Ham Loaf Hawaiian is a delightful romp through boyhood during a time when kids actually played outdoors after school and weren’t glued to their computers or satellite TVs! This hilarious collection of short stories spans Mr. Pellissier’s early boyhood exploits in central Pennsylvania, from 1962 to 1972, many of which take place in a small, Catholic elementary school. The rules were clear and simple. Parents and teachers were respected and rarely challenged. Kids obeyed, but frequently got into light-hearted mischief. Ham Loaf Hawaiian, the appealing title, is based on one of the funniest and most endearing stories in the collection. Six-year-old Pete and his older brother, Rick, attempt to cook a special meal for Mother’s Day using The Betty Crocker Kid’s Cookbook. The boys earnestly try to interpret the recipes, prepare the main course, and attempt to bake a cake that ends up a soggy, concave mess, much to the “delight” of their parents, who lovingly partake of the meal. From realistic descriptions of “dirt-ball” fights to young Pete’s first love, Mr. Pellissier doesn’t hold back. There is a refreshing sense of gritty reality that comes through in his work, unadorned by the political correctness of today. Mr. Pellissier’s writing is free-flowing and easy to read. The dialogue is natural and unvarnished. The stories have a universal appeal that will call to a broad range of audiences – from young to old. The baby boomers will sit back and laugh along with Pete and his pals as they remember their own similar adventures. Adolescents will be fascinated that their parents and grandparents’ generations had such innovative ways to enjoy life - away from the influences of Instant Messaging and grisly video games. Whether it’s sliding on odiferous patches of sawdust in the long, slippery halls of his school, holding “sock ball” tournaments at recess, or camping out with the Boy Scouts for the first time, readers will find this collection of stories charming and will beg for more. Aaron Paul Lazar resides in Upstate New York with his wife, three daughters, two grandsons, mother-in- law, two dogs, and three cats. After writing in the early morning hours, he works as an electrophotographic engineer at NexPress Solutions Inc., part of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, in Rochester, New York. Additional passions include vegetable, fruit, and flower gardening; preparing large family feasts; photographing his family, gardens, and the breathtakingly beautiful Genesee Valley; cross-country skiing across the rolling hills; playing a distinctly amateur level of piano, and spending “time” with the French Impressionists whenever possible. Although he adored raising his three delightful daughters, Mr. Lazar finds grandfathering his “two little buddies” to be one of the finest experiences of his life. Double Forte', the first in the series, was published in January 2005. Upstaged, number two, is in production. With eight books under his belt, Mr. Lazar is currently working on the ninth, which features Gus LeGarde and his family. http://www.legardemysteries.com |