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Fr. Tom #2
Gus Busbi
What can a black teen from the gang-controlled South End projects of Boston and a seventy-year-old curmudgeonly Italian man, who has given up on life, have in common? Jamiel Russell and Gus Busbi live in the same house but they’ve never met. They both would have just assumed it stayed that way, but life often has more in store for us than we plan for. This timely novel is the second story in the neighborhood of St. Francis Parish and shows the power of relationships, love, and forgiveness.
238 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2020
7 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Jim Sano
8 books39 followersJim Sano grew up in an Irish/Italian family in Massachusetts. Jim is a husband, father, life-long Catholic and has worked as a teacher, consultant, and businessman. He has degrees from Boston College and Bentley University and is currently attending Franciscan University for a Master’s degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. He has also attended certificate programs at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at St. John’s Seminary and the Apologetics Academy. Jim is a member of the Catholic Writer’s Guild and has enjoyed growing in his faith and now sharing it through writing novels. Jim is the winner for twenty-eight book awards and each of his first four have received the Catholic Writers Guild’s Seal of Approval Award for editorial integrity and faithfulness to Catholic teaching.
Jim resides in Medfield, Massachusetts with his wife, Joanne, and has two daughters, Emily and Megan.
Jim resides in Medfield, Massachusetts with his wife, Joanne, and has two daughters, Emily and Megan.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 8, 2020
An amazing book. Very moving and inspiring. Full review below.
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This was the second story I have read by Jim Sano. The first is in the same series, Father Tom Fitzpatrick series, and was titled The Father's Son. It was an excellent read and when I heard that there was a second volume, I was very excited to read it. Father Tom is an amazing character, and I hope we get books featuring him for years to come. I had heard great things about Jim’s first book and held off reading it. That was my loss and going forward I will be reading his works as soon as they become available. The Father Tom stories are very well written. Have excellent characters, draw you in and keep you hooked. The writing is excellent.
The Father Tom stories are contemporary fiction. They are realistic fiction. They are set in our world, in our time, and with our issues and struggles. In this story we have a few main characters. And Father Tom is an influence on most of them. Our two main characters are Gus Busbi, whom the story is named after and Jamiel Russell. The story takes place in a Boston neighbourhood. Gus Busbi is a typical grumpy old man. He has lost a lot. And is not longer really living but going through the motions. He is renting out the main part of his house to Celia a single mother and her son Jamiel. Jam is a star basketball player. But he is at a point in his life where his decisions will have a huge impact, for himself, and those who care about him. Celia moved to get out of the projects. She wants a better life for her son. He is a star on the St. Francis School team. And does well academically as well. Father Tom is the chaplain at the school and rector of the attached parish. Celia and Jamiel attend the Baptist church of Reverend Richard Obasi.
The story revolves around decisions we make, and the consequences of those actions. Jamiel is being drawn into gang activity. And he turns to Father Tom to help him out. Father Tom makes him repay the debt by helping Gus around the house. And something unexpected happens.
This is one of the best contemporary stories I have read in a few years. There is not as much philosophy, theology, and depth of conversation as the first volume. But in some ways, it deals with even heavier matters. The story is deeply moving. And the story will make you think. You will find yourself reflecting on your own life, area’s you need to work on, area’s you need to improve. And maybe even some old things you need to let go. The beginning of the description of the book muses:
“What can a black teen from the gang-controlled South End projects of Boston and a seventy-year-old curmudgeonly Italian man, who has given up on life, have in common?”
And the answer as might surprise you is, a lot more than you might imagine. But to fund out what you will need to read the book. It is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. But I will warn you, it is a novel that will leave an impact. It is not fluff just to pass the time. However, it is well worth it! A great read in what I hope will be a long series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Jim Sano.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
.
.
.
This was the second story I have read by Jim Sano. The first is in the same series, Father Tom Fitzpatrick series, and was titled The Father's Son. It was an excellent read and when I heard that there was a second volume, I was very excited to read it. Father Tom is an amazing character, and I hope we get books featuring him for years to come. I had heard great things about Jim’s first book and held off reading it. That was my loss and going forward I will be reading his works as soon as they become available. The Father Tom stories are very well written. Have excellent characters, draw you in and keep you hooked. The writing is excellent.
The Father Tom stories are contemporary fiction. They are realistic fiction. They are set in our world, in our time, and with our issues and struggles. In this story we have a few main characters. And Father Tom is an influence on most of them. Our two main characters are Gus Busbi, whom the story is named after and Jamiel Russell. The story takes place in a Boston neighbourhood. Gus Busbi is a typical grumpy old man. He has lost a lot. And is not longer really living but going through the motions. He is renting out the main part of his house to Celia a single mother and her son Jamiel. Jam is a star basketball player. But he is at a point in his life where his decisions will have a huge impact, for himself, and those who care about him. Celia moved to get out of the projects. She wants a better life for her son. He is a star on the St. Francis School team. And does well academically as well. Father Tom is the chaplain at the school and rector of the attached parish. Celia and Jamiel attend the Baptist church of Reverend Richard Obasi.
The story revolves around decisions we make, and the consequences of those actions. Jamiel is being drawn into gang activity. And he turns to Father Tom to help him out. Father Tom makes him repay the debt by helping Gus around the house. And something unexpected happens.
This is one of the best contemporary stories I have read in a few years. There is not as much philosophy, theology, and depth of conversation as the first volume. But in some ways, it deals with even heavier matters. The story is deeply moving. And the story will make you think. You will find yourself reflecting on your own life, area’s you need to work on, area’s you need to improve. And maybe even some old things you need to let go. The beginning of the description of the book muses:
“What can a black teen from the gang-controlled South End projects of Boston and a seventy-year-old curmudgeonly Italian man, who has given up on life, have in common?”
And the answer as might surprise you is, a lot more than you might imagine. But to fund out what you will need to read the book. It is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. But I will warn you, it is a novel that will leave an impact. It is not fluff just to pass the time. However, it is well worth it! A great read in what I hope will be a long series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Jim Sano.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
Read
February 23, 2021Gus Busbi is a timely novel dealing with race relations, intergenerational relationships, inner city poverty, and the courage to do the right thing. It does what fiction does best, which is allows the reader to walk in another's shoes for a bit.
In this case, the reader learns what drives a bright, talented black adolescent to dabble in gang-related crime despite the efforts his single mother has gone to in providing a safe environment and a solid education with several positive male role models in the community.
I'm not knowledgeable of gang life, but the lifestyles and events described in the South End projects of Boston are plausible enough. It's a begrudging friendship built with Jamiel's curmudgeonly old landlord, Mr. Busbi, that proves to be his escape from a life of crime (by way of basketball).
I was rooting for Jamiel to end up on the right side of the law so that he could embrace a hopeful future. Without any spoilers, I didn't find the ending to be as satisfying as I'd hoped. In the end, it felt good on the surface, but justice wasn't, in my opinion, entirely served.
In this case, the reader learns what drives a bright, talented black adolescent to dabble in gang-related crime despite the efforts his single mother has gone to in providing a safe environment and a solid education with several positive male role models in the community.
I'm not knowledgeable of gang life, but the lifestyles and events described in the South End projects of Boston are plausible enough. It's a begrudging friendship built with Jamiel's curmudgeonly old landlord, Mr. Busbi, that proves to be his escape from a life of crime (by way of basketball).
I was rooting for Jamiel to end up on the right side of the law so that he could embrace a hopeful future. Without any spoilers, I didn't find the ending to be as satisfying as I'd hoped. In the end, it felt good on the surface, but justice wasn't, in my opinion, entirely served.
February 16, 2023
Gus Busbi is book two of the Father Tom Fitzpatrick Series, written by Jim Sano.
Jim Sano brings forth two very opposite characters, Jamiel and Gus Busbi, and brings them together to create an unforgiveable story of forgiveness. Jamiel is a young teen from the Boston Projects, and Gus Busbi is an old, cranky Italian man who is losing faith in life and everything in it. When Gus rents out his house to Jamiel's mom, who moved to create a better life for Jamiel, life begins to change for both Gus and Jamiel.
Jamiel needs help after being tempted by social pressure of local gangs and he turns to his school Chaplain (Fr. Tom). Fr. Tom guides Jamiel to help around Gus' house. Gus and Jamiel both learn valuable lessons in real-life topics like violence and bigotry as well as kindness, caring and mercy. Although this is a fiction, the situations are realistic and are relatable by many people in today's society.
Jim Sano took two completely different types of people and brought them together to teach lessons of life, love, forgiveness and God, without being preachy. Very well written and so description it can be envisioned while reading.
yes STAFF PICK and Recommended by the ICBA Panel of Judges!
Jim Sano brings forth two very opposite characters, Jamiel and Gus Busbi, and brings them together to create an unforgiveable story of forgiveness. Jamiel is a young teen from the Boston Projects, and Gus Busbi is an old, cranky Italian man who is losing faith in life and everything in it. When Gus rents out his house to Jamiel's mom, who moved to create a better life for Jamiel, life begins to change for both Gus and Jamiel.
Jamiel needs help after being tempted by social pressure of local gangs and he turns to his school Chaplain (Fr. Tom). Fr. Tom guides Jamiel to help around Gus' house. Gus and Jamiel both learn valuable lessons in real-life topics like violence and bigotry as well as kindness, caring and mercy. Although this is a fiction, the situations are realistic and are relatable by many people in today's society.
Jim Sano took two completely different types of people and brought them together to teach lessons of life, love, forgiveness and God, without being preachy. Very well written and so description it can be envisioned while reading.
yes STAFF PICK and Recommended by the ICBA Panel of Judges!
January 13, 2021
Gus Busbi by Jim Sano is a very thought provoking book that has left me reflecting on today’s issues of racism, gang violence, and aging. The characters in the novel are well-developed and interesting, and I especially liked Fr. Tom. When Fr. Tom offers advice or wisdom to Jamiel or Gus, I feel like I’m in the same room with them and he’s talking to me too. Their discussion of the Prodigal Son was most relevant, especially since I could see that parable reflected in many situations of the novel.
The author does a very good job presenting how Jamiel allows himself to be drawn to the gang members, how he buys into them. I could even feel myself being swayed by Leonard, the gang leader. I don’t have experience with gangs personally, so this book opened my eyes to how easy it is for kids to end up in gangs.
The book was a very enjoyable read and hard to put down. I can’t wait to discuss this book at the end of the month with my book club. While reading the book I found myself copying down quotes from Gus and Tom. There’s so much in this novel to reflect on, and I highly recommend it.
The author does a very good job presenting how Jamiel allows himself to be drawn to the gang members, how he buys into them. I could even feel myself being swayed by Leonard, the gang leader. I don’t have experience with gangs personally, so this book opened my eyes to how easy it is for kids to end up in gangs.
The book was a very enjoyable read and hard to put down. I can’t wait to discuss this book at the end of the month with my book club. While reading the book I found myself copying down quotes from Gus and Tom. There’s so much in this novel to reflect on, and I highly recommend it.
January 3, 2021
Started this story yesterday and had to finish right away this morning. After reading Jim Sano’s first book, The Father’s Son, I knew I wanted to make this my first read for 2021 and I was not disappointed.
With each page turned, I found myself becoming more engrossed in the plot and the characters. Jim Sano tells a great story, introducing us to Jamiel and Busbi, the two main characters, and then developing a portrait of each that you come to understand and care about. As the plot develops, there are enough twists, turns and questions, that I just had to read on to see how this plays out.
This story moves along quickly but Sano adds extra details on things such as the repairs of a roof, a car and a raised garden bed that make this more believable and readable. His testament to his Christian faith comes through in his writing and he seeks to provide answers to questions many of us think about. As a Catholic reader I appreciate a good read that is not afraid to talk about spirituality, morality and redemption and this book does that.
Thanks Jim Sano for another great story.
With each page turned, I found myself becoming more engrossed in the plot and the characters. Jim Sano tells a great story, introducing us to Jamiel and Busbi, the two main characters, and then developing a portrait of each that you come to understand and care about. As the plot develops, there are enough twists, turns and questions, that I just had to read on to see how this plays out.
This story moves along quickly but Sano adds extra details on things such as the repairs of a roof, a car and a raised garden bed that make this more believable and readable. His testament to his Christian faith comes through in his writing and he seeks to provide answers to questions many of us think about. As a Catholic reader I appreciate a good read that is not afraid to talk about spirituality, morality and redemption and this book does that.
Thanks Jim Sano for another great story.
April 27, 2021
Another great read by Jim Sano. I am in my late twenties and reading Gus Busbi gave me a new perspective on what it means to forgive people who have done wrong. Forgiving is hard in general, and the way Jim goes about portraying it in the book helps to better understand how to go about forgiving and what that actually looks like. The book also illustrates the positive and negative relationships that teenagers are going through, and that the people in their life represents what they want or need in their own life. The book also discusses racism and how to go about learning about people with different backgrounds from yourself. Don’t judge someone based on their appearance because on the inside they would be what you need in that point in your life. I’ll leave you with this thought “If it were true, would you want to know?”- Jim Sano. Read the book to find out the answer to this question.
March 7, 2021
Jim Sano masterfully enthralls teen readers – even adults – in sacrifice of the Passion as emulated by Gus Busbi without a hint of preachiness. Busbi’s faith grows through devastating loss, heartwarming joy and desperate experiences woven artfully into his life and the lives that this unlikely hero touches. Busbi draws Jamiel, a gang-life-destined teen, to likewise wrestle with tough issues to find forgiveness, morality and other jewels of the Faith. Sano’s masterful writing style compels readers to experience visceral struggles on the road to God’s love, purpose and love of others.
Gus Busbi is a thought provoking challenge to find or enrich faith – even emulate Christ’s suffering to attain divine joy – without feeling proselytized. Yet, Gus Busbi a wonderful contribution to evangelization and entertainment!
Gus Busbi is a thought provoking challenge to find or enrich faith – even emulate Christ’s suffering to attain divine joy – without feeling proselytized. Yet, Gus Busbi a wonderful contribution to evangelization and entertainment!
February 2, 2021
I loved this book! Gus Busby is a heartwarming story that has it all; especially characters you care about. This is the kind of book you do not want to put down because you are invested in what happens to the characters. I had the good fortune to read Jim Sano's first book, The Father's Son, and was thrilled to find the very pastoral Fr. Tom in this new book too. Jim's books are written and researched with great care. More importantly his stories and characters make you think about the importance of relationships and maintaining them. The themes of love, forgiveness, patience, and kindness give life to this story in unimaginable ways. I highly recommend this book! It is a great read for book clubs because it is multifaceted with endless topics to discuss. Bravo!
January 29, 2021
If you're a fan of the movie Gran Torino, then this book will be one for you. Sano's story is similar. (Crotchety Caucasian Korean War vet who's recently widowed befriends a teen boy of another race who's at risk of getting pulled into the gang world.) This book is set in Boston in 2004 and is well-written, especially the segments centering on basketball, the Red Sox, muscle cars and home-improvement projects (I'm going to guess all topics about which the author is enthused). Seeing that the story is based on the life of an African-American teenage boy living in the projects in Boston, I had to wonder if Sano ran this manuscript past a young man or two living that life to see if their thoughts and conversations with their peers ring true with how they were described in the book.
February 8, 2021
Timely Read. I found this a very thought provoking book particularly well suited in light of what is going on in our world today disguised in an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed and you find yourself hoping that Jamiel will resist the wrong path and you find yourself loving the curmudgeonly Gus. The author obviously believes we are all capable of a conversion of heart, that to forgive can free you and to assume things about another can bring harm to a relationship and to ourself.
December 23, 2020
I read Jim Sano’s first book, “ The Father’s Son”, and was totally taken in by the mystery, compassion and redemption displayed throughout the book. When I saw that he had written a second book, I was excited to read it to see if it could be as good as the first book. It did not disappoint. Gus Busbi is another winner. Full of mystery, intrigue and a surprise ending that will make you want to reflect on your own life. I thoroughly recommend it to all readers who enjoy a feel good story.
January 11, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jim Sano's second book (and look forward to more!). Gus and Jamiel - and all the characters, for that matter - are so well portrayed, they seem real. I could easily see them in my mind's eye and felt their many emotions as the story unfolded. I will not spoil anything about the way the story ends except to say it was not anything I imagined and yet, made perfect sense. Thank you, Jim.
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March 25, 2021Gus Busbi: Another “Slam Dunk Winner” by Jim Sano.
In his second book of the Father Tom series author Jim Sano scores another big win with Gus Busbi. This compelling page turner provides an honest unwrapping to expose the raw pains and effects of bigotry, violence, hopelessness and fear. For a weary world desperately searching for forgiveness, respect and care, Gus Busbi, a pertinent book for our times, provides the formula to satisfy our intense longing for love, joy and salvation.
In his second book of the Father Tom series author Jim Sano scores another big win with Gus Busbi. This compelling page turner provides an honest unwrapping to expose the raw pains and effects of bigotry, violence, hopelessness and fear. For a weary world desperately searching for forgiveness, respect and care, Gus Busbi, a pertinent book for our times, provides the formula to satisfy our intense longing for love, joy and salvation.
March 8, 2021
Gus Busbi is a heartfelt story about friendship and support and how it changes the life of a seventy year old Italian man Gus and a young teenage boy Jamiel as they develop a meaningful bond that is special. I shed quite a few tears towards the end of the book and would highly recommend reading it. You will be very touched.
Laura Mills-Smith
Laura Mills-Smith
June 22, 2022
An excellent book, especially for younger readers, about faith, friendship, identity, and growing up. A friendship slowly forms between a young Black teen and an angry white man, one that teaches both more about themselves. A Catholic novel, but one that will resonate with readers of any faith background.
October 6, 2023
I enjoyed "Gus Busbi" and had lots of great discussions with other men over the course of the book study. One of the lessons that the novel taught us is that, like Gus Busbi, Fr. Tom, Mike, and Reverend Rich, we men must not only be positive male role models for the young men and boys in our lives (our sons, grandsons, nephews, etc.) but also for the fatherless in our communities
August 28, 2023
Another wonderful story with engaging characters and tremendous drama that rings true to their setting, and to our current state of affairs in the country. Fr. Tom is a great character, but he takes a back seat to Gus and his young tenant, Jamiel, and his mother. I couldn't put it down!
December 8, 2020
This book tells a touching story interwoven with memorable characters that confronts many of today's social and cultural issues. If you were a fan of Gran Torino, this is MUST!
March 25, 2021
Gus Busbi: Another “Slam Dunk Winner” by Jim Sano.
In his second book of the Father Tom series author Jim Sano scores another big win with Gus Busbi. This compelling page turner provides an honest unwrapping to expose the raw pains and effects of bigotry, violence, hopelessness and fear. For a weary world desperately searching for forgiveness, respect and care, Gus Busbi, a pertinent book for our times, provides the formula to satisfy our intense longing for love, joy and salvation.
In his second book of the Father Tom series author Jim Sano scores another big win with Gus Busbi. This compelling page turner provides an honest unwrapping to expose the raw pains and effects of bigotry, violence, hopelessness and fear. For a weary world desperately searching for forgiveness, respect and care, Gus Busbi, a pertinent book for our times, provides the formula to satisfy our intense longing for love, joy and salvation.
June 9, 2021
Gus Busbi reveals the human struggles of mankind with a surprise ending. The weight of the book carries themes of sorrow, regret, anger, and conscience development. The story is written in such a way that I became invested so much that I wanted the characters to conquer whatever plagues them, so much so that I became impatient for the transformations to happen. It's a story that shows how all the people who come into our lives play a role in shaping us into who we are called to be. Gus Busbi is a book where the men are real and the women are strong. I look forward to reading the third book in this series.
May 9, 2021
Gus Busbi by Jim Sano
Started this story yesterday and had to finish right away this morning. After reading Jim Sano’s first book, The Father’s Son, I knew I wanted to make this my first read for 2021 and I was not disappointed.
With each page turned, I found myself becoming more engrossed in the plot and the characters. Jim Sano tells a great story, introducing us to Jamiel and Busbi, the two main characters, and then developing a portrait of each that you come to understand and care about. As the plot develops, there are enough twists, turns and questions, that I just had to read on to see how this plays out.
This story moves along quickly but Sano adds extra details on things such as the repairs of a roof, a car and a raised garden bed that make this more believable and readable. His testament to his Christian faith comes through in his writing and he seeks to provide answers to questions many of us think about. As a Catholic reader I appreciate a good read that is not afraid to talk about spirituality, morality and redemption and this book does that.
Thanks Jim Sano for another great story.
Started this story yesterday and had to finish right away this morning. After reading Jim Sano’s first book, The Father’s Son, I knew I wanted to make this my first read for 2021 and I was not disappointed.
With each page turned, I found myself becoming more engrossed in the plot and the characters. Jim Sano tells a great story, introducing us to Jamiel and Busbi, the two main characters, and then developing a portrait of each that you come to understand and care about. As the plot develops, there are enough twists, turns and questions, that I just had to read on to see how this plays out.
This story moves along quickly but Sano adds extra details on things such as the repairs of a roof, a car and a raised garden bed that make this more believable and readable. His testament to his Christian faith comes through in his writing and he seeks to provide answers to questions many of us think about. As a Catholic reader I appreciate a good read that is not afraid to talk about spirituality, morality and redemption and this book does that.
Thanks Jim Sano for another great story.
December 30, 2021
Gus Busbi is an amazing story of friendship and love while finding peace through suffering. The characters are vivid and alive and you are transported into their lives, seeing the world as they see it. What a triumphant story. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the third installment.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews