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Just A Song Before I Go
*Rated R for harsh language*
‘Just A Song Before I Go’ is becoming a reader’s favorite. Dealing with not only age and race differences, it also involves pre-conceived stereotypes. Considered by all to read as a ‘must read’ for all ages.
‘Just A Song Before I Go’ is more than just a love story that travels from the present to the Big Band era of the 1940s, it is if you were to take ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ and ‘The Notebook’ and place the storyline in Chicago.
Makia, a single mother who lives in the project within the South Side of Chicago, is given community service to be spent at a predominately white, upper-class, nursing home across town.
It is there where she meets Joseph Scallettio, a reclusive, retired musician/composer.
Through his stories, Joseph takes Makia back to the time when he was a Big Band composer and musician in the club scene. And it is through these stories where Makia discovers a love that Scallettio still yearned for. A love that he never got over.
Many are considering this a ‘Nicholas Sparks-ish’ type-of-read, that flows well, with plenty of honest emotion. Presently getting 4-5 star ratings on all sites, ‘Just A Song Before I Go’ is quickly becoming a reader’s favorite!
‘Just A Song Before I Go’ is becoming a reader’s favorite. Dealing with not only age and race differences, it also involves pre-conceived stereotypes. Considered by all to read as a ‘must read’ for all ages.
‘Just A Song Before I Go’ is more than just a love story that travels from the present to the Big Band era of the 1940s, it is if you were to take ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ and ‘The Notebook’ and place the storyline in Chicago.
Makia, a single mother who lives in the project within the South Side of Chicago, is given community service to be spent at a predominately white, upper-class, nursing home across town.
It is there where she meets Joseph Scallettio, a reclusive, retired musician/composer.
Through his stories, Joseph takes Makia back to the time when he was a Big Band composer and musician in the club scene. And it is through these stories where Makia discovers a love that Scallettio still yearned for. A love that he never got over.
Many are considering this a ‘Nicholas Sparks-ish’ type-of-read, that flows well, with plenty of honest emotion. Presently getting 4-5 star ratings on all sites, ‘Just A Song Before I Go’ is quickly becoming a reader’s favorite!
258 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2012
2 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Bryant
5 books86 followersAbout The Author
Timothy Bryant is quickly becoming known for his ability to write crisp dialogue and develop characters that everyone can relate to. His stories are smooth, emotional, realistic reads that definitely touches the readers heart every time.
His current books available are 'Just A Song Before I Go' - a mainstream fiction/romance/drama - and 'George' - a mainstream fiction/humorous/spiritual/drama. Both are receiving their share of 5 star reviews.
To date, Bryant has written one other novel; a short-story; transcribed a Civil War diary, and transcribed a collection of love letters from the late 20’s. He is presently penning a series of children’s books.
Tim's favorite book is The Bible; though he also enjoys romantic comedies, historical, and thriller books.
In addition to writing, Tim is a multimedia designer for The Birmingham News. He has also invented the ‘Flag Pole To Go’ flagpole bracket – which is available in select retail outlets.
Timothy Bryant resides in Northport, Alabama.
Timothy Bryant is quickly becoming known for his ability to write crisp dialogue and develop characters that everyone can relate to. His stories are smooth, emotional, realistic reads that definitely touches the readers heart every time.
His current books available are 'Just A Song Before I Go' - a mainstream fiction/romance/drama - and 'George' - a mainstream fiction/humorous/spiritual/drama. Both are receiving their share of 5 star reviews.
To date, Bryant has written one other novel; a short-story; transcribed a Civil War diary, and transcribed a collection of love letters from the late 20’s. He is presently penning a series of children’s books.
Tim's favorite book is The Bible; though he also enjoys romantic comedies, historical, and thriller books.
In addition to writing, Tim is a multimedia designer for The Birmingham News. He has also invented the ‘Flag Pole To Go’ flagpole bracket – which is available in select retail outlets.
Timothy Bryant resides in Northport, Alabama.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 18, 2013
From the first sentence this story pulls you in. Even though it is has a less than upbeat premise, this book is anything but a downer. As a reader, I was drawn to the characters and the circumstances in which this story is told. The writing is what really makes this an entertaining, insightful read. Expertly done, the dialog is crisp and believable.The words come to life as the action unfolds. The author knows how to captivate his audience throughout the entire book. I hated to walk away from this story after I started reading but unfortunately I had work to do. Otherwise I would have devoured Just a Song Before I Go in one sitting. This book touched me deep down into my soul. I loved it!
"Miss Brown, during your time here on this floor, you have got to assume that everybody is alive 'til otherwise noted! You can't go screaming at the top of your lungs about seeing a dead person, or really just screaming in general," scolded the head nurse. "You must understand that some of our residents are a bit fragile; having some medical issues and fears. Outbursts like this could send a small busload to the ER!"
"Miss Brown, during your time here on this floor, you have got to assume that everybody is alive 'til otherwise noted! You can't go screaming at the top of your lungs about seeing a dead person, or really just screaming in general," scolded the head nurse. "You must understand that some of our residents are a bit fragile; having some medical issues and fears. Outbursts like this could send a small busload to the ER!"
August 16, 2014
4.5/5.0
A wonderful Nicholas Sparks-type read reminiscent of The Notebook, "Just A Song Before I Go" is a fabulous novel and worth the read.
Read full review in the 2013 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
A wonderful Nicholas Sparks-type read reminiscent of The Notebook, "Just A Song Before I Go" is a fabulous novel and worth the read.
Read full review in the 2013 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
March 17, 2013
Makia is a single mother to her 3 year old son. She lives with her mother in the projects and her baby daddy dreams of being a rapper. She just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time hanging out with her son's father while they were tagging a house when they got caught. The judge sentenced Makia to community service at St.Vincent's Nursing Home three days a week hoping she can learn a few things.
Growing up Makia was taught that all white people were the same and hated blacks. Her first day at the Nursing home was a eye opener for the life that Makia wants her son to be raised igniting her desire for a better life.
One resident in particular grabs Makia's attention. Joseph Scallettio is a retired musician and composer. When he shares his story with Makia she make is her mission to find his lost love.
Makia's growth is undeniably spectacular. She strives for something that is relativity shunned in the projects. Escape. Faced with many road blocks Makia must do what she knows is right and hopefully everything works out in the end.
Just A Song Before I Go is an amazing story that will touch the lives of many no matter what age or background. It draws the readers in not only through Makia's live but also through Mr. Scallettio's teenage years. The reader will experience not one but two heart throbbing stories that will touch your hearts in a spectacular way.
Growing up Makia was taught that all white people were the same and hated blacks. Her first day at the Nursing home was a eye opener for the life that Makia wants her son to be raised igniting her desire for a better life.
One resident in particular grabs Makia's attention. Joseph Scallettio is a retired musician and composer. When he shares his story with Makia she make is her mission to find his lost love.
Makia's growth is undeniably spectacular. She strives for something that is relativity shunned in the projects. Escape. Faced with many road blocks Makia must do what she knows is right and hopefully everything works out in the end.
Just A Song Before I Go is an amazing story that will touch the lives of many no matter what age or background. It draws the readers in not only through Makia's live but also through Mr. Scallettio's teenage years. The reader will experience not one but two heart throbbing stories that will touch your hearts in a spectacular way.
May 8, 2013
I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway.
This book has an excellent storyline. It is about Makia Brown a young single mother from the east side of Chicago. She is sentenced to do community service for vandalism. She is assigned to serve it at a nursing home in a higher-income area located across town three days a week. While working there she learns a lot about what life was like during the 1940s from one of the residents.
There were a number of places during the book when the grammar seemed to be slightly off. There were also some occasional inconsistencies in the language used. This made it difficult at times to keep track of who was speaking and what viewpoint the story was being told from.
In spite of these minor problems it is a story well worth taking the time to read. I am very happy to have gotten the opportunity to read and review it.
This book has an excellent storyline. It is about Makia Brown a young single mother from the east side of Chicago. She is sentenced to do community service for vandalism. She is assigned to serve it at a nursing home in a higher-income area located across town three days a week. While working there she learns a lot about what life was like during the 1940s from one of the residents.
There were a number of places during the book when the grammar seemed to be slightly off. There were also some occasional inconsistencies in the language used. This made it difficult at times to keep track of who was speaking and what viewpoint the story was being told from.
In spite of these minor problems it is a story well worth taking the time to read. I am very happy to have gotten the opportunity to read and review it.
May 22, 2014
Probably more of a YA read although the language was too profane for me to suggest it to younger teens. I thought this one fell flat, but I finished it because it went fast and the background story (about a musician in the 1940's) was fairly interesting. 18-year-old Makia is raising her 3-year-old son as a single mother. She gets in trouble thanks to her boyfriend and is sentenced to community service in a nursing home. She has much to learn about the white folks at the facility. She befriends several of them and in the end is given an unexpected gift. Although her attitude towards the older white people has changed as she gets to know them, I was hoping that somehow this would turn into a career move for her (going to nursing school, maybe), but it was not to be. Much of the dialog felt contrived and the narration confusingly jumped from present to past tense occasionally. Not really recommended.
February 14, 2014
I was lost in this book from the very first page. Moving, sentimental, tremendously well written I loved the avenue for reflection the author creates across time as he explores the true love and friendship. A book I will recommend to my friends.
August 31, 2015
Excellent!!! Won via Goodreads Giveaway.
February 7, 2014
Deep, soulful, thought provoking and original. I don't know what more I can add, other than to say one of the most enjoyable books I have read in recent months.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews