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Sofia
Joe is the successful screenwriter behind a series of blockbuster movies, but his personal life is in shambles. He hasn’t had a date in over eighteen years, and his relationship with the daughter he raised by himself has gone off the rails. Once a sweet and affectionate child, Sofia’s personality changed dramatically in her early teens, and her increasingly explosive, irrational behavior has wreaked havoc on Joe’s family back home in the Bronx.
During a visit with a specialist after experiencing neck pain, Joe meets a Kentucky-born beauty, Jennifer, who is a pediatric oncology nurse, and over lunch they hit it off. Joe soon learns how affable, charming, intelligent, and compassionate Jennifer is, and quickly moves to make room for her in his life. For the first time in decades, he can see the possibility of a real romantic relationship, but it’s not long before Sofia’s behavior begins to interfere with his one chance at love.
As the relationships between the daughter, the nurse, and Joe intertwine, Joe discovers what it means to be a family, and he learns just how dark life can be for those whose families are torn apart by illness and loss. His grasp of what’s really important shifts from the make-believe world of the movies to the everlasting hope that we can all make a positive difference for those fighting just to live.
During a visit with a specialist after experiencing neck pain, Joe meets a Kentucky-born beauty, Jennifer, who is a pediatric oncology nurse, and over lunch they hit it off. Joe soon learns how affable, charming, intelligent, and compassionate Jennifer is, and quickly moves to make room for her in his life. For the first time in decades, he can see the possibility of a real romantic relationship, but it’s not long before Sofia’s behavior begins to interfere with his one chance at love.
As the relationships between the daughter, the nurse, and Joe intertwine, Joe discovers what it means to be a family, and he learns just how dark life can be for those whose families are torn apart by illness and loss. His grasp of what’s really important shifts from the make-believe world of the movies to the everlasting hope that we can all make a positive difference for those fighting just to live.
- GenresFiction
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2019
870 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Sciuto
11 books172 followersJoseph Sciuto was born and raised in New York City, where he spent his early years listening to his Italian-American grandmother’s vivid stories about how their family was responsible for building much of the impressive Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building. The rich flavor of her stories about their family’s heritage still works its way through his writing.
Sciuto holds degrees from both John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Stony Brook University and a certificate in film studies from New York University. After studying psychology, film, theater, literature, and English as an undergraduate, he relocated to Southern California to attend graduate school at Loyola Marymount University, where he studied writing and film.
Sciuto holds degrees from both John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Stony Brook University and a certificate in film studies from New York University. After studying psychology, film, theater, literature, and English as an undergraduate, he relocated to Southern California to attend graduate school at Loyola Marymount University, where he studied writing and film.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 3, 2023
"Yes, she was my child and I was biased, but at that moment I could swear there was a halo around her head, adding to the natural glow of her olive complexion...I wept as a flood of tears rolled down my face and all I could see was an image of my Sofia, my beautiful Sofia."
Sofia is a beautifully told, heartwarming tale of a successful Hollywood screenwriter and single father, Joe, who has had a falling out with his 18-year-old daughter, Sofia, after she started exhibiting strange outbursts of anger.
Joe falls in love with Jennifer, a pediatric oncological nurse originally from Kentucky. Jennifer is an exceptionally kind and perceptive person, and she is able to rebuild the relationship between father and daughter by recognizing the true source of Sofia's strange behavior and building a strong relationship with her.
Aside from a couple of sleazy Hollywood doctors, the characters in this book are so wholesome. I love the positive relationships that are built first between Joe and Jennifer and then between Jennifer and Sofia, ultimately leading to a much stronger, more understanding relationship between Joe and his daughter. The characters are all very relatable as they work their way through misunderstanding to build stronger bonds based on their genuine love for each other.
This is a very carefully researched book, presenting realistic portraits of both Asperger's syndrome and pediatric cancer. The nuances of the characters are carefully developed in a way that is both informative for the reader and also deeply heartwarming. I really loved the characters and the positive vibes that practically glow off the pages of this book.
The writing also flows beautifully throughout. The plot is perfect paced, without any lulls in the story. The whole book has been carefully edited and polished.
I would like to send my personal thanks to the author, Joseph Sciuto, for sending me a copy of his book. Joe didn't ask me to write a review, but I am happy to do so, especially with such a heartwarming story as he has written here. This book was obviously a labor of love for him. Thank you, Joe!
Sofia is a beautifully told, heartwarming tale of a successful Hollywood screenwriter and single father, Joe, who has had a falling out with his 18-year-old daughter, Sofia, after she started exhibiting strange outbursts of anger.
Joe falls in love with Jennifer, a pediatric oncological nurse originally from Kentucky. Jennifer is an exceptionally kind and perceptive person, and she is able to rebuild the relationship between father and daughter by recognizing the true source of Sofia's strange behavior and building a strong relationship with her.
Aside from a couple of sleazy Hollywood doctors, the characters in this book are so wholesome. I love the positive relationships that are built first between Joe and Jennifer and then between Jennifer and Sofia, ultimately leading to a much stronger, more understanding relationship between Joe and his daughter. The characters are all very relatable as they work their way through misunderstanding to build stronger bonds based on their genuine love for each other.
This is a very carefully researched book, presenting realistic portraits of both Asperger's syndrome and pediatric cancer. The nuances of the characters are carefully developed in a way that is both informative for the reader and also deeply heartwarming. I really loved the characters and the positive vibes that practically glow off the pages of this book.
The writing also flows beautifully throughout. The plot is perfect paced, without any lulls in the story. The whole book has been carefully edited and polished.
I would like to send my personal thanks to the author, Joseph Sciuto, for sending me a copy of his book. Joe didn't ask me to write a review, but I am happy to do so, especially with such a heartwarming story as he has written here. This book was obviously a labor of love for him. Thank you, Joe!
January 17, 2022
This is a Romance, but it is more then just a cute romance. I love this story, and the characters in this story. This is about a Single Dad finding love while also learning to understand his adult daughter. It is a short book that is a quick read. I have two kids with Autism, and I love books with characters that have Autism in it. I think that this book shows that sometimes parents can hold their kids back just by not understanding them. I also love the storyline of this book. I think if I did not connect to this book by the Autism I may not have loved this book as much as I did. I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.
August 18, 2019
This book had me from chapter one. It was heartbreaking and cheerful all in one. It brought back memories that I thought I had filed away for good. Sometimes you read a book thinking it will be a tear-jerker, or overly emotional and then are pleasantly surprised that it has the same sentiment but is delivered in a way that it sneaks up on you. By the time I finished this book, I was happy as I was sad. I'm glad I took a chance on this one.
August 6, 2019
I have said it before and I will say it again Mr. Sciuto is a very wonderful storyteller. He breathes such life into his characters which in turn brings the story to life. This book was no exception.
Joe was fine but he was made a better man by Jennifer. She just won me over the moment that I met her. Which, I was not the only one as Joe did as well. I like that Jennifer was so kind but at the same time had a sassy side and was not afraid to call Sofia out on her spoiled attitude. This "tough love" worked as Sofia and Joe's relationship healed.
Such an easy read. I was lost in this book in a good way. The ending did end on a nice note. From beginning to end, I enjoyed this book.
Joe was fine but he was made a better man by Jennifer. She just won me over the moment that I met her. Which, I was not the only one as Joe did as well. I like that Jennifer was so kind but at the same time had a sassy side and was not afraid to call Sofia out on her spoiled attitude. This "tough love" worked as Sofia and Joe's relationship healed.
Such an easy read. I was lost in this book in a good way. The ending did end on a nice note. From beginning to end, I enjoyed this book.
November 8, 2019
Fabulous book. The story really pulled at my heart strings. I'm not normally one for love stories, yet this work of Mr. Sciuto's has brought together some of the greatest character elements from his previous books and fine-honed their edges so as to smoothly fit into this extraordinary novel. For someone with seemingly endless amounts of money, the main character Joe had a tremendous void in his life until Jennifer came into it like an angel sent from Heaven. The religious overtones were very subtle in this novel and played very well. The story was not only one of love, but of hope and seemingly divine intervention. A lesson can be learned from such in that if we all just take the time to look beyond the surface of things, quite often we can see the helping hand from loved ones who have gone before us.
July 26, 2019
Joseph Sciuto’s novel Sofia may be his best work yet. I wouldn’t give much weight to that analysis as I’ve said the same thing for his last four stories! This beautiful story of love and devotion is a 180-degree turn from his previous books only to land at a 360-degree return to the bonafide Scuito genre!
Once I received my copy of Sofia, which I intended to read at a relaxed undisturbed time. I made the mistake of thinking I would read only one chapter. I was unable to cease my reading until I ran out of Budweiser! I picked up a twelve-pack and a pizza then anxiously returned to my book.
What I believed to be a narrator-protagonist lead quickly turned from Joe to Jennifer as the protagonist and Joe as the antagonist. Unable to determine if this was some pseudo-biographical view from the author or a personal reflection by the narrator. This poignant tale was straight from the heart! A teenage wasteland on the courts of a Bronx playground or the bluegrass of Kentucky; They’re all wasted. Let’s see “Who’s Next’s?”
Joe the screenwriter, we find in pain. Being the health-conscious person, he is felt pain just after having his seven-mile run each morning he in pain turns to the cures that always work. An ice-cold Bub in relief then he moved on to Old No7 a real cure-all. This sets into motion our first look at wealth and privilege — a card he condemns but plays often.
I am the father of an only child daughter, and while this story has deeply touched me, I became suspicious of Joe. He’s clueless! From his self-admission, he called his Dr. as a last resort. Yes, calling a Dr. five years should have been the first resort! Something does not ring true when all a father can only say that his daughter is beautiful. While throwing money at every problem that comes her way, he throws an audition and a box of truffle laden chocolates to secure an appointment with Dr. Souter. Then he is lead to Dr. Ben Casey by the Kentucky woman! You know the kind Neil Diamond sings about. At this point, a beauty from the bluegrass state shows up. Huh, reminiscent of a specific Nicole from the past. Only he introduces the Far Niente to this Kentucky thoroughbred. She is a UK grad in nursing. Her specialty in Pediatric Oncology required excellent skills and knowledge with an abundance of empathy! Jennifer had it all! Lucky Joe, all of that with blond hair and blue eyes. Was she the answer to the enlightenment of Sofia’s dramatic behavioral change?
I caught clues of Sofia’s social behavior not as quickly as Jennifer did but long before Joe had. My daddy has a lot of money. Where would a child get that thought from? Possibly from a father who flashes an Amex Centurion card at every conceivable chance, drinks $60 bottles of chardonnay and gives his young daughter a $750 weekly allowance. Even once this was pointed out to him, he remained blissfully blind. Joe admits to his naivete concerning Dr. Souter arrest. ” I can’t believe that for twenty years… I had never once suspected anything!” I can! I also understand why a father with an 18-year-old daughter that looks like an 18-year-old Mila Kunis would want to keep her at home with her trusted friend Sullivan. Forever!
It became apparent to everyone but Joe that his reaction to her behavior was no different than hers. His self-talk included thing like, ” I reached out and GRABBED her hand and lifted her up! Another time Joe imagined,” he GRABBED her phone … smashing into a thousand pieces.” Sofia, a mirror perfect clone of her Dad, Where else would a millennial pick up such a zest for watching The Honeymooners? A certain tenseness existed when he spoke of spanking both girls or referring to Jennifer as an angel one minute and a vixen in the next paragraph. When feeling the dought of his marriage and jealousy of Dr. Johnthan, he turned to “yes the journey to rational thought, starts with Old No 7.” I would call that self-medication or “Bliss.”
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. This story concentrates on the struggles of the kids and the compassion and kindness of their caregivers. What wonderful anecdotal stories are told by Sofia and Jennifer. I was just getting my hands around this tale when Bam, Bang, Boom to the moon we go!
Chapter 43 captures us and takes us back to that teenage wasteland on the Bronx courtside. Sarah was the most challenging character for me to come to terms with. I immediately went back to Nick and Nicole’s niece Ava, but she faired much better than Sarah. That leaves a younger sister in another of Joseph Sciuto’s excellent works that did not fare so well! This is the full 360-degree swing I spoke of. Author Sciuto is now dead serious, despite the call from Dr. Souter for aid! Sarah leads us to the deepest layers of this story and to the depts of Joe’s sub-conscience. Sarah may be the only person to make him see! Possibly my favorite words of wisdom written in any dialogue were these. “One day, you are going to have to grow up,” Joe replied, Yeah, but why now?” She smiled as tears rolled down her cheeks and replied, “because now is all I have.”
I sent my daughter a copy of this book. I think she will like it. I don’t see why everyone wouldn’t love it. Thank you, Joseph Sciuto.
Ken
Once I received my copy of Sofia, which I intended to read at a relaxed undisturbed time. I made the mistake of thinking I would read only one chapter. I was unable to cease my reading until I ran out of Budweiser! I picked up a twelve-pack and a pizza then anxiously returned to my book.
What I believed to be a narrator-protagonist lead quickly turned from Joe to Jennifer as the protagonist and Joe as the antagonist. Unable to determine if this was some pseudo-biographical view from the author or a personal reflection by the narrator. This poignant tale was straight from the heart! A teenage wasteland on the courts of a Bronx playground or the bluegrass of Kentucky; They’re all wasted. Let’s see “Who’s Next’s?”
Joe the screenwriter, we find in pain. Being the health-conscious person, he is felt pain just after having his seven-mile run each morning he in pain turns to the cures that always work. An ice-cold Bub in relief then he moved on to Old No7 a real cure-all. This sets into motion our first look at wealth and privilege — a card he condemns but plays often.
I am the father of an only child daughter, and while this story has deeply touched me, I became suspicious of Joe. He’s clueless! From his self-admission, he called his Dr. as a last resort. Yes, calling a Dr. five years should have been the first resort! Something does not ring true when all a father can only say that his daughter is beautiful. While throwing money at every problem that comes her way, he throws an audition and a box of truffle laden chocolates to secure an appointment with Dr. Souter. Then he is lead to Dr. Ben Casey by the Kentucky woman! You know the kind Neil Diamond sings about. At this point, a beauty from the bluegrass state shows up. Huh, reminiscent of a specific Nicole from the past. Only he introduces the Far Niente to this Kentucky thoroughbred. She is a UK grad in nursing. Her specialty in Pediatric Oncology required excellent skills and knowledge with an abundance of empathy! Jennifer had it all! Lucky Joe, all of that with blond hair and blue eyes. Was she the answer to the enlightenment of Sofia’s dramatic behavioral change?
I caught clues of Sofia’s social behavior not as quickly as Jennifer did but long before Joe had. My daddy has a lot of money. Where would a child get that thought from? Possibly from a father who flashes an Amex Centurion card at every conceivable chance, drinks $60 bottles of chardonnay and gives his young daughter a $750 weekly allowance. Even once this was pointed out to him, he remained blissfully blind. Joe admits to his naivete concerning Dr. Souter arrest. ” I can’t believe that for twenty years… I had never once suspected anything!” I can! I also understand why a father with an 18-year-old daughter that looks like an 18-year-old Mila Kunis would want to keep her at home with her trusted friend Sullivan. Forever!
It became apparent to everyone but Joe that his reaction to her behavior was no different than hers. His self-talk included thing like, ” I reached out and GRABBED her hand and lifted her up! Another time Joe imagined,” he GRABBED her phone … smashing into a thousand pieces.” Sofia, a mirror perfect clone of her Dad, Where else would a millennial pick up such a zest for watching The Honeymooners? A certain tenseness existed when he spoke of spanking both girls or referring to Jennifer as an angel one minute and a vixen in the next paragraph. When feeling the dought of his marriage and jealousy of Dr. Johnthan, he turned to “yes the journey to rational thought, starts with Old No 7.” I would call that self-medication or “Bliss.”
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. This story concentrates on the struggles of the kids and the compassion and kindness of their caregivers. What wonderful anecdotal stories are told by Sofia and Jennifer. I was just getting my hands around this tale when Bam, Bang, Boom to the moon we go!
Chapter 43 captures us and takes us back to that teenage wasteland on the Bronx courtside. Sarah was the most challenging character for me to come to terms with. I immediately went back to Nick and Nicole’s niece Ava, but she faired much better than Sarah. That leaves a younger sister in another of Joseph Sciuto’s excellent works that did not fare so well! This is the full 360-degree swing I spoke of. Author Sciuto is now dead serious, despite the call from Dr. Souter for aid! Sarah leads us to the deepest layers of this story and to the depts of Joe’s sub-conscience. Sarah may be the only person to make him see! Possibly my favorite words of wisdom written in any dialogue were these. “One day, you are going to have to grow up,” Joe replied, Yeah, but why now?” She smiled as tears rolled down her cheeks and replied, “because now is all I have.”
I sent my daughter a copy of this book. I think she will like it. I don’t see why everyone wouldn’t love it. Thank you, Joseph Sciuto.
Ken
June 30, 2019
I have been a fan of Joseph Sciuto ever since I started reading the wonderful pieces he wrote about famous people, such as Sam Shepard and Mary Tyler Moore, and especially the pieces he wrote about his family back in the Bronx.
Since then I have read all his books, which were all great; and so when I read that his new book "Sofia" was out I immediately downloaded it to my kindle.
If his other books were great, this one is even better. In a strange sense, the topic took me by surprise but what wasn't surprising was how carefully he approached the subject. The book deals mainly with pediatric oncology and how this terrible disease affects the lives of three people. It is so beautifully written, sensitive to the children suffering from the disease, the family and relatives of the children and the nurses and hospital personnel who dedicate their lives to fighting and hopefully conquering this beast.
It is at once humorous...the dialogue is out of this world...serious and life changing. The tag line to the book is..."Why do we exist...Why do we strive to survive...if not to help each other," and since reading this marvelous book I don't think the author could have come up with a more appropriate line.
Since then I have read all his books, which were all great; and so when I read that his new book "Sofia" was out I immediately downloaded it to my kindle.
If his other books were great, this one is even better. In a strange sense, the topic took me by surprise but what wasn't surprising was how carefully he approached the subject. The book deals mainly with pediatric oncology and how this terrible disease affects the lives of three people. It is so beautifully written, sensitive to the children suffering from the disease, the family and relatives of the children and the nurses and hospital personnel who dedicate their lives to fighting and hopefully conquering this beast.
It is at once humorous...the dialogue is out of this world...serious and life changing. The tag line to the book is..."Why do we exist...Why do we strive to survive...if not to help each other," and since reading this marvelous book I don't think the author could have come up with a more appropriate line.
July 5, 2019
I brought this book with me while on vacation with family and I started it on the plane and finished it on the beach. This novel I could not put down because I was right away drawn and invested in these characters. I yearned to know what happens next. I laughed and giggled as I was reading this and then some parts I got really worried but it brought out a lot of emotions in me. It’s rare to find a book that has family drama, love story of two people from different worlds, dealing with illness and meeting someone that changes the trajectory of Sofia’s life that is so well done. This book is so thought provoking as his quote “Why do we exist...Why do we strive to survive...if not to help each other.” It certainly makes me look at my own life and wonder am I doing enough? If Sofia can make a difference so can all of us! Another 5 star book for this author!
July 2, 2019
What a wonderful novel by Joseph Sciuto. I have assigned two of his previous books, "Targeted Demographics" and "Per Verse Vengeance" to one of my college English classes I teach and "Sofia" will definitely be the third one I assign. "Sofia" is beautiful written, the characters are forever evolving, and the story is captivating. The subject matter is pediatric oncology and its effects on three members of a family. It is in no way a sad novel, but an insightful, humorous, touching look at this terrible disease and its innocent victims. It really is quite a novel. Very impressive.
October 17, 2020
Compelling story, but hard to follow.
January 7, 2021
My dad made me read it and it was a good read.
January 14, 2020
Sweet story.
January 7, 2020
Sofia is a young women that grew up with a loving single father. Sofia just moved out of her fathers house and It seems like she has pulled away from her Father and doing a bit of rebelling. Joe,, Sofias father, is an extremely successful screenwriter that has not been on a date in 18 years, likes to drink and watch I Love Lucy. During a doctors appointment Joe meets Jennifer a pediatric nurse that was born and raised in Kentucky. They instantly hit it off and immediately Jennifer moves in with Joe. This story is how there lives intersect.
Thanks Netgalley & Iguana Books
Thanks Netgalley & Iguana Books
July 3, 2019
I was looking forward to the release of Joseph Sciuto’s new novel, SOFIA, that I ordered the book, then ordered the Kindle edition because I couldn’t wait to read it!
I was not disappointed. His rich character studies and beautiful descriptions never disappoint. SOFIA explores the possibilities that life offers…second chances, relationship challenges, expectations, disappointments and coping with difficulties.
Sciuto approaches each relationship with clear-eyes and accepts his characters for what they are…flawed human beings, just like the rest of us.
Yet even with their flaws, they find love, work through heartache, find acceptance and overcome obstacles on their journey to their “happily ever after.”
An easy read, SOFIA is an uplifting story that shows the joy in life, and that by helping others, we are helping ourselves. Highly recommended!
I was not disappointed. His rich character studies and beautiful descriptions never disappoint. SOFIA explores the possibilities that life offers…second chances, relationship challenges, expectations, disappointments and coping with difficulties.
Sciuto approaches each relationship with clear-eyes and accepts his characters for what they are…flawed human beings, just like the rest of us.
Yet even with their flaws, they find love, work through heartache, find acceptance and overcome obstacles on their journey to their “happily ever after.”
An easy read, SOFIA is an uplifting story that shows the joy in life, and that by helping others, we are helping ourselves. Highly recommended!
July 1, 2019
"Sofia" by Joseph Sciuto is the type of novel that stays with you long after you have read it. It is a beautifully written book about a family of three and how each one deals with the specter of pediatric oncology. The characters are amazingly well developed, evolving in a way that is both inspirational and humorous...The dialogue is fantastic. It is in no way a sad book, actually I laughed more than I usually do reading a comedy, but it is does leave one thinking and asking the question, "Why do we exist...If not to help each other." I strongly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews