writing style makes the story engaging and allows readers to focus on the development of the characters and their relationships. The central theme of friends becoming family is beautifully presented.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates inspiring stories about personal growth and true friendship. It’s also perfect for sports enthusiasts—you’ll enjoy it 100%
This book made me reflect on my own friendships—those friends who feel like family—and how they might evolve over time. This is the second book I’ve read by Lou Saulino, and once again, his writing impressed me. What I enjoyed most was how Saulino incorporated sports and historical events to create meaningful connections. He highlights teamwork, leadership, and discipline as key elements that build lasting friendships. As an amateur triathlete, I found this particularly inspiring, pushing me to reflect on the people I’ve met throughout my journey in life—often through sports. Saulino’s fluid writing style makes the story engaging and allows readers to focus on the development of the characters and their relationships. The central theme of friends becoming family is beautifully presented.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates inspiring stories about personal growth and true friendship. It’s also perfect for sports enthusiasts—you’ll enjoy it 100%
December 28, 2024
A must read!
This is one of the most uplifting books I’ve read. A friend recommended it to me, and I’m grateful she did—it helped me reconnect with reading through a wonderful story. The book explores friendship and how it evolves and reconnects over time, offering an engaging journey into adulthood while sharing sports memories that shape the characters' lives.
One of the highlights is the inclusion of significant sporting events like the NCAA showdown between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the 1980 U.S. hockey team’s "Miracle on Ice," and the Mets' dramatic 1986 World Series win. These moments will resonate with sports fans and add depth to the characters’ triumphs and struggles, blending nostalgia with an innovative narrative. The friendships are filled with humor, tears, and reflective moments, going far beyond sports. It’s a powerful celebration of personal connections and the enduring strength of relationships.
This book is a meaningful and heartwarming read for anyone who values friendship, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of shared memories.
This is one of the most uplifting books I’ve read. A friend recommended it to me, and I’m grateful she did—it helped me reconnect with reading through a wonderful story. The book explores friendship and how it evolves and reconnects over time, offering an engaging journey into adulthood while sharing sports memories that shape the characters' lives.
One of the highlights is the inclusion of significant sporting events like the NCAA showdown between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the 1980 U.S. hockey team’s "Miracle on Ice," and the Mets' dramatic 1986 World Series win. These moments will resonate with sports fans and add depth to the characters’ triumphs and struggles, blending nostalgia with an innovative narrative. The friendships are filled with humor, tears, and reflective moments, going far beyond sports. It’s a powerful celebration of personal connections and the enduring strength of relationships.
This book is a meaningful and heartwarming read for anyone who values friendship, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of shared memories.
December 27, 2024
Friendship in sports
The plot is fast-paced, easy to follow, and well-developed, with characters rooted in the world of sports and their interpersonal relationships. The settings are clear and well-described, making it easy to visualize where the story unfolds.
While the vocabulary occasionally leans toward off-color, I didn’t find it excessive or inappropriate. It feels authentic to the world being portrayed. This book explores sports through an important lens: friendship. It tells the story of three friends, from childhood to adulthood, through their families and shared experiences. Saulino incorporates key sports moments, adding an informative and enjoyable touch to the narrative.
By the end, the book highlights the value of friendship, particularly in sports, as a support network that fosters teamwork, solidarity, and connection. It’s an entertaining and meaningful read that makes you appreciate the power of relationships in every stage of life.
The plot is fast-paced, easy to follow, and well-developed, with characters rooted in the world of sports and their interpersonal relationships. The settings are clear and well-described, making it easy to visualize where the story unfolds.
While the vocabulary occasionally leans toward off-color, I didn’t find it excessive or inappropriate. It feels authentic to the world being portrayed. This book explores sports through an important lens: friendship. It tells the story of three friends, from childhood to adulthood, through their families and shared experiences. Saulino incorporates key sports moments, adding an informative and enjoyable touch to the narrative.
By the end, the book highlights the value of friendship, particularly in sports, as a support network that fosters teamwork, solidarity, and connection. It’s an entertaining and meaningful read that makes you appreciate the power of relationships in every stage of life.
December 21, 2024
It Touched My Soul
I started this trilogy with the last book, but I have no regrets. The story stands on its own while beautifully tying together memories from the previous installments, serving as a nostalgic homage to the journeys shared in earlier books.
Reading this felt like sitting at a bar with my friends, reminiscing about past loves, soccer matches, basketball games, and the stories we’ve lived. The narrative has a closeness that naturally stirs reflection on one’s own past, no matter who you are. The characters are vivid and relatable, and their shared experiences hit home for anyone who values lifelong friendships. This story struck a deep chord with me. The themes of friendship and nostalgia mirror the bond I share with my closest friends, making it easy to feel connected to the book.
I started this trilogy with the last book, but I have no regrets. The story stands on its own while beautifully tying together memories from the previous installments, serving as a nostalgic homage to the journeys shared in earlier books.
Reading this felt like sitting at a bar with my friends, reminiscing about past loves, soccer matches, basketball games, and the stories we’ve lived. The narrative has a closeness that naturally stirs reflection on one’s own past, no matter who you are. The characters are vivid and relatable, and their shared experiences hit home for anyone who values lifelong friendships. This story struck a deep chord with me. The themes of friendship and nostalgia mirror the bond I share with my closest friends, making it easy to feel connected to the book.
December 26, 2024
Amazing book.
The author’s writing style is both charming and engaging. The dialogue feels natural, like spending time with old friends, full of warmth and familiarity. Through the lives of the three protagonists, the book explores themes of love, loss, and—most importantly—friendship. The anecdotes evoke laughter, tears, and reflection, celebrating not just the spirit of sports but also the enduring power of human connections.
For fans of historical fiction, sports lovers, or anyone who appreciates stories about authentic relationships, this book is a must-read. Lou Saulino closes his trilogy with a work that is both entertaining and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression.
The author’s writing style is both charming and engaging. The dialogue feels natural, like spending time with old friends, full of warmth and familiarity. Through the lives of the three protagonists, the book explores themes of love, loss, and—most importantly—friendship. The anecdotes evoke laughter, tears, and reflection, celebrating not just the spirit of sports but also the enduring power of human connections.
For fans of historical fiction, sports lovers, or anyone who appreciates stories about authentic relationships, this book is a must-read. Lou Saulino closes his trilogy with a work that is both entertaining and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression.
December 21, 2024
Great Book!
I love books that allow me to escape my daily routine, and this one not only met but exceeded my expectations. The author’s intimate yet imaginative narrative style made me feel like more than just a reader—I felt part of the story. It reminded me of childhood adventures with friends, creating quests and safe spaces that became meaningful over time.
The book evokes strong emotions, emphasizing the value of friendships and the importance of living adventures that turn into lasting memories. It inspires readers to seek new experiences and create moments they’ll cherish forever. If you want to enjoy a good book, this one is for you!
I love books that allow me to escape my daily routine, and this one not only met but exceeded my expectations. The author’s intimate yet imaginative narrative style made me feel like more than just a reader—I felt part of the story. It reminded me of childhood adventures with friends, creating quests and safe spaces that became meaningful over time.
The book evokes strong emotions, emphasizing the value of friendships and the importance of living adventures that turn into lasting memories. It inspires readers to seek new experiences and create moments they’ll cherish forever. If you want to enjoy a good book, this one is for you!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews