Set in the less-than-perfect Philadelphia of the ’60s and ’70s, Joseph Bathanti’s book The High Heart reads as both a collection of short stories and a novel. Each story of Fritz Sweeny, the only son of two unconventional parents, stands alone as a short. But placed all together, you come away with a captivating look at an unusual family.
Bathanti has a way of writing dialog that makes the characters jump off the page. Reading the banter between Fritz’s mismatched parents was completely entertaining. I found myself rereading some conversations; they made me feel like I was listening in on my neighbors – if my neighbors were a fiery Italian woman married to an Irish American, that is.
While reading The High Heart, it’s easy to feel Bathanti’s poetry roots within the stories. The sentences are dense with meaning and enjoyably visual. Overall, this book was a fulfilling read, hitting all the right chords of well-chosen words and rich, unpredictable characters. And here’s the good news – I have an extra copy.
To win The High Heart, please leave a comment here telling me what intrigues you about the book. Or subscribe to carp(e) libris reviews to be entered in this and all book giveaways. Or link to this contest from your blog. Do all three, and you’ve got three entries. I’ll randomly select a winner this Friday, March 7, 2008, at 12noon EST. The winner will be contacted by email.
Published by Eastern Washington University Press.
Buy The High Heart here and support carp(e) libris reviews and your local bookseller!
I am already subscribed… but the thing that intrigues me about this book is that I am fascinated with life in the 60′s. I think it would be an interesting read.
It looks like a good read that you could read a little every night.
It sounds like a good read.
this seems like an interesting book.
I like that it’s a series of short stories and yet one story.
I’ve posted it at my book review/contest blog – A Book Blogger’s Diary. Thanks!
~aBookBlogger
as a native of philly, this would be cool to read.
A great era to write about.
I think the relationship between his unconventional parents would be intriguing to read. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
Sounds fascinating!!!
looks like a good read
The unconventional parents.
I would love to read this book!
always fun to read about someone’s family problems!
How close it may/not mirrow the real ’60s
love to read about the time period reminds ne when i was young
as a product of the 60′s, I love to read anything about that time.
Hi Diane, not really entering…just saying hello and thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment last week. My niece finally arrived – 7 hours late due to typical Michigan weather. She’s soaking up sun as I type.
Sending warm thoughts to GR.
Lisa
This is the time period I grew was an adolescent in and I enjoy reading other perspectives on it.
I’ve subscribed before.
Looks like a great book.
The 60′s/70′s era Phillie Italians intrigue me!
Love to find new books/authors
The characters in this book sound so interesting!
love reading new authors
I would love to read this, as it looks exciting…
Hi, I’m subscribed already – would love to read this book! Thanks!
it looks good
The concept of this book sounds very intriguing. I would like to read it to see how each chapter stands alone as a short story, but still can fit together as a novel.
I’m a ’60′s kid…and love to read about this time in my life
I am intrigued about the 60′s aspect of the story, count me in to win!
Sounds like a good read !
the manner that the book is written is intriqueing.
Thisd would sure bring back memories of an era passed
Sounds really fascinating! I could do with a good read!!
sounds good
The mismatched parents intrigue me. I love stories with a lot of conversation.
Always love a good book. Please enter me to win!
This family sounds as disfunctional as my family. Maybe it will give me a tip or two.
This book sounds terrific. I am a huge fan of linked short stories, and it’s about my generation. Can’t wait to read it.
I love to find new books, especially ones with great visualizations.
Interested in this era and the realtionships.
I bet I could write this book myself! I would still like to see what the author has to say.
Seems like an interesting book
I’m a huge fan of short stories of all kinds
I love short stories that work together in a narrative. It’s a great way to tell a story.
Thanks for an opportunity to win this book. My situation is unusual in that I grew up in this era, but my spouse is 20 years my junior, and he would like more insite into “my experience” and I have noticed this man does not have a book by this author. By the intro, I believe he might love this book as will myself.
looks like a great read!
yay! this one looks good.
Thanks for the givaways!! fun.
This looks like a fantastic read!
looks very cool
Nice…..