Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “If Anyone Asks,” Say I Died From the Heartbreaking Blues” by Philip Cioffari, Livingston Press, 2/14/20 for Suzy Approved Book Tours

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “If Anyone Asks, Say I Died From The Heartbreaking Blues” by Philip Cioffari, Livingston Press, February 14, 2020, for Suzy Approved Book Tours

Philip Cioffari, author of “If Anyone Asks Say I Died From the Heartbreaking Blues” has written an enlightening coming of age novel. The Genres for this novel are Fiction and, Young/ Adult Fiction. The timeline for this story is in the 1960s and takes place in the Bronx. The author describes his characters as young adults in search of self, and adventurous.

Joey “Hunt” Hunter has an 18th Birthday, which coincides with his taking Debra Ann Murphy to the prom. Joey is still traumatized by the death of his younger brother many years ago.  Joey has high hopes for his date and finds himself disappointed.

I appreciate the author vividly setting the scene for the prom with music that holds special memories for me. Joey’s date informs him that he doesn’t know how to properly dance slow dances. It also seems that Debra has the eye of the head of the local gang,  and bully, Sal.

Joey will be headed to college, and often will communicate with the homeless people who are poetic and musical. Now they are facing the wrath of Sal, and his gang. Sal also seems to have it in for Joey for liking his new gal “Debra”.

Joey wants to make his birthday special and goes to drink with his buddies. A rival gang is in the town, and there is a rumor that there will be trouble.  I recommend this coming to age novel for readers who enjoy an entertaining story.