Anna's Boys

by Bill Pezza

Anna Francelli had a modest row home in a blue-collar town where her son Johnny and his friends hung out during their formative years in the sixties. They were good, fun-loving kids who did what kids do until they were gradually drawn into the troublesome events unfolding around them: a divisive war in Vietnam, raucous protests, and strained race relations. But through it all, Anna's home remained a refuge and, for a core of the boys, Anna became a pillar of strength for over forty years. Sweeping through almost half a century, Anna's Boys provides insight into the unique perspective of a baby boom generation that fought one war in its youth and, in later years, watched another develop in the Middle East. At times funny and heartwarming, at times moving and poignant, Anna's Boys tells a timeless story of personal commitment, loyalty, sacrifice and triumph, with characters you will learn to love, set in a small town that could very well be your own

Genres: Historical Fiction, Book Club, School

Paperback

First published April 12, 2006

About the author

Bill Pezza was born in Manhattan and has lived in Bristol, Pennsylvania, most of his life. He has taught American History and developed curriculum in the Lower Moreland Township School District for almost four decades, specializing in interdisciplinary studies and incorporating oral, grass roots history into his work. Beyond the classroom he has enjoyed extensive experience on all levels of government. He and his wife Karen have three adult children, Leighann, Bill, and Greg.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic, especially as I grew up in Bristol and know some of the characters and places mentioned. There were times I laughed out loud and other times I cried. I highly recommend this for anyone who is intersted in the Vietnam era and how our country coped.

[Neha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one in general. Pezza does an excellent job of developing the characters of each of the boys; each felt distinctly different with his own robust personality, something that I think is often challenging with so many protagonists. Their friendship was my favorite part of the book, and I loved reading about how it grew and changed over the years. I did find the book to be a bit preachy at times, and there was a bit of overkill with the overall message (a message I didn't disagree with, but I'm here to read a novel, not propoganda). Vietnam was the real heart of the book, and I felt it could be strengthened from not glossing over so many other parts of history and instead sticking to the Vietnam War era and the present day.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an assigned reading in high school, and I have read it at least three times since. A wonderful tale of friendship, romance, and life in America during WWII. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!

[Patricia Bunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well written. I chose it for it's local history, but found it to be lovely! very poignant. Good for all high schoolers to read

[Jessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

heartbreaking. anna's boys felt like brothers to me by the end. i never realized exactly how much my parents lived through.

[Paulbrown929gmail.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're from Bucks County or the Philadelphia area, another great local read.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight. i was drawn into the family. This is truly an American story.