The Constant Outsider: Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic

by Thomas M. Cirignano

Growing up in Dorchester presented real challenges, but once Tom took over his father's auto repair shop in South Boston, life became intense. Mob-enforcers, drug dealers and killers became his friends and customers. Thomas Cirignano experienced Southie's era of extreme crime and violence, first hand. He managed to not just co-exist, but to thrive in that environment. 
At the shop, James "Whitey" Bulger threatened Tom with a gun. A neighbor was gunned-down at the gas pumps. After confronting another would-be killer, that man later returned and shot Tom's friend eleven times. In a house down the street, Whitey was killing people and burying them in the cellar. A friendly drug dealer often tossed samples from his car window while driving past the pumps. Life was never dull, and Tom got himself into near-fatal situations far too often. How did Tom survive his gunpoint encounter with Whitey Bulger? Find the answer within this inspiring memoir which is tempered by amazing humor. Buy the book now and begin an amazing journey!
*  There are related photos throughout  The Constant Outsider.  
Cirignano's second book,  67  Creation of a South Boston Killer ,   is a fictional adaptation of this memoir, in which Tom explores the alternate path to a criminal life which truly was available to him .  In  67 Cents ,"Nick" says "Yes" to every offer that was made to Tom by the Irish and Italian Mobs of Southie in real life, including an offer to kill for him. Those few different choices change everything.

366 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2008

About the author

Have you ever wondered what South Boston was like back in the 1960s-80s? Thomas Cirignano experienced it all, including the era of Mob Boss, James "Whitey" Bulger and the violent results of court-ordered "Forced Busing" of students. Born in Dorchester, Tom moved to South Boston as a young man and took over his father's auto repair business and gas station. His decades running that shop in the heart of "Southie" would be described as surreal by most standards. Through pure luck, Tom survived numerous life threatening situations. There were also many wonderful friendships formed and plenty of good times as well. This was a history-rich period that was never boring.
Tom authored three books. His most recent is simply titled "Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic". Published in June of 2022, it is a new and updated version of his original 2009 autobiography, titled, "The Constant Outsider: Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic".
The 2022 version contains more photos, more descriptive writing, and updates covering the 13 year time span since the original memoir was written. But both of his autobiographies give readers a chilling, yet inspiring look at what went on in South Boston not that long ago. It was the era of "Whitey" Bulger's " reign of terror," as Tom calls it.
Tom also authored a fictional adaptation of his memoirs, titled, "67 Cents: Creation of a South Boston Killer". In "67 Cents" Tom answers a question which had lurked in the back of his mind for years. "How might my life have evolved had I given in to the temptation of easy money and prestige, and taken the alternate path to crime and violence which truly was offered and available to me?" Within "67 Cents", the fictional character, "Nick", says "Yes" to each and every offer that was made to the author in real life by both the Irish and Italian Mobs. Those offers of easy money through criminal involvement were significant, including an offer to kill a man for Tom. After Nick says "yes" to such things, there is no turning back. "67 Cents: Creation of a South Boston Killer" is a gritty story with violence and very strong adult language. The author does not recommend "67 Cents" for younger or sensitive readers. Alternately, "Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic" was written to be enjoyed by all age groups of readers.
Thomas Cirignano has been a contributing writer to newspapers and magazines, and he served as an advisory member on The New Bedford Standard-Times Editorial Board. He was elected to serve on The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee, and appointed to various other town committees and commissions.
Tom is a certified scuba diver, ultra-light aircraft pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, and loves boating. Unfortunately, a previous spinal fracture, Scoliosis, and multiple surgeries have now limited his ability to enjoy most of those activities.
For further information, visit www.TheConstantOutsider.Wordpress,com.
His books are available on Amazon and most other retailers.

Reviews

[Cleat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writer occasionally gets lost in a reverie of remembrance... but then don't we all? It is an effortless read for the most part skims along the timeline of the author's life in a tough part of Boston. It is an interesting take on an easy going attitude in a complicated place.

[Mia]

didnt read it yet. Have to buy it soon

[Joe Alston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Cirignano has captured the experience of life growing up in the urban environment of Dorchester & South Boston and points beyond. Tom's writings take the characters from the movie "Stand By Me" and realistically place them in the neighborhoods of Boston through his own experiences. Having grown up with Tom in the same neighborhood, the same schools, teachers, local hoods, and the foundation for adulthood, Tom nails the situations that got us to where and who we are today. With all due respect to Mark Wahlberg, another OFD (originally from Dorchester) character, Tom gives us a look into his and our life on those streets. For me, the book is a fun and frightening recollection of the things we did, and usually got away with, during our earlier years. Those times were the catalyst for our life's journey, as Tom did to Colorado, Florida and back again. Some of us went as far away as Alaska, by choice and not due to the survival instinct.

The expressions of violence and the gunplay are all real. Each of us carry those reminders from the innocence and joys of our youth to the thickness of the teflon we wear today.

Great job Tom. This is an excellent reading and a true account of the times, the places, and the urban legends of our home town.....in my humble opinion.

[Lisa Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit dry just could get into the story