Vina, A Brooklyn Memoir by Author Joe Polacco

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Nov. 29, 2016 - PRLog -- Joe Polacco launched his memoir at readings both in Brooklyn's Bensonhurst neighborhood, and in Columbia, Missouri. In two seemingly disparate places the reception was warm; Joe connected with his audiences with stories about the immigrant experience, ethnic roots, food traditions from the old country, and family and neighborhood ties. The magical ingredient was Vina, a woman of courage forsaking all—a promising career in New York fashion, even her one true love—for the sake of her two sons. And she survived with unmistaken elegance. This is a tale of universal womanhood.

Her sons became fans of that womanhood. Vina's beauty was not so much physical, nor in her sacrifices, but in the light she cast on those around her. Most became part of her family and all benefitted from her humor, food, textile creations. In short, they benefitted from her love.

Of course, this is also a story about Brooklyn, which has gone through major transformations over the author's life. Once synonymous with mean streets and urban decay, Brooklyn is now a mecca for artists, writers and creative young people. It is no longer to be escaped from; rather, it is more of a modern-day magnet. It has also changed demographically. Joe's Bensonhurst went from a Jewish-Italian enclave to its current goulash of Chinese, Russian, Italian, Orthodox Jewish, Muslim and Latino ingredients. It is a place where the author's flair for language finds fertile ground. Indeed, Polacco presented English and Spanish poems to his Missouri audience, a poetic portrayal of the paradoxes of his Brooklyn mother, an urban mother that he confronted while providing support for Vina in her final 14-month struggle with a recurrent cancer.

So, the memoir is a window on the exotic—life in the 'hood, and on the cherished familiar—a mother's love.

Joe Polacco will be the featured author in Columbia Missouri's Inside Columbia magazine, and has several book events lined up in the near future.

Following are a few reviews from readers of Vina, A Brooklyn Memoir

Vina's light drew me to her family, friends and folks in the 'hood, their stories often humorous and always colorful. I wanted to sit with them at her table and devour her delicious food. Thanks for introducing us, Joe.

—Susan Crockenberg, Professor of Psychology Emerita, University of Vermont

Joe Polacco put me across the table swapping stories about growing up, family and friends, the old neighborhood, and of course, parents. Joe's totally genuine and authentic story telling completely drew me in. My mother used to say, especially when cooking, "Everyone is a little bit Italian." She was right; I could feel it coming out as I read. Many thanks, Joe, for letting us in on your memories.

—Mark Holland, Professor and Emeritus Head of Biology, University of Salisbury

Vina, A Brooklyn Memoir is a gem, a big-hearted, funny, poignant valentine to one magnificent woman, the old days in Brooklyn and the old world in our hearts. Joe Polacco catches the voices of his family, and by the last chapter, God love them, they are everyone's family, and Brooklyn is everyone's neighborhood. And Vina? She's someone you'll never forget. Thank you, Joe

—Mary Collins Barile, a granddaughter of Brooklyn, author and playwright

Joe Polacco's expression of love for his mother Vina, and for his childhood Bensonhurst, Brooklyn neighborhood, is "all good, tasty and sustaining." Particularly compelling are the often humorous neighborhood interactions that produced deep friendships across ethnic lines. These relationships sustained Vina during her life and have comforted those left behind.

–-Lori Younker, Author and President of the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild

Joe Polacco (http://Josephpolacco.me), a native of Brooklyn, has spent most of his life as a citizen of Missouri. He is Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at the University of Missouri in Columbia where he lives with his wife Nancy Malugani-Polacco. He has long had a reputation for producing limericks to celebrate his colleagues' birthdays and milestones. However, he also has produced serious poetry. Two examples are on display at the Interpretations IV event at the Columbia Art League until Nov. 4. He has published bilingual poetry in three issues of "Corazón Land Review—Latino Literature of the Heartland."

Polacco, twice a Senior Fulbright Fellow, has extensive international scientific research and teaching experience in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Spain. He has published 68 peer-reviewed research articles, many reviews, opinion pieces and book chapters and has edited two major monographs.

Vina: A Brooklyn Memoir is available online at all booksellers, and was produced and is sold by eBookit.com (https://www.ebookit.com/tools/pd/Bo/eBookIt/booktitle-Vin...).