Best Amazon Reader Reviews for Madness: The Man Who Changed Basketball

Gregg S. Lima

5.0 out of 5 stars A Childhood Memory Revealed & Retold

Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2019

I recently read the latest book by author, Mike DeLucia. Although I am not a basketball fanatic, I was drawn to this story based on a series of conversations that I had with my now deceased father, Phil. He imposed in his children a commitment to hard work & a passion for competitive sports. However, my father, who always had the "gift of gab," was a great story teller although, at times, I questioned the veracity of his words...

Literary Reviews for Madness: The Man Who Changed Basketball

Miles Ryan Fisher, Italian American Magazine

Before there was Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan, before there was the three-point shot, slam dunk, and alley-oop, the game of basketball was simple and on the cusp of many changes. Author Mike DeLucia takes us into how this evolution began, honing in on one player by the name of Angelo "Hank" Luisetti. 

While Luisetti is far from a household name, DeLucia's story shows just why he should be. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Luisetti grew up in San Francisco, where he was introduced to basketball by a local high school coach who later teaches him the one-handed shot, the precursor to the jump shot. This revolutionary shooting style and Luisetti's pure ability take him to Stanford University, where he becomes College Player of the Year in 1936 and is eventually inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. 

BEING BROTHERS - As refreshing for the kids of the 1970's, as Grease was for the kids of the 1950’s

 

5.0 out of 5 stars 

This book is as refreshing for the kids of the 1970s, as Grease was for the kids of the 1950’s.

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2021

Pamela Dunne:

I purchased Being Brothers as a holiday stocking stuffer for my dad. He grew up in the Bronx and has told me dozens of stories about growing up there, so I thought he'd like it. As I leafed through the book, I found myself getting caught up in this tale of sibling rivalry. Being a teacher and having siblings allowed me to easily immerse myself in a story that was just as relatable to me, a child of the suburbs, as it would, had I grown up where my father had. Long story short, my "quick skim" through the first chapter ended on page 87 with the main character (Jackie) being targeted by the school psycho and getting invited to a spin the bottle party. Had wrapping presents and holiday obligations not intervened, I'm sure I would have finished this "must read" adventure in one sitting.  

As I reluctantly wrap this book/script for my dad, I look forward to seeing how this intoxicating trip down memory lane ends right after the holidays.

Pam's Dad

I received Being Brothers as a Christmas gift from my daughter with her verbal caveat, "Read it quick and give it back to me as soon as possible." After reading this joyous trip down memory lane I can see why she wanted it back so quickly. If you grew up in New York City or just wished that you had, this book was as refreshing for the kids of the 1970s, as Grease was for the fifties. 

Catholic school, baseball cards, little league, first kiss, the nuns, the baseball players, the daily mis-adventures, the music, it's all there to remember and enjoy. 

Being Brothers is a great read for anyone, young or old. At its core it's a love story for anyone who has ever been a part of a family and remembers the highs and lows, as well as the good times and bad. It's funny, irreverent and touched my heart in ways I hadn't imagined. It was by far my best Christmas gift and my daughter is finishing it as I write this, probably with a lump in her throat and a few tears in her eyes. I urge you to read this book as soon as you can!

READ BEING BROTHERS

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited

Book Marketing Global Network Gives 5-Stars to BEING BROTHERS by Mike DeLucia

 

Bold, Innovative, and exemplar. Author Mike DeLucia takes his readers back to the Bronx where he grew up, through the eyes and actions of his character Jackie Amato, an 11-year-old boy growing up in the Bronx in the 70s. For those of us who grew up in the 70's, this book will induce flash backs of a carefree time, where family, siblings, friends, teachers, coaches, and acquaintances become part of one's experience and soul, not a mere post while passing through Social Media Platform.

Being Brothers Wins the Book Excellence Awards!

Being Brothers has received an award from the Book Excellence Awards Book Award Contest! I am beyond thrilled! Thank you to everyone who recognized the merits of this book. 

AWARD WRITE-UP

Being Brothers Receives the Gold Award from Literary Titan Book Awards

BEING BROTHERS won a Gold Award from the Literary Titan Book Awards!

What an achievement for Mark Marino and the characters of BEING BROTHERS.

Here's a 5-Star Review from them as well.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt coming of age story, you should definitely read Mike DeLucia’s Being Brothers. This book takes readers through the life of Jackie, an 11-year old boy growing up in the Bronx in the 70s. It specifically focuses on his relationship with his brother Sal and how their mutual love for baseball brought them together.

Literary Titan Review for BEING BROTHERS

LITERARY TITAN 2/2/21

If you're looking for a heartfelt coming of age story, you should definitely read Mike DeLucia's Being Brothers. This book takes readers through the life of Jackie, an 11-year old boy growing up in the Bronx in the 70s. It specifically focuses on his relationship with his brother Sal and how their mutual love for baseball brought them together.