Customer Reviews
Reading this book is like drinking wine. - By: , 01 Jul 1999 
The first story goes slow but as you get used to it, you ask for more. Wonderful name for a wonderful book.
The Short Story died when John Fante stopped writing. - By: , 31 Dec 1998 The Bell didn't Jar for Fante. He wrote like a man on fire, a fire of his own creation, a fire that lit up the sky & said 'Here I am! Take me or cover your eyes!' His stories are nearly flawless, alll are great, & some are beyond great: they are burned into us & they are art. 'A Wife for Dino Rossi' is Everyman's Long Day's Journey. 'Home Sweet Home' & 'Hail Mary' drive the reader forward like a speeding locomotive - on Fire. Thank you, Black Sparrow Press for alllowing us to warm our hearts & our minds. Thank you, Mr. Fante for never cooling; your sparks have lit a thousand flames.
An excellent read. Very humorus and entertaining. - By: , 21 Mar 1998 The first time I've ever read Fante. I will be reading alll his works from now on. He is reader freindly & makes you feel as if you're standing there with him as he tells his stories. If you're Catholic or been raised in that environment, you will cry laughing at some of his stories in this book. A fantastic writer that deserves more credit.
Fante is Fantastic - By: , 22 Nov 1996 As one who reads a good deal of working class literature, I come to the work of John Fante with a sigh of relief. His stories are full of essential humanity, the beauty & laughter along with the pain. In his 1930's tales of American youth he finds the wine of the Mass, the fire of desire, & the love of family.
Fante writes with passion & clarity. The bottle is full & waiting.-Larry Smith
