Gemini Joe

Welcome to the Gemini Joe Book. Here, I would like my readers to discuss some of the major issues in the book that may or may not be familiar to them. Issues like Alcoholism, Depression, Family Relationships, Spirituality, and the Life Circumstances that make us who we are.  The book took over five years to write because of the sensitive content. It was not an easy task, because it brought some memories to the surface that were long forgotten. But I see it as a healing process and if it helps someone to understand and forgive their own loved ones, then it will be worth the pain.  Please post any questions you may have about the story lines or characters. I would like to breath life into this story and make it the first ongoing book without an end.

Mario Sclafani wrote:
I have just started reading the book, just beginning chapter four. It gives the reader an historical account about life in the early twentieth century. Certainly a simpler time but not an easy one. The story takes place in NYC and puts you right in there. Finding it exciting, touching on some of my own experiences growing up in New York, and relating to stories my Dad told me about his childhood.
Looking forward to reading more of this captivating story!

Amason wrote:
Great book. Read it to and from Miami. It covered so many things that interest me. Early-mid century life in NY, mafia stuff, alchoholism, marital issues as to how we attract our mates, how our childhood affects our relationships with our children, and how our outward behavior doesn't always reflect the depths of our soul. But what really impressed me was the poetry. I don't even like poetry, but I was amazed at how I could not only understand but relate to almost every poem from the guy. I would have liked to have had a few drinks with him. Just a few.

Michele Shaw wrote:
Would and already have recommended this book to others. The words just flow from the page that you feel you are there with the characters from beginning to end.I feel fortunate to have met the author who is a wonderful person and gifted writer and will be the first in line to buy her next book.

Tom Durner wrote:
Wow! I really liked the book. Took it on a trip out West and read the whole book on the two long flights. The story was compelling, enlightening and at times quite disturbing. I thought you conveyed great balance between sympathy and empathy for your father and grandfather, and you very effectively presented the effect they had on the entire family. Your way of addressing alcohol showed sensitivity to the addiction yet a significant impatience and animosity toward the addicted person. I have experienced both feelings towards people I know that are true alcoholics and could relate quite well. It was also a great "period" piece. Your description of the city and the neighborhoods when your dad was young was vivid and created precise mental images. You created high resolution photos in my mind with your words and that is exactly what a well-written book does.
-Tom Durner

Dave Rubinstein wrote:
The author weaves a compelling and harrowing tale of a family torn apart by an alcoholic father. Spanning multiple generations, this family history includes internecine family battles, involvement in organized crime, marital discord and infidelity, and the ravages of alcohol on the drinker and those around him.

Chris Erber wrote:
A great story abut a post immigration family in New York! It is a small miracle that anyone could make it through an upbringing filled with such turmoil and still be sane. That it all really happened makes it all the more compelling to read.

Janet Sierzant wrote:
Hello Janet,

If you do not remember me, I will jog your memory...we met at an outdoor Saturday market in Ft Pierce while I was visiting with friends before leaving on an around-the-world 'writing tour'. I left shortly after meeting you and only recently returned to my home in Canada. I had your book with me the whole journey, first started reading it over the Atlantic heading to Istanbul, then Cairo, the Middle East and into Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore and Bali Indonesia aa the highlights....Gemini Joe had a great journey, and, apart from a few rough edges and dog-eared pages, he held up pretty good.
You are a good writer Janet....there is much felt in your words and thank-you for sharing things that many people would consider 'family secrets' with the world. I greatly enjoyed your story. I wanted to thank you for your book and also to give you some feedback, and, also to say "Hello". You have no idea how many times you came to mind as I had the book in my hand, sometimes on a street in Bangkok looking for something in my backpack, or, putting it on the cafe table in Ubud Bali and a woman from France at the next table laughed when she saw the photo of your Dad on the cover and picks up the book and laughs again..I made a friend there and she ended up borrowing the book...said she liked it, same reaction as me...tears and smiles. My 'your' book is now part of my permanent collection in my library and will always bring you to mind when I see it or talk to someone about it...and about the woman I met....Gemini Joe's girl, Janet.

With respect,

Murray Mason

Marie Toole wrote:
You have done such a fantastic job with the description of your characters, and the dialogue. What a work of love this had to be. All the issues are so sensitive but you handled them in such a loving way. Kudos to you for this work! I will be sure to pass this on to my friends. I know they will enjoy the book as much as I did.