Stuart A. Mckeever

Becoming Joey Fizz Stuart A. Mckeever

Follow the journey of Joey Mancuso becoming Joey "Fizz" as he travels in the crucible of his existence seeking to find his place in the universe on his own terms. Share in Joey's journey returning from the Korean War, conflicted about returning home to the conflicts in his own family. Be with Joey on his way after the war guiding a blinded war buddy to fulfill a dream going to Yosemite National Park then visiting the home of a dead buddy from the Blackfeet Indian reservation in Montana returning to his family, in tribute, the most meaningful symbol of his buddy's life. Go with Joey to Memphis where he escapes trouble in a fight at a poker game learning firsthand the hatred still brewing in this country. Be with Joey as he heads back home to New York facing restless days and nights struggling with the remembrances and nightmares of war including having a brother, Gio, living his own nightmare shell-shocked and hospitalized from wounds suffered in World War II during the invasion at Anzio. Learn of Joey's struggles with his Uncle Vinnie who's tied to the mob tempting and testing Joey. His father opposes Joey getting involved in the mob's action. His sister, Anna, is a librarian living her life safely ensconced in her cathedral of books writing letters to help him find his way. Join Joey heading westward to Hollywood where he pours champagne for the rich and famous earning the nickname Joey Fizz. Then onto Las Vegas and eventually back to New York to fulfill his dream having a place of his own, marry his Las Vegas sweetheart threading the needle between his uncle, the power of his mob connections, and the freedom to succeed on his own without their interference. Follow Joey's journey; the journey of an ordinary man doing extraordinary things.