"It Never Rained in The Bronx"
About "It Never Rained in The Bronx"
The title for the book, "It Never Rained in The Bronx" came to me about six months after an episode I experienced with my youngest son. On that day my son wanted me to take him to a friends house in the midst of a terrible thunderstorm which we get quite frequently in Florida during the summer months.
While we definitely, from time to time, had inclement weather in New York, it wasn't as noticeable nor was it very confining because most of us grew up in these huge apartment buildings and additional buildings were connected by a labyrinth of underground tunnels giving us access to hundreds of families without ever having to go outside into the streets. So that's how the title of the book came about.
And then I started thinking of some of the nutty things that I experienced either first hand or through friends or relatives. It was one story after another, so much so that I finally had to say...that's it. So now I'm left with a book in excess of 440 pages with over 70 stories to relate to you, the reader. Stories about myself, friends and family while growing up in The Bronx and continuing on my move to Florida where I now reside. I had a fantastic time retelling these true and what I believe to be are very humorous stories.
It is said that youth is wasted on the young. It certainly was in my case and after reliving some of these stories I'm grateful that I didn't get into any trouble like when my friends and I figured out a way to eat at the finest restaurants in New York without having to pay. And we did it every night for well over a month. The last time we did it, we barely escaped with our lives. Yep, it's all in the book.
I also talk about some very special people in my life, one of which was my Granma. In her eyes I could do no wrong and in my eyes she was the perfect human being. She was also a character. Like the time Granma and I went to the nightclub in the Carillon Hotel in Miami Beach. She was 69, I was 25. There we were arm in arm, giving a show to all theatre goers around us. At one point Granma said to me, "Steveala, everybody is looking at us. They think you're a gigolo. Let's give them something to talk about. Kiss me....on the lips."
I can assure you every story happened. And they happened just as it was written. If you want to forget for a moment the problems we all experience in everyday life, then sit back and read "It Never Rained in The Bronx."
It's one of the most enjoyable books you will ever read.
Mr. Chanzes, I can't stop laughing. Cecilia E., Los Angeles, CA
I had to write you. I'm about half way through the book and I can't put it down. Evelyn, O., Queens, NY
I hope you write another book. I love it. Sandy S., Cleveland, OH
What a great book. Denise K., Schenectady, NY
I'll never drink coffee again. Jane C., Brooklyn, NY
Write another book....quickly. Ray V., Denver, CO
Have you written any other books? I'd like to get them. Steve L., Newark, NJ
You are a nut, a funny, funny nut. Thanks for a truly interesting and funny book. Kate R., Sacramento, CA
My husband kept me up all night with his laughs. What a funny book and you have a great way of telling a story. Jean B., Anchorage, AK
I've never laughed so hard in all my life. Thank you for a very humorous and well written book. Johnny K., Massapequa, NY
I haven't read a funny book like this in a long time, if ever. Thanks. Bob L., Omaha, NE
Sex, Part 2 was the funniest story I have ever read. William K., Huntington, NY
I read all 3 sample chapters and I can't wait to read the rest. How do you remember the details of things that happened so long ago - amazing, Steve. I loved the stories and the writing is down home and folksy as if you and I are just talking and passing the time by reminiscing. Really cool way to write it. Sorry I can't criticize it, I liked it too much. April C. Omaha, NE
Steve, you crack me up. I can't wait to read the book, I know it's going to be really good. Raquel R., Kissimmee, FL
