The Girl in the Italian Bakery

I bought this book initially because I work in Lawrence,MA where the author grew up and was interested in reading about how things have changed in the city. I had NO IDEA I would be in for such an amazing story about the author's life. My heart was breaking to read about his trials and obstacles in life. He certainly encountered more than most.When I finished reading the book, I was still thinking about how someone with so much adversity in life could come so far.. It was inspirational in a sense and I could see why his story needed to be told. I only wish there was a little more in the end of the book about how he came to be so successful today and was able to overcome his past. Outstanding book. I read it in one day and would recommend highly.

I was in the Nashua, NH Barnes and Noble buying another book when the cover caught my eye. The cashier told me that the author had been there signing the books and that it was a touching story about a boy growing up in Lawrence, MA. Well I grew up in Plaistow, NH and was immediately intrigued. I bought it and read that one first. It was amazing how I was pulled in from the very first page...I didn't want to put it down. I have heard many similar stories living just a few towns away. Ken's was beautifully written. I felt every emotion that he did with every sentence. I have always believed that some of the strongest people and most successful people are those that did not have things handed to them. Ken is a perfect example and I am happy that he has come out on top. Even if you didn't grow up in the area and have no idea where Lawrence, MA is...I highly recommend reading this book. It is a wonderful true story of how perseverance really does pay off.

I read this book, in part, because I grew up on public assistance close to Lawrence, and by some twist of fate, I lived in a Section 8 apartment instead of the Lawrence or North Andover housing projects. However, poverty in America is very real whether in Lawrence or the South Bronx, or Appalachia, particularly for children; and Kenneth Tingle captures this truth eloquently and in an exceptionally candid manner. Growing to manhood in a city with unique history- America's workers rights were born through many deaths there for goodness sakes- Tingle takes the reader on his troubled journey brilliantly. A child's disappearance and an infatuation with an unattainable girl add to the memoir's tremendous poignancy. This book is entertaining, thought provoking, and inspiring beyond Horatio Alger philosophy and through the example of how real change can be made in one's life. It is a great read for any one young or old, well-off or not. I'm glad it was written because it needed to be written. I'm looking forward to more from this gifted writer. Bravo Kenneth Tingle!

I got my copy of the book on Monday; I finished it the following day. I read about what a former classmate went through growing up. I was unaware of his struggles and the more I read the more I wanted a happy ending for Ken and his family. The book got me thinking about my own life in the big city. I walked down the same streets and knew the same crowd, but I seen them in a different light. I think this book will help everyone understand that ones life is not always what it seems. There are people that suffer in private everyday while others act out in search for something a little more normal. Great book, way to go Ken!

It's hard to believe that this is Ken's debut novel. He draws you in from the first page. His life unfolds in the Greater Boston area during the '70's and '80's. Ken grows up amongst chaos with 2 other brothers and a single mother in a rough suburb. He finds himself in and out of foster homes, being torn from his family, and mixing with the wrong crowds. At a very young age, the author experiences much loss and regret. He fantasizes about his future along the way and always wonders if he will ever be with the girl at the bakery. During a young life of constant upheaval, he manages to forgive those people most important to him and pushes himself to go on. This book is a source of inspiration. The author is truly a success story. As a mature young boy, he realized that he was accountable for his own actions and only he could make his life worth living. What is most amazing, is that I grew up only miles away leading a charmed, entitled life. You will laugh and cry as you read, I strongly recommend this book.