Author Bob Farina’s literary debut, I Didn’t Always Like Calamari, shares a detailed portrait of his life, times, and relationships growing up in New York City.
Daniel Island, SC
After growing up as the ‘favored son’ of an adoring Italian-American family in New York City in post-war America, Bob Farina’s relationship with that family was irretrievably broken.
I Didn’t Always Like Calamari is the remembrance of the years before, during, and after that rupture: it is also Bob’s account of pushing past that break and learning how to create and enjoy a happy life and family of his own.
I Didn’t Always Like Calamari is Bob’s detailed recollection of growing up in post- war Brooklyn and Queens, New York, during the ’40s, 50s, and 60s, as well as the growth of his own family and career all the way through the turn of the new millennium.
Bob’s early memories paint a vivid picture of that time including numerous depictions of Italian-American family gatherings, but also tales of coming-of-age experiences familiar to American youths of that era, regardless of their ethnic background. Above all, it is the story of figuring out how to survive, grow, and thrive in the face of everyday challenges, personal tragedy, and family conflict. “Not only is it fun and entertaining,” says Elizabeth Bush, freelance writer and former editor of the Daniel Island News, “it is an important and necessary body of work – as it tells the story of the times Bob has lived…If even one reader comes away inspired to mend a broken relationship, then this book will surely prove to be an invaluable gift.”
Bob Farina is a graduate of St. John’s University and worked in New York City for most of his life. He enjoyed a 30-year corporate executive career with Bloomingdales Department Store. Bob relocated to Charleston, SC in 2006 and now is a real estate professional with Dunes Properties, servicing the greater Charleston area.
Bob and his wife, Mary Ann, now reside on Daniel Island in Charleston, SC. An avid golfer, Bob enjoys many of Charleston’s great courses.
I Didn’t Always Like Calamari is available for purchase in both print and e-book at www.bobfarinallc.com. The eBook format is also available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and most other eBook sites.
Photograph of Arbucci Fish Market located on the corner of 71 Mulberry Street, Little Italy, NYC. Pictured: Joe “fish” Arbucci, Jimmy “fish” Arbucci, Uncle Luigi (worker), and Hymie Ressler (far right), owner of grocery at 71 1/2 Mulberry Street. Favata Photo Studio was located on the second floor.
Donated by Amb. Michael Verra
Italian American Museum <info@italianamericanmuseum.org>
