Brooklyn Story

by Suzanne (Sue) Corso

Perfectly evoking the sights and sounds of the summer of 1978 in Brooklyn, Suzanne Corso makes an acclaimed fiction debut with this powerful coming-of-age tale, told from an adult perspective, of family, best friends, first loves, and big dreams waiting to come true.

Samantha Bonti is fifteen years old, half Jewish and half Italian, and hesitantly edging toward pure Brooklyn. She lives in Bensonhurst with her mother, Joan, a woman poisoned with cynicism and shackled by addictions; and with her Grandma Ruth, Samantha’s loudest and most opinionated source of encouragement. As flawed as they are, they are family. And this is home—a tight-knit community of ancestors and traditions, of controlling mobsters, compliant wives, and charismatic young guys willing to engage in anything illegal to get a shot at playing with the big boys. Yet Samantha has something that even her most simpatico girlfriend, Janice Caputo, doesn’t share—a desire to become a writer and to escape their insular, overcrowded little world and the destiny that is assumed for all of them.

Then comes Tony Kroon. He’s a gorgeous mobster wannabe, a Bensonhurst Adonis whose seductive charms Samantha finds irresistible—even when she knows she’s too smart to fall this deep . . . but Samantha soon finds herself swallowed up by dangerous circumstances that threaten to jeopardize more than her dreams. Grandma Ruth’s Samantha had better write herself out of this story and into a new one, fast.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, New York, Coming Of Age, Contemporary

336 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2010

About the author

Suzanne (Sue) Corso is the author of three novels. Brooklyn Story, The Suite Life & Hello Hollywood, the last part of the trilogy; release (Simon& Schuster 2015). She has also penned the screenplay to Brooklyn Story. Corso has produced for the New York and London stages Roman Nights. She has also produced two documentaries; Indonesia, A Personal Journey and HEAR THEM ROAR, shot entirely at the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Citra, Florida. This documentary was the foundation that inspired her children’s book Sammy & Sue™ Go Green Too! (2009) an eco-friendly, environmentally educational book. Corso is currently developing several shows for television and is a columnist to Downtown Magazine NYC.
www.downtownmagazinenyc.com

Reviews

[Adrianna Grezak · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is bad... really REALLY bad. It's incredibly poorly written and I didn't get past 50 pages of stereotypes and harping on the same character traits.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first heard about this book It hit a nerve in me. The story is practically my life in fiction. Samantha Bonti is a girl growing up in Bensonhurst who meets a controlling man and aspires to be a writer. That's pretty much my life in a nutshell, even the growing up in Bensonhurst part. That said, I was easily sucked into the story because of it's similarities to my life. The novel so far is pretty good, I won't say great, but good. The only thing that really aggravates me so far is samanthas constant references to crossing the bridge, or in her words going to the real world of manhattan. This is literally mentioned at every chance the writer gets to mention it. Ok Samantha I got it after the first 5 times that you mentioned that you want to leave Brooklyn you don't have to keep saying it every other page.

[Angelc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naive Brooklyn girl, Samantha, falls for a handsome guy and ends up moving too fast and finds herself in an abusive relationship. This isn't really the type of book I like to read, I'd recommend it to those who like a very raw, gritty read. The book doesn't gloss over any of the seedy details. Parts were very hard to read, some scenes really made me squirm.

There wasn't much else going on besides Samantha's relationship with Tony, which to be honest was quite a downer. This story was tough to read and I found myself cringing throughout the book, thinking "No, why is the poor girl doing this??" I just felt really bad for her and wanted to help her.

This one just wasn't for me, it was way too gritty and uncomfortable.


book was sent by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

[joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ran into the Dollar store to pick up a card, stopped by the book bin and picked up Brooklyn Story. I'm glad I only paid a dollar for this sophomoric, jejune story.

I understand Ms. Corso based this on her own life. As she recounts her sessions with Mr. Wainwright, the writing teacher who unfailingly praised her articles, I find it hard to believe that this part of the story was true.

There were several incidences of grammatical errors and the author's editors did her no favors. By the way, the word is "perjury".

While the story is familiar to me, I would have much preferred that Ms. Corso had written it from the perspective of a mature woman rather than that of an adventure-seeking teen.

For the record, I did finish the book. After all, I didn't want to waste my dollar. But for page after page, I wanted to scream, "Will you just cross the bloody bridge, already!?"

[Tamara Van dishoeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samantha is een jonge meid die in Brooklyn woont en niets liever wil dan Brooklyn te verlaten. ze woont bij haar moeder en oma en ze hebben het niet breed. dan ontmoet ze dankzij een vriendin de knappe Tony en valt meteen voor hem. haar moeder vertrouwt hem niet maar Samantha denkt dat ze overdrijft. omdat haar vader niet te vertrouwen was betekent niet dat elke man niet te vertrouwen is ook al heeft hij verkeerde vrienden. ik vond Samantha soms wel erg naïef maar ok ze was pas 15 toen ze wat met hem kreeg. wel knap dat ze haar droom om schrijfster te worden nooit vergat. Tony mocht ik al vrij snel niet en begon steeds meer een hekel aan hem te krijgen. had in het begin even moeite in het verhaal te komen maar dat was al snel voorbij. je wilde toch steeds weten hoe het nu verder ging met Samantha. er zaten ook een paar ontroerende momenten bij. best wel genoten van dit boek.

[DeeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8 - 3.0 stars--- good start but very predicable read with too many grammatical errors throughout story

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I Can Tell You:
As a young girl, I lived in Bensonhurst Brooklyn when I was 13 1/2 years old after my mom died. It was a big move for a young girl from Millbrook, NY and I never quite fit in. Brooklyn is like a different world and I moved out the day I graduated High School.

Suzanne's Brooklyn is the real Brooklyn. It is about honor, family, tradition, silence, and rising above. Samantha is a smart, head strong girl who loves with her beloved Grandma and her ailing mom. She meets Tony through her best friend and suddenly finds herself thrust into the "Brooklyn Boy" world where females are disrespected, silenced and forced to look the other way while their, macho bad boys "peacock" around.

While Samantha is smart, her studly boyfriend quickly has her wrapped around his finger as attention and hormones dumb her down but only momentarily.

I loved and felt for Samantha. She is a good girl who is sidetracked by the beautiful Adonis who takes her shopping, out to eat, and commands respect from the Brooklites on the street. What I loved most about this story beside the quick pace was how Suzanne, writes Brooklynese. I was transported back to the Ave, eating at the feast, hanging on the concrete stoops with my buds, while the sounds of the radio blasts through the oppressive heat.

This is Suzanne Corso's first novel and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us.

I give this book a 5 out of 5! Great read.

[Vanessa Booke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brooklyn Story by Suzanne Corso is a deep and thought provoking read. Semi-autobiographical this book focuses on Samantha, a fifteen-year-old living in Brooklyn who dreams of becoming a writer but falls short because of the relationship she's in. I found this story extremely sad. Samantha is caught up in a vicious cycle of abuse and although it leaves you with a glimpse of hope, the overall tone is a little depressing. The Brooklyn Story is well written and I enjoyed Corso's writing style with her in depth descriptions of Brooklyn. I've never been there, but I feel like I have now. What I loved most about this book besides the realness of the characters, was Samantha's drive to succeed with her dreams. I think there's a great message behind this book and I look forward to reading more from Suzanne Corso.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm surprised at all the positive reviews for this book. Yes, it's a nice coming-of-age story and shows the horrible effects of abuse and sexism, but it was very difficult for me to finish. The plot was slow and very predictable, and the story wasn't well-written at all. The author kept coming back (probably dozens of times) to the image/theme of Samantha crossing the bridge into Manhattan constantly. It seemed to be featured in almost every paragraph. The characters didn't have any depth and the dialogue was not very believable, and this is coming from someone who's from New York. I wouldn't recommend this book.

[Ann Frohoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from start to finish. Compelling, heart-wrenching and honest. Tony was such a douche bag & brings back memories of putting up with shit because of being young and in love (too young to know better no matter what people say) and hoping someone will change. This story is one of conquering adversity and ripped at my heart when the deaths came along, calling many of my own ghosts to return. Well done, Suzanne! I look forward to The Suite Life!

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to believe Ms. Corso found a publisher for this predictable, one dimensional, juvenile effort. Give this one a pass.

[Simi Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can understand Sam's pain. She does not get a lot of love from her mother. The only people who are with her when she's having a hard time are her friend, her grandmother, and her priest. And then, Tony comes into her life. Sam though her life was complete when she has a boyfriend but, in reality, no. And it's not just Sam who is suffering from an unhealthy relationship. Her friend Janice was suffering from that, too. I'm glad the author addresses unhealthy relationships. And I'm also glad that Sam is free from that towards the end and becomes successful. She gets to live out her dream as a writer. Eeeeek!

[Race Bannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite a couple of graphic scenes, I thought
this read like a Young Adult novel. Very
basic, almost childish in some respects,
pretty much high school age writing.

And maybe it is all true, but I was surprised
that EVERY SINGLE typical mobster & girlfriend
situation happened to HER. Geez, you
could almost predict what would happen
next along the way.

Not very good.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just by happenstance, the last 2 books I read had domestic violence as a theme; one set in a remote area of Alaska, one set in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Story was an uncorrected proof, advanced reader’s edition, but I don’t think that influenced my opinion of the book. I kept reading because I wanted to know the outcome of the relationship.

[Frieda · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is great when you can relate, visualize the scenes and actually feel like you're a part of the story. Awesome read and what makes it also interesting is that the story-line is loosely based on the author's own life growing up in Brooklyn.

[Dawn Hagerty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I struggled with this one. I set it aside several times, finally finished it. I will admit that I didn't realize it was based on a true story until I'd finished it. If I'd understood that earlier on, I'd have read it with a different mindset, perhaps.

[Carol Schroder]

Every mother with a daughter needs to read this book with their daughter!! So many of us women have found ourselves in some if not most of the situations described in this book. It is a powerful, life-giving story that women need to know.

[pat garamone · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was such potential here in the subject matter but the insertion of lyrics seemed trite, the plot lines were so predictable and the exaggerated dialogue was a total turnoff
Born and raised in Brooklyn/Queens. Wanted to enjoy the read. Did not

[Mcvalens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry. This feels like a junior high school project. The dialogue is stiff and I don't like the characters. done.

[Brian Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great read , great story where you see the Brooklyn upbringing back in the day of when the mob was around

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

too graphic for me, for the intimate parts of the story

[Katherine Matychak · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, so dumb

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing

Brooklyn Story by Suzanne Corso is the story of Samantha, a young girl growing up in Brooklyn in the late 1970s, desperate to escape across the bridge into what she knows will be a better life. But then, at 15, she meets Tony, a local Brooklyn Boy with ties to the local mob.

I was intrigued by the idea of this book, but unsure what to expect. The book mirrors experiences in the authors own life- growing up in Brooklyn and living through an abusive relationship. The last book I read that took inspiration from the authors personal life was probably my worst read thus far in 2010, so I was a little worried about this story. I must say, I was very pleasantly surprised by how this story turned out.

The issues that Samantha is dealing with during this story- poverty, crime, drug abuse, abusive relationships etc- are something I have never had any experience with. My childhood is split between small town Western Washington and rural Conservative Southern Idaho. I don't know of anything that's farther removed from the life described here in the Italian section of Brooklyn. There were times when I felt the narrative to be overly wordy and detailed, but it enabled me to experience some small part of what life must have been like for Samantha. Although it never felt quite real to me, it was obviously real to Samantha.

I also really enjoyed the lyrics from popular songs that Samantha felt spoke to her at one time or another. I love old music and was pleased by how many of the songs I recognized and like.

My one major complaint with this story is the narrative voice. The story begins with 19 year old Samantha walking into a court room where Tony is waiting to be sentenced. We are then taken back with her to the summer she was 15 when she met Tony and the story is told from there, until the final chapters when she is again 19 and discussing the end of this stage in her life. But, I never felt like the narrative could have been written by a 19 year old. I'm still pretty close to 19 myself, and this is not how we talk. Samantha spends the entire book focused on and dedicated to her writing, so it makes sense that it would be more mature than the average 19 year old, but I still felt more like I was reading the writing of someone closer to 30. Which is fine, because I am, but it never felt quite... right.

And then there is Samantha herself. She is a pretty strong character with a firm sense for her goals, but I was completely amazed at how incredibly naive she was. I understand that she was 15, and very inexperienced with boys, but I couldn't believe how much she willfully misunderstood. It amazed me the power we have to rationalize and justify almost any action. It's a little scary how easy Samantha found herself sucked into an abusive and scary situation, willing to explain and will away nearly everything Tony was doing to her. The was the author writes makes it seem like these abusive and unhealthy relationships are the norm in Brooklyn, and this saddens me more than I can possibly say. No one deserves to be treated like garbage.

Overall, this is a story I think is worth reading. Samantha is a strong character who knows what she wants and really does work hard to attain that. There were a few times when I didn't feel like her character was totally consistent, but she's also 15 and exploring new things for the first time. I was also a little confused by Tony's behavior. Without trying to give spoilers away, it sometimes seemed like what he said and what he did were completely unconnected, like violently claiming her as a possession, but allowing her to remove him from her life.

Regardless of any complaints I had with the story or writing (which were not enough to diminish my enjoyment of the story), I'm impressed with Ms. Corso for writing this story. Given the parallels between her own life, I imagine it must have been really hard. I watched a short video of her talking about her book, and she said she wrote it so that women could take away from it the knowledge that it is always possible to leave, always possible to get yourself out of a bad situation. She hopes that women who find themselves in this kind of trouble take heart and comfort in knowing there is more out there for them, and that I think is an amazing thing to give to a woman. Here's to hoping that it works.

[Renia Carsillo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave it 100 pages, but had to put it down. The attempt at translating a Brooklyn-Italian accent to the page was clunky and obnoxious. The main character talks about how poor she is at least once on every page...I wanted to like this book and I feel bad giving any book one star, but this one is badly in need of an editor. I think there's a decent story there, but it's buried under a lot of garbage.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzanne Corso's semi-autobiographical novel, "Brooklyn Story", offers a "slice" of the savory pie that is the world-within-a world called Brooklyn, NY. Samantha Bonti is young, smart, pretty and waiting for the moment she crosses the bridge into Manhattan and into a better life. Living in poverty with her caring grandmother and addict mother, Sam turns her life experiences into written stories that she hopes will lead to her dream career as an author. Her mother was born Jewish and later converted to Catholicism to please Sam's abusive Italian father. After he abandoned his family, Samantha's grandmother moved in to care for Sam and help her cope with her mother's inability to deal with real life. Filled with hope and promise that she will escape her dreary life, Sam nonetheless falls victim to the charms of a handsome neighborhood thug. Tony is tall, blonde, charismatic and very persuasive. Like Sam, he is a hybrid of two cultures--in his case Italian and Dutch. "Brooklyn Story" is raw, riveting and revealing of some of the ugliest aspects of human nature. These characters are not people whose lives you will envy, but just the same, you will be fascinated by them. The story is well-crafted with a strong, sure voice, except for some confusingly rushed developments in the last chapter. Overall, I was very involved with this glimpse into a lifestyle so far from my own reality. According to the author's website, there are two sequels in the works along with a film version. I look forward to reading more of Samantha's story.

I would like to thank the author for choosing to write about abuse and its lasting, widespread effects–not just on the victim, but on those who care for the victim. All of us, whether we realize it or not, know someone who has been abused at some point in their life. The first reaction to abuse is denial. It’s a subject which makes people uncomfortable, and the victims often linger in a very painful silence. Writing about it may encourage someone who is a victim to seek help. Acknowledgement is not only a first step, it’s a giant leap! Also, literacy is very important in helping abuse victims to break free of a vicious cycle of denigration and domination which is repeated over and over again. I think it is especially important for girls and women to have healthy self-esteem. Improving their reading skills opens up the world, enables informed decision making, and brings them all kinds of new opportunities.

Review Copy Gratis Gallery Books

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

--Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog--

Here this is a book that showcases the sweetness of life but is no stranger to the disappointments in life. Its a blunt novel of those held aspirations in life that easily be lost when we let ourselves forget ourselves. An eye-opening novel with some beauty. Have to recommend so much outright. Don't believe would disappoint a reader who picks it up.


Samantha Bonti is a young woman living in Brooklyn during 1970's when its a time that lots of boys in her neightborhood a involved in the mob. Samantha has always believed was much she is much too smart to fall in with the crowd of her neighborhood involved with crime and violence until she unexpectedly does. Her bestfriend , Janice Caputo, introduces her to Tony Kroon a gorgeous blond Adonis that Samantha can hardly tear herself away from. He not only has striking fair Dutch features but happens to be a mix of Italian descent. In Bensonhurst, Brooklyn this characteristic can set you apart from the rest of everyone who happens to be of Italian descent. Samantha feels her and Tony couldn't be anymore similar. What she doesn't realize is that he doesn't have the same dreams as her that consist of moving from their neighborhood to a less violent one. He dreams of being the top mobster on the rise while Samantha wishes to leave Brooklyn for the pleasant world of Manhattan, New York City. It would be a real battle of wills for them.

With Brooklyn Story there is an obvious sense, Suzanne Corso, relishes writing. With its native Brooklyn slang voice your getting a genuine story here. There is true emotion in the lines of Brooklyn Story. Now let me get into the characters a little and the overall story. Brooklyn Story as it turns out would be a tragic sort of love story of first love where abuse is terribly present and dreams are re-evaluated and finally hard won. At times even when things seem so glaring to us , the reader, but no to Samantha, we truly see how young love is blind and often so naive. Samantha in Brooklyn Story in the end is a strong individual for pulling through from the ashes of the frequent indifferent world which makes this a powerful novel.


So glad Suzanne got this book out there. She has done a genius feat. And as of now a fan of her work!
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time is the late '70s and Samantha Bonti is a fifteen-year-old, living in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. She dreams of someday becoming a writer and crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to become a success in Manhattan.

Samantha, "Sam" is half-Jewish, half-Catholic and lives in a predominantly Catholic, Italian neighborhood. She is sometimes shunned by these neighbors. Luckily, when she begins high school, she meets Janice Caputo on the bus stop. Janice is a senior at the school and street savvy. She becomes Sam's protector and best friend.

At the feast of Santa Rosalia, mixed with the sound of the elevated subway and aroma of sausage and peppers, Janice introduces Sam to Tony Kroon. Tony is a blond construction worker who is age twenty. Sam becomes infatuated with Tony and believes that she has met the man of her dreams. She writes about her experiences in her manuscript and feels a happiness unlike anything she has known.

Sam is conscientious with Tony because she lives with her sickly mother and the fact that she and her mother live on Sam's grandmother's social security and Sam's mother's welfare checks.

Although happy in their relationship, Tony is controlling and wants to advance their relationship to a degree that Sam isn't ready for. She creates boundaries and demands respect.

The novel continues with their relationship and the Italian friends of Tony who are obviously doing illegal things. When Tony begins spending large amounts of money on Sam, she wonders where the money came from.

In this touching novel, we see Tony go from the controlling person and become abusive. Sam is a courageous character and has dreams that won't be dimmed.

The dialogue is also well done and the reader only has to close their eyes to imagine that they are hearing people from Brooklyn talking and listen to the neighborhood descriptions that Sam relates.

The novel is being developed into a film and I only help that the film is as good as the book.

This is a debut novel from an author with great promise. Recommended.

[Wendy Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha Bonti never knew her dad. She saw him once when she was six but he immediately pushed her away. She's raised by her mom, who has her addictive habits and her grandmother, whom is very opinionated, yet encouraging. Samantha is half Jewish and half Italian and poor. She doesn't fit in well at school, so she is intrigued when Janice Caputo, a girl several years her junior and wealthy, takes her under her wing.

Samantha wants to get out of town and make something of herself, hopefully a writer. She doesn't share her dreams with many, but she yearns to wave goodbye to the poverty, the mobsters and their wives, who have no backbone. But when Janice introduces Samantha to Tony Kroon, it all changes. He is handsome and charming and Samantha falls under his spell immediately. Tony and his boys are willing to do whatever it takes to get the attention of the mob. They want in and Tony will use Samantha to press his advantage. The deeper Samantha digs herself, the harder it will be to pursue her dreams.

Brooklyn Story by Suzanne Corso is a compelling read about one girl finding her path and what obstacles she has to hurdle to pursue her dream or alter her course. The characters are vibrant and compelling and the details perfectly wrought, bringing Brooklyn to life. Corso does a remarkable job, bringing Samantha to life to express her voice. A magnificent debut!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Brooklyn Story by Suzanne Corso, a half Jewish and half Italian girl, Samantha Bonti comes of age. She lives with her wise and loving Jewish grandmother and her mother. Her mother is depressed, sick and addicted and offers very little to her daughter. They are on welfare but Sam dreams of buying things for her mother and grandmother after she is a writer. But first she has to make it through high school. Her best friend, Janice Caputo, unfortunately introduces her to Tony Kroon. He is very handsome and Sam feels so excited that he is interested in her.

But Tony, half Italian and half Catholic is bad news for her. He wants to make it big in the Mob. She is really naive and it takes her a long time to face reality and realize that he only cares about himself. He cheats on her, abuses her and manages to keep her hooked by his romancing of her. Meanwhile when she is home is working on her writing and wondering how to break from his clutches.

The writing kept me reading but I kept wanting to tell her to wake up and realize that he is no good. But the book did show how it is possible that abused women stay in hurtful relationships and how manipulative the abuser can be.

I would love to read more of Samatha Corso's books in the future.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book, but it was one of those that you feel guilty reading because of some of the language and content. I kept thinking "I should really stop reading this", but I couldn't. There was bad language, but it didn't seem that bad because it fit perfectly with the story. There are some books that seems to just throw in language for no reason, but everything about this book felt so real and natural. And yes, I know "you can justify anything" which again is why I feel guilty that I read it and almost didn't add it to my "read" list, but I couldn't not add it because it really was a great book, however I did lower my rating because of content.

Also, if you read the acknowledgements from the author at the end, you will see why it felt so real. This book made me so happy and thankful for the environment I grew up in and that I never felt held back escpecially by something as simple as a bridge. I had no idea that this is what it is like to live in Brooklyn.