Joseph Sciuto's Blog: A Curious View: A Compilation of Short Stories by Joseph Sciuto, page 42

JOSEPH SCIUTO’S “TARGETED DEMOGRAPHICS.”

Mr. Sciuto delivers another KNOCKOUT with his latest novel “Targeted Demographics.” I simply love the way this author writes – whether it is short pieces or books – his writing is always clear and beautiful, and the narrative flows like a lovely, bubbling stream on a sun filled day. The characters are richly developed and in the end they leave the reader wondering and dreaming about what happens next in their lives.

“Targeted Demographics” explores the deceitful lies advertisers tell in order to recruit potential customers to buy their products. The character of Nancy, a dangerous and beautiful genius, rebuffs the lies and fights back. The main character and narrator is a advertising guru, Joseph Rossetti, whose motto is simply, “It is okay if I know it is a lie as long as my targeted audience believes the lie and buys the product.” He has made a lot of money but he has never come up against anything like Nancy. The chemistry between the two is combustible and deadly.

I strongly recommend this great novel.

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GRAHAM GREENE’S “THE HEART OF THE MATTER.”

Graham Greene’s “The Heart of The Matter” is a poignant, exceptionally well written book that looks into the flawed, deeply religious beliefs, of a deputy Police Commissioner in the British Police force patrolling a West African colony during World War 2. The setting, like so many of Mr. Greene’s novel, is exotic and the harsh climate of this African colony is a major and an enthralling character all itself.

The book is highly descriptive and the author weaves it wonderfully into the narrative. It lists at a little over 250 pages, but it is more like a 350 page book. I strongly recommend this book, but I warn that this is not a book to be rushed through. It is a deep and penetrating look at religion and colonization and it leaves the reader pondering many important issues that are as relevant today as the day this wonderful novel was published.

“And in the end The love you take Is equal to the love You make” The Beatles

W. Somerset Maugham’s “Up At the Villa.”

W. Somerset Maugham’s, “Up at The Villa” is a wonderful, entertaining, thought provoking novel. Mary Panton, a wealthy, beautiful English widow, lives in her friend’s villa overlooking Florence, Italy. In a strange twist of fate, the very thing she jokes about a few hours earlier suddenly becomes a nightmarish reality. The novel is amazingly suspenseful, lucid, and beautifully written. I highly enjoyed this novel.

W. Somerset Maugham’s “Theatre.”

W. Somerset Maugham’s, “Theatre,” is a rich, insightful novel about the theatre and the people who work in the profession and the audiences that adore the actors. Maybe it’s because I once was a theater major in college that I so thoroughly loved this novel. The character of Julia Lambert, a famous, extremely talent actress, who cannot disassociate everyday reality, from the characters she plays on stage is an amazing portrayal and depiction of the insecurities and obsessions that accompany greatness.

This book reminds me of the great movie “All About Eve” and like that movie this novel is as enthralling and mesmerizing as any book I have read about the theater. I strongly recommend this wonderful piece of art.

Agatha Christie’s “The Mystery of the Blue Train.”

Just another wonderful mystery novel by Agatha Christie. You would think after having read a number of her novels, I would not be so surprised about how brilliantly crafted they are but I never fail to be amazed, and Hercule Poirot is such treasure I never get tired of him. A simply amazing author.

James Baldwin’s “Another Country.”

James Baldwin’s “Another Country” is a brilliant, unflinching, remarkable novel. It is often said “That one should not judge others, until you have walked in their shoes.” Never has such a statement been so vividly brought to life  than in this book. Mr. Baldwin makes the reader feel exactly what it is like to be an outsider… A black person, a homosexual, a female… In a white man’s world.

I have often compared Mr. Baldwin’s books to Martin Scorsese’ movies. They both reveal a realism that is frightening and can only be achieved by artists extremely familiar with the material. The characters are complex, sexually, morally, racially, and yet they are as real as any characters you could ever hope to encounter. The writing is sublime and the structure and narrative are the work of a true craftsman and master.

I cannot recommend this book enough. This is great literature and it is as relevant today as it was when published in 1961.

Jon Meacham’s “American Gospel.”

Jon Meacham’s “American Gospel” is a detailed and comprehensive look at America and the influence religion has had throughout our country’s existence from the time that the Mayflower landed at Plymouth to the present (2007). The “Separation of Church and State” (Also referred to as the Wall) is a theme discussed heavily throughout the book and if one comes away with anything, it is the importance in keeping the two separate that is one of the main reasons America has remained a democracy, not a theocracy, and the envy of the world. Welcoming people of all faiths and allowing the free practice and worship of the religion of your choice, is a hallmark that distinguished our country from other countries for centuries.

Unlike other novels by Mr. Meacham, I found “American Gospel” quite a cumbersome and unwieldy book to read, possibly because of all the quotes. In truth, I could not wait to finish the book, and yet I cannot deny the importance of the subject and great analysis the author offers.

W. Somerset Maugham”s “The Painted Veil.”

W. Somerset Maugham’s “The Painted Veil” is an absolute gem. Its power is heart wrenching, the growth and maturity of its main character, Kitty, is astonishing and a tribute to the human spirit, and its depiction of the sacrifice and charity of a convent of Catholic nuns in the heart of a cholera epidemic is awe inspiring and a wonderful contrast to the triviality that so concerns the everyday lives of individuals removed from the real world.

I loved this book. The writing is beautiful and I was touched on so many levels that I lost count. Amazing!

Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey”

Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey” was a real joy to read. I actually liked it better than “Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice.” The first few pages were a little difficult to get through, but after that it flowed beautifully. The plot and structure of the book are beautifully constructed, and in an odd turn, I found the structure so enchanting that I actually liked it better than the characters which is usually a negative for this reader. Still, I found the heroine, Catherine, wonderfully developed and her maturity and understanding of life as the book progresses quite fascinating.

Like all of Jane Austen’s books, the writing is superb and her observations of Victorian England are a real treasure.